2027 free agency class is set to be barren yet again

There are less and less big names available next summer, as more players have signed extensions.

By Tyler Kuehl · Daily Faceoff

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 4:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Analysts suggest the 2027 NHL free agency class may lack marquee talent due to early contract extensions.
Alex DeBrincat signed a seven-year contract extension with the Detroit Red Wings, removing him from future free agency.
Players like Cale Makar and Mark Stone have also signed extensions ahead of July 1, 2027.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The 2027 NHL free agency class is expected to lack marquee talent following multiple early contract extensions across the league. Recent long-term deals signed by players such as Alex DeBrincat, Cale Makar, and Mark Stone have removed top prospective targets well ahead of the market opening on July 1, 2027.

Daily Faceoff analysts Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton argue that rising salary cap figures encourage stars to secure guaranteed money rather than risk injury. They suggest remaining high-profile pending free agents like Quinn Hughes, Jason Robertson, and Nikita Kucherov may also sign extensions before hitting the open market.

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2027 free agency class is set to be barren yet again

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