Five RFAs Set to Sign Extensions July 1 2026

Macklin Celebrini ranked fourth in goals and points while placing fourth in Hart Trophy voting and top-three in Ted Lindsay Award voting.

San Jose Duo Positions for Long-Term Control

Macklin Celebrini posted fourth-place rankings in goals and points during his second NHL season. An eight-year extension signed July 1 would keep his cap hit far below future market value for the San Jose Sharks. GM Mike Grier gains eight seasons of cost-controlled production from a player already receiving superstar votes.

Will Smith recorded 24 goals and 59 points in 69 games during his second season. Pairing him with Celebrini created offensive chemistry that produced repeated high-danger chances. The Sharks can sign Smith before his third-year breakout raises his next contract ceiling.

Contrasting timelines show Celebrini and Smith both eligible for extensions one year before RFA status. Delaying either deal until 2027 risks paying 2026-27 breakout numbers instead of current production levels.

San Jose holds two first-round talents under team control through the same window. Signing both on July 1 creates a core that spans the next decade at predictable cap costs.

Marchenko and Michkov Face Different Extension Windows

Kirill Marchenko posted at least 20 goals across four NHL seasons and recorded 74 then 67 points in his last two campaigns. The Columbus Blue Jackets can extend the 25-year-old winger before his consistent top-six output commands higher dollars elsewhere.

Matvei Michkov scored 26 goals and 63 points in 80 games as a rookie but dropped to 20 goals and 51 points in 81 games after ice time fell nearly two minutes per game. The Philadelphia Flyers can still offer an extension that signals trust while Michkov improves defensive details.

Marchenko’s steady production contrasts Michkov’s sophomore dip, yet both remain eligible for extensions July 1. Columbus gains immediate roster certainty while Philadelphia bets on Michkov regaining rookie-level ice time.

Cuylle Brings Physical Edge to Rangers Rebuild

Will Cuylle finished the 2025-26 season with 20 goals and 38 points in all 82 games while recording 157 shots, 68 blocked shots and 302 hits. The New York Rangers can extend the power forward before his penalty-kill and power-play minutes rise further.

Cuylle’s 302 hits and 68 blocks in one season highlight a physical profile that complements skill players. Signing him July 1 prevents a later RFA auction after the Rangers complete their retool.

The Rangers’ mid-season retool reduced Cuylle’s point totals yet increased his special-teams responsibility. An extension now captures his current production before full top-six deployment inflates value.

Contract Timing Shapes Future Cap Flexibility

July 1 extensions for these five players allow teams to spread cap hits across eight or fewer seasons at rates set by 2025-26 numbers. Waiting until 2027 converts each into unrestricted-market comparables that raise annual averages by several million.

Celebrini, Smith, Marchenko, Michkov and Cuylle together represent five first- or second-round picks whose production curves remain ascending. Securing them before next summer’s RFA frenzy preserves draft capital otherwise spent replacing lost talent.