The 2026 offseason should bring with it some notable NHL signings. Among the signings will be three huge restricted free agents (RFAs) to keep an eye on.
These young stars will need new contracts, and their next deals could reshape the NHL market for years to come.
In the worst-case scenario, determining what these young stars are worth could lead to significant delays in inking their new deals.
So, here’s a look at three huge RFA contracts to watch in the 2026 offseason.
NHL Signings to Watch in 2026 Offseason
Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks could top NHL signings
Easily, the most notable of NHL signings will be Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard and the Hawks discussed a contract extension last offseason. However, both sides agreed to kick the can down the road to this season.
The rationale behind that move was to allow Bedard one more season to establish his value. And he did just that. He was on a scorching pace before a shoulder injury slowed him down in late December. Bedard single-handedly had the Blackhawks in a playoff spot up to that point. However, his absence pretty much derailed Chicago’s season.
That said, the 20-year-old scored 30 goals, and 45 assists for 75 points in 69 games. It was a solid performance, but didn’t really do much to set a specific parameter for his next deal.
The talk could be that Bedard might want to sign a mid-range deal that could take him directly to unrestricted free agency (UFA). As for the dollar value, the ballpark figure could be $10 million AAV. That might be on the low end, but it seems like it could be a middle-ground solution among NHL signings.
Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars find themselves in a pickle. Jason Robertson could be one of the most lucrative NHL signings this summer, putting the Stars in a tight cap situation. Robertson is coming off a four-year, $31 million contract. The deal has seemed like a bargain for the 26-year-old. His 45 goals this season and 96 points have made him a highly coveted piece.
And that’s the issue. The Stars were believed to be looking to move him at the NHL trade deadline this past season, given the potential for cap issues. If that’s the case, Robertson may find himself potentially on the move. The team that acquires him may be looking at a shorter-term deal in the $12 million AAV range. If that’s the case, the Stars will have trouble pulling off NHL signings or trading him to a team that could afford him.
Leo Carlsson, Anaheim Ducks
Leo Carlsson has emerged as a top-line center for the Anaheim Ducks. And that’s what led the Ducks to top NHL signings this summer. There’s no question that the Ducks, with the cap space they have, will do everything they can to re-sign the Swedish forward. He was solid during the regular season and has been money in the bank in the playoffs this year.
If the Ducks go on a prolonged playoff run, with Carlsson leading the way, the price tag could easily reach the dimensions that Robertson’s deal is believed to command.
While the Ducks have the salary cap space to pull it off, they will need to be conscious of how to best allocate it. The Ducks project to have about $40 million in cap space next season. Despite the rising cap, other RFAs will need contracts soon enough. Plus, a couple of UFAs like John Carlson, Jacob Trouba, and Radko Gudas will also need new contracts if they are to return.
Fans should keep an eye on NHL signings because Carlsson could be the one who ends up blowing everyone else out of the water.
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