Who’s more likely to hit free agency: Panarin or Kempe?

Just over a week ago, it looked like the 2026 unrestricted free agency class had all the potential in the world to be the biggest in NHL history.

Franchise cornerstones like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov and Kyle Connor had all gone from July 1 into the fall without agreeing to new contract extensions, and the general aversion to negotiating in the middle of the regular season

All four of those superstars ultimately inked contracts before their respective teams played a game, and only McDavid signed for shorter than the maximum eight-year term.

There are still some big names without extensions, among them Colorado Avalanche forward Martin Necas, as well as Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe and New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin.

On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, host Tyler Yaremchuk and co-host and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discussed whether Kempe or Panarin is more likely to be available to all 32 teams on the open market come July 1.

Tyler Yaremchuk: Looking at the remaining free agents, and you said it, next July 1 could be very boring. If you had to bet, one of Kempe or Panarin making it to free agency, which one would you bet on?

Carter Hutton: I think Panarin. If the Rangers have another tough season and they don’t make the playoffs, Panarin could be that guy walking himself to free agency. And I don’t think he’s going to be in a rush to sign. I feel like if you are the UFA, top of the class, like right now with cap space being available, teams are going to have money to spend. It’d be nice to be the guy at the top of the list knowing that you’re going to make a few extra million just because teams need to add a piece.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…