Top 10 Fantasy Free Agents

Caleb Desjardins

2026-06-22

*Note: Stats courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey

The NHL offseason is ramping up with the draft only days away and the opening of free agency to follow shortly after. This year’s free agent crop isn't particularly strong, and we've seen some big names already come off the board, including most recently Darren Raddysh to Toronto in a sign-and-trade. With the rising cap, teams will be able to be more aggressive come free agency time. But who are the top free agents remaining, and who holds the most fantasy value? Let's take a look at the top ten fantasy impact players who could hit the market on July 1st.

10. Patrick Kane, RW, Detroit Red Wings

Despite his age, Patrick Kane is still putting up impressive numbers offensively for Detroit. Although he doesn't score many goals, you can expect him to put up around forty assists. It's unclear if he'll return to Detroit as the Dylan Larkin situation has created some uncertainty around the organization. However, if Kane goes to a team where he can receive top-six minutes and powerplay time, he is worth a late round selection in fantasy.

9. Mats Zuccarello, RW, Minnesota Wild

As far as fantasy hockey is concerned, you can expect Mats Zuccarello to have a very similar impact to our last player, Patrick Kane. More of a passer than a shooter, Zuccarello has feasted offensively as part of an elite Minnesota Wild power play. The Wild need some more offensive depth, and as a result, they'll likely look to keep the veteran around on a short-term deal.

8. Anthony Mantha, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins

Anthony Mantha is an interesting case for teams looking to add some offense. This season with Pittsburgh was a career year for him, but it is also an outlier in comparison to the rest of his career. Mantha hasn't been consistently healthy or maintained consistent production in the past. Still, with limited offensive options available, expect him to cash in after a dream contract year. For fantasy managers, they should avoid reaching to draft Mantha based on a career season.

7. Mason Marchment, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets

Mason Marchment has been one of the most consistent offensive producers amongst free agent forwards over the last few seasons. He's an intriguing power forward who has a high shot volume and can bring physicality to go along with his offensive numbers. He should get a lot of looks around the league, and fantasy managers should follow suit as Marchment has been a reliable option.

6. Bobby McMann, LW, Seattle Kraken

Note: This article was written before Bobby McMann signed a six-year contract with Seattle carrying a $5.75 million AAV. At the time of writing, he ranked among the top free agent targets available.

McMann fell just short of his first 30-goal campaign in 78 games this season. After a solid start to his year in Toronto, he was acquired by the Kraken and was integrated seamlessly into the team’s offensive group. Despite being a perfect fit on a team starved for offense, the lack of goal scorers on the market could allowed him to cash in elsewhere if he chooses to do so. McMann is likely a free agent pickup in most fantasy formats, but his goal scoring could make him an intriguing add for many managers.

5. Jacob Trouba, D, Anaheim Ducks

Jacob Trouba doesn't provide the same offensive impact as some other defensemen on this list, but he makes up for it in the physicality department. He is routinely amongst the league leaders in both hits and blocked shots. In many fantasy formats, Troubas’ grit numbers can be a massive difference maker. However, he can still chip in offensively as well.

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4. Rasmus Andersson, D, Vegas Golden Knights

The addition of Rasmus Andersson was a big reason for the Knights run to the Stanley Cup final. His offense dropped off slightly compared to his time in Calgary, but that can be attributed to him not being the main option on a deep Vegas blue line. Andersson will likely be one of the team’s cap casualties as they navigate a difficult offseason. As a result, he will be one of the premier players available on the open market. Given an offensive role, Rasmus Andersson can be a sneaky value add for fantasy managers looking to shore up their defensive group.

3. Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Florida Panthers

It was a season to forget for Sergei Bobrovsky and the Florida Panthers. Injuries derailed the back-to-back champs' hopes at a threepeat. Still, with a healthy group heading into training camp, they are expected to have a rebound campaign in 2026-27. The question is whether or not Bobrovsky will be a part of that group. There aren't many goaltenders available in free agency, so it's likely the Panthers will try to retain the veteran goaltender’s services for at least another year. In a starting role, Bobrovsky can still perform at an elite level. If he remains in Florida for another year, he should be amongst the league leaders in wins, which pays dividends for fantasy owners.

2. John Carlson, D, Anaheim Ducks

After paying a hefty price for him this season, the Anaheim Ducks will be disappointed that John Carlson has opted to test the free agent market. With Raddysh now off the market, Carlson becomes the next best option on the blueline. Even at 36 years of age, he brings immense offensive upside and can quarterback a power play. As long as he goes to an organization that utilizes him in that role, don't expect his offense to dip next season.

1. Alex Tuch, RW, Buffalo Sabres

In a weak free agent crop, Alex Tuch finds himself as the top target. He was a big reason for the Sabres resurgence and should be able to cash in on July 1st. It appears as though he has priced himself out of Buffalo, as he is reportedly seeking a deal upwards of 10 million. Whether or not he's worth that dollar amount, he still brings more fantasy upside than any player on the market. He's hit the 30-goal mark in three of the last four campaigns, and there isn't another forward in this crop that can have a similar impact as Tuch.

*For more hockey and fantasy coverage, follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @Cdesjardins67

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