Five Future NHL RFAs Who Can Sign Contract Extensions On July 1
July 1 is not just the start of NHL free agency.
It's also the first chance for next year's pending UFAs and RFAs to sign contract extensions.
Signing an RFA the year before their contract expires could be a risky move, but it could also pay off nicely.
Signing a player before their breakout could allow a team to have a player under its control for a salary far below their market value. But if they don't pan out, a squad could be stuck paying a price tag for more than a player is worth.
Eight 2027 NHL UFAs Who Can Sign Contract Extensions On July 1
The 2026 UFA class lost most of its star power well before they became free agents, and when looking at the 2027 UFA class, the same could be expected. Highlighted by Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, and Sidney Crosby, we discuss eight players who can sign contract extensions on July 1.
Matvei Michkov, RW, Philadelphia Flyers
Matvei Michkov will likely want to wait until the next off-season to sign his extension, but if he signed now, he could begin to earn the trust of coach Rick Tocchet and the Philadelphia Flyers brass.
In his rookie season under coach John Tortorella, Michkov scored 26 goals and 63 points in 80 games. But in his sophomore season, his average ice time decreased by nearly two minutes, and he finished with just 20 goals and 51 points in 81 games.
Michkov is very skilled, but the Flyers are demanding that he improve in other aspects of his game as well.
Will Smith, RW/C, San Jose Sharks
Will Smith has also found himself in the doghouse at times, like Michkov. It took time for Smith to gain the trust of coach Ryan Warsofsky in his rookie season, but when he was paired with Celebrini, the two were unstoppable at times offensively.
In his second NHL season, Smith posted 24 goals and 59 points in 69 games. He and Celebrini complement each other perfectly, and the Sharks will want to lock Smith up before he has a true breakout campaign in his third year.
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Will Cuylle, LW, New York Rangers
The last spot to highlight came down to Will Cuylle or Tyson Foerster, but given Cuylle's power-forward abilities and potential importance to the New York Rangers' lineup going forward, he deserves a closer look.
With how the Rangers started a retool mid-season, it wasn't surprising to see Cuylle's point production dip.
Still, Cuylle finished the 2025-26 season with 20 goals and 38 points while playing in all 82 games. He also fired 157 shots on goal, blocked 68 shots and threw 302 hits.
Cuylle took on a new role on the penalty kill, recorded a career high in ice time on the power play and continued to round out his game.
When the Rangers turn things around, Cuylle will be an important part of the Rangers' top six.
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This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 11:37 AM.