NHL teams head into this offseason with an understanding of where the salary cap is climbing over the next three seasons. It's projected to rise to $95.5 million next season; $104 million in 2026-27; and then up to $113.5 million in 2027-28.
That could lead to more teams comfortably retaining their own players on expiring contracts. Or it could lead to those players receive inflated offers in free agency, as a rising cap means rising chaos.
Here's a look at the unrestricted free agent field, organized into different tiers. There are also some significant restricted free agents, too -- like forwards Matthew Knies (Maple Leafs), JJ Peterka (Sabres) and Marco Rossi (Wild); and defensemen Evan Bouchard (Oilers), Noah Dobson (Islanders) and K'Andre Miller (Rangers).