RFAs on the Move | NHL News

NHL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 30, 2026 · 1m

Starting July 1, NHL teams can lock up top young talent early—before they hit their peak or hit the open market. With restricted free agents like Macklin Celebrini, Kirill Marchenko, and Matvei Michkov in the spotlight, franchises are racing to secure future stars at bargain rates. Celebrini’s superstar potential makes him a no-brainer for San Jose, while Marchenko’s consistent scoring and size make him a tradeable asset with high upside. Michkov’s skill set is undeniable, but his development needs to catch up to justify a long-term deal. Meanwhile, Sharks’ Will Smith and Rangers’ Will Cuylle…