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2026 NHL free agency: Top 5 wingers include goal scoring record holder and multiple power forwards
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- 2026 NHL free agency: Top 5 wingers include goal scoring record holder and multiple power forwards
2026 NHL free agency: Top 5 wingers include goal scoring record holder and multiple power forwards originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The start of NHL free agency is rapidly approaching, as it is less than three days away. Soon, teams will have the chance to bring in new talent through the free agent market.
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Due to this, we here at The Sporting News will be looking at the top five pending UFAs for each position. In this latest edition of the series, let's look at this year's best NHL pending UFA wingers. Previously, we looked at the top pending UFAs among goaltenders and defensemen .
1. Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals
2025-26 Stats: 82 GP, 32 G, 32 A, 64 PTS
Despite being 40 years old, Alex Ovechkin is still a high-impact sniper in the NHL. Due to this, he is certainly one of the best pending UFA wingers heading into the summer.
While he would be a great addition for a team looking for more scoring, it would be shocking to see him sign with any other team besides the Capitals . The possibility of him retiring should also not be ruled out. There are likely only two routes for Ovechkin's future.
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2. Anthony Mantha, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins
2025-26 Stats: 81 GP, 31 G, 31 A, 64 PTS
After signing a one-year, prove-it deal with the Penguins this past off-season, Anthony Mantha had a career year for the Metropolitan Division club in 2025-26.
With this, he has set himself up to land a nice payday this summer. When noting that he is one of the NHL's top pending UFA wingers this off-season, it would not be surprising if he decided to test the market.
MORE: Top 30 2026 NHL UFAs: Rasmus Andersson, John Carlson, Sergei Bobrovsky highlight free agent board
3. Mason Marchment, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets
2025-26 Stats: 68 GP, 19 G, 26 A, 45 PTS
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Mason Marchment is another power forward who should be a popular target if he hits free agency. The 6-foot-5 winger thrived after being traded to the Blue Jackets this season and would be a nice addition for an NHL club looking to add more size and offense to their middle six.
However, with how well he played after being traded to Columbus (15 goals and 32 points in 39 games), the Blue Jackets could look to keep him around. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are among the teams interested in signing the 31-year-old.
4. Viktor Arvidsson, RW, Boston Bruins
2025-26 Stats: 69 GP, 25 G, 29 A, 54 PTS
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The Boston Bruins recently acquired winger JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth . Could that mean Viktor Arvidsson will be hitting the free agent market on July 1?
If he does, he should generate a lot of interest around the league after his strong bounce-back year for the Bruins in 2025-26. He showed this season that he can still be a solid second-line winger.
MORE: Eight 2027 NHL UFAs Who Can Sign Contract Extensions On July 1
5. Anders Lee, LW, New York Islanders
2025-26 Stats: 82 GP, 19 G, 25 A, 38 PTS
It would not be too surprising if Anders Lee re-signs with the New York Islanders , but the clock is ticking. If the Islanders' captain ends up testing free agency, he should have multiple suitors.
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He is still capable of providing decent secondary scoring at this point in his career, and his leadership qualities only add to his appeal.
