Nearly two weeks into 2026 free agency, some of the biggest stars in the NHL are still on the market. It's wild to think about, right? You'd imagine general managers would be scrambling, but Father Time is definitely a factor here, meaning these guys aren't getting the crazy offers they once did. Still, there's some serious value just sitting there, waiting for a smart GM to make a move. This isn't your daddy's free agency class, but these players can absolutely help a team win, and frankly, I'm shocked more aren't gone already.
The "Greatest American-Born Player" Is Up For Grabs
First up, let's talk about Patrick Kane. This dude is 37, turning 38 soon, but listen to this: he put up 57 points in 67 games last season for the Detroit Red Wings, which is a 70-point pace! Seriously. Widely considered the greatest American-born player of all time, Kane still has the power to pick his spot. For the right contract, no team should turn him down. Yeah, he's not the 100-point machine he was in his prime, but a 70-point guy? On top of that, he brings the kind of leadership you can't buy, with three Stanley Cup championships including the 2010 Cup-clinching goal, an Olympic silver medal, and basically every individual award imaginable. That kind of experience could change a locker room, especially one with young talent trying to figure out how to get to the next level. What team wouldn't want that?Are Teams Sleeping on Other High-Upside Deals?
It's not just Kane either. Anthony Mantha, a 31-year-old right wing from the Pittsburgh Penguins, dropped 33 goals last season across 81 games, notching 64 points. That was his first double-digit goal season since 2023-24, and yeah, the injury bug has been a problem for him. But hear this: 26 of those 33 goals came at even strength. That's huge. It means he's not just relying on power plays; he's scoring when it really matters. He helped the Penguins to what the source calls the "most unlikely of playoff berths," so he can contribute to winning. If he stays healthy like he did last year, he's a steal. Then there's Vladimir Tarasenko, 34, who played for six different teams in the last five seasons. That's a lot of packing, but it proves he can adapt and provide value. With 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games for the Minnesota Wild, he can absolutely provide secondary offense. A one- or two-year deal for a player of his caliber feels like a no-brainer for a team needing a scoring punch. And don't forget Patrik Laine. The guy is only 28 and has already had a 44-goal season and a zero-goal season. A core muscle injury limited him to just five games and one point with the Montreal Canadiens this past year, which explains the low production. But this was the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft, a guy with one of the best one-timers in the world. He's had fresh starts before, but that raw talent is still there. On a low-dollar, short-term deal, the potential upside is just insane. As these days tick by, it's wild to see this kind of talent just sitting out there. Will a team finally pounce on Patrick Kane's proven scoring and leadership, or take a gamble on Mantha's even-strength goals? Who's going to grab Tarasenko for that secondary offense, or take a shot on Laine's elite one-timer at a discount? The regular season is already heating up for teams like our own Kraken, who are always looking for that competitive edge. Which squad is going to be smart enough to snag one of these guys before someone else realizes the massive value? The clock is ticking!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.