2027 NHL free agents
Every NHL contract that ends next summer: the unrestricted and restricted free agents of 2027, their cap hits and last season's numbers.
328 contracts end next summer
Every player whose contract runs out after 2026-27, biggest cap hit first, with his age at expiry and last season's line.
As of 2 Oct 2026. Cap hit is the average annual charge against the salary cap, not a yearly salary. Team cap figures are projections and do not include long-term injured reserve or other relief.
Free agents without a contract for 2026-27
Players on a club's list who have not signed for this season.
How to read it
- UFA
- Unrestricted free agent: when the contract ends the player can sign with any club. Players usually reach it at 27 or after seven seasons in the league.
- RFA
- Restricted free agent: his club keeps his rights. It can match an offer from another team or receive draft picks as compensation, and a qualifying offer keeps the rights alive.
- Age
- His age on 1 July, the day free agency opens.
- Cap hit
- The average annual value of his current contract, what comes off the books when it ends.
Contract stories
How NHL free agency works
In 2027, 328 contracts end: 203 players will be unrestricted free agents and 125 restricted. Free agency opens on 1 July, and until then a player can only sign an extension with his current team.
Unrestricted or restricted?
Unrestricted free agents (UFA) can sign with any team. Players usually become UFAs at 27 or after seven accrued seasons in the league. Younger players are restricted free agents (RFA): their team keeps their rights by making a qualifying offer, and can match any offer from another club.
What is an offer sheet?
An offer sheet is a contract another team offers a restricted free agent. His current team has seven days to match it; if it does not, he moves and his old team receives draft picks, more of them the bigger the offer.
What is salary arbitration?
Some restricted free agents, and their teams, can take a contract dispute to an independent arbitrator, who sets a one- or two-year deal. Most cases settle before the hearing.