The 2026 NHL Unrstricted Free Agency class is notoriously weak. In a pivotal summer for the Flyers to take the next step, there isn\u2019t much they can add to make that jump now. <\/p>\n
There are players like Alex Tuch, Rasmus Andersson, and Darren Raddysh that could be worth looking for the Flyers, but any real splash will likely be made via a trade or an offer sheet. <\/p>\n
No offer sheets were signed in 2025, following all of the talk stemming from the St Louis Blues signing two impact players on offer sheets the year before. In 2026, the RFA pool is loaded with talent. And, the offer sheet compensation for this summer has been set: <\/p>\n
AAV worth >$11,939,166 \u2013 4 1st Round Picks
AAV worth $9,551,332 to $11,939,166 \u2013 2 1st, 1 2nd, & 1 3rd Round Pick
AAV worth $7,163,498 to $9,551,332 \u2013 1 1st, 1 2nd, 1 3rd Round Pick
AAV worth $4,775,666 to $7,163,498 \u2013 1 1st, 1 3rd Round Pick
AAV Worth $2,387,832 to $4,775,666 \u2013 2nd Round Pick
AAV Worth $1,575,969 to $2,387,832 \u2013 3rd Round Pick
AAV < $1,575,969 \u2013 No Pick<\/p>\n
Reminder that all AAV is determined by total salary divided by years. The actual yearly salary does not affect AAV. <\/p>\n
I mentioned the talented RFA class this summer. Players like Leo Carlsson, Adam Fantilli, and Connor Bedard all have yet to sign a new deal. Their current teams will match almost every offer that comes in for those franchise stars. But you can never say never. I would trade 4 first round picks for either of those players. <\/p>\n
There are, however, other RFAs that could be a little more available than others. Players on teams with tight cap situations. Also, players that might not have a big role currently could be forced out with a high offer. <\/p>\n
RFAs Worth the Flyers Giving an Offer Sheet, And The Compensation<\/p>\n
Read More:\u00a0NHL Draft Rankings: Best Centers in the 2026 Class<\/a><\/p>\n Adam Fantilli<\/a>, C, CBJ; Projected AAV & Compensation: $10,008,266 (2 1sts, 1 2nd, 1 3rd)<\/p>\n The Blue Jackets enter the summer with a projected ~$34 million in cap space, but a lot of players need to be re-signed. Philly could force Columbus\u2019 hand by sending in an offer sheet. Now, CapWages<\/a> projects his AAV to be just below $10 million. If I were the Flyers, I would try to go in at the same compensation level for Fantilli, but offer the maximum salary in that spot \u2013 $11,939,166. <\/p>\n Fantilli, 21, was the 2023 3rd overall pick. The 6\u20192\u2033 center has the size, physicality, and offensive skill to be a 1C on a competitor. Coming off a career-best 24-goal, 59-point season in 2025-26, the Flyers could swoop in and make things interesting for a Metro rival and their star. <\/p>\n Ultimately, I don\u2019t see the Blue Jackets letting him go, but it\u2019s worth taking a chance on. <\/p>\n Simon Nemec<\/a>, RD, NJD; Projected AAV & Compensation: $8.060,850 (1 1st, 1 2nd, 1 3rd)<\/p>\n The Simon Nemec trade request rumors have been debunked by our good friend James Nichols over at New Jersey Hockey Now. However, how we got there could still lead to a world where Nemec is somewhere else next season. <\/p>\n The Devils have a lot of money tied up in Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton. Hughes is not going anywhere, and unless they can trade Hamilton and his $9 Mil AAV, the Devils have a projected $11,875,000 in cap space for next season. They have 2 goals, 6 defensemen, and 10 forwards under contract. That means they\u2019ll have $11,875,000 and need to sign roughly 5 players. <\/p>\n The Flyers could offer above that $8 million AAV, and give Nemec a deal he can\u2019t turn down, and would put the Devils in a tough position to match. <\/p>\n Philly needs to try anything to fix the power play. Nemec, the 6\u20192\u2033 right-shot defender, would be a great starting point. He is an offensively gifted defenseman who could really shake things up. <\/p>\n Pavel Mintyukov<\/a>, LD, ANA; Projected AAV & Compensation: $6,059,300 (1 1st, 1 3rd Round Pck)<\/p>\n At one point in 2025-26, Pavel Mintykov requested more playing time or a trade from the Anaheim Ducks. Mintyukov was stuck in a minimal 3rd-pair role, and there was no real room to move up. <\/p>\n The Ducks are loaded with young defensemen \u2013 LaCombe, Zellweger, Moore; the first two play the same side as Mintyukov. If the Flyers came in with any offer between the 1st and 3rd Round Pick compensation zone, I don\u2019t know if the Ducks would feel pressure to match it. <\/p>\n The Flyers\u2019 argument for Mintykov is the same as Nemec\u2019s. They need to try anything to fix the power play, so why not take a risk on a young defenseman with great offensive abilities? Mintykov is a little less offensively talented than Nemec, but makes up for it with a much better two-way game. <\/p>\n Still, Mintykov, the 6\u20191\u2033 22-year-old LHD, could be a good add for the Flyers. <\/p>\n