The 2026 NHL free agency was set to boast one of the deepest free-agent rosters seen in years. From veterans like Alex Ovechkin to star centers like Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, some of the biggest names in the league were scheduled to hit the open market next summer.
However, that dream free-agent class dwindled over the past month as multiple players re-signed with their teams within days of each other. When a list appeared on social media showing the remaining names available for 2026, fans weren’t exactly thrilled with what they saw.
How Do NHL Fans Feel About the 2026 Free Agency Class After Adrian Kempe’s Extension?
The 2026 free-agent class gradually shrank as the season progressed. After Adrian Kempe’s recent extension with the Los Angeles Kings, the remaining options are looking bleak. While stars like Kirill Kaprizov were already locked up by their teams, Kempe continued generating significant interest around the league.
The forward remained in contract limbo with the Kings since the start of the summer. However, on Sunday, Nov. 16, after lengthy negotiations, he finally put pen to paper on an eight-year, $85 million contract extension.
Kempe’s departure from the 2026 market leaves the free-agent class even thinner. A recent post on X highlighted the remaining available names, with only Patrick Laine being younger than 30. Every other potential free agent is over 30 years old, prompting NHL fans to roast the underwhelming class.
“Everyone’s old as hell,” one disappointed fan posted, summarizing the sentiment shared across social media. Another supporter explained the economic factors behind the underclass. “This is what happens when the cap jumps.”
The fan continued, “Everyone can retain their team. Does makes guys on rebuilding teams with good contracts worth a lot more than they would have been in recent years.” The age concerns dominated the conversation.
“All 30+ year olds and one 27-year-old with the body of a 50-year-old,” another fan wrote, taking a shot at Laine’s injury history and physical durability concerns. Some fans mocked those who predicted a blockbuster free-agent summer.
“I’m laughing at all the idiots who, 3-4 months ago, were saying it would be a loaded class. Obviously, none of those players were even able to sign, hahaha lol. Especially Toronto fans who were saying how they have all this cap space and all these star players they were gonna sign.”
The disappointing reality has killed excitement for next summer’s market. “July 1 is looking like a snooze fest,” one supporter lamented. The quality concerns extend beyond just age. “There isn’t one on that list that I would extend at their current level,” another fan declared.
According to them, none of the remaining names deserve significant contracts based on their recent play. The salary cap increase allowed teams to retain their core players rather than losing them to free agency.
While beneficial for competitive balance, it has resulted in a historically weak free-agent class that will likely force teams to explore the trade market instead to upgrade their rosters.