The first day of free agency has passed, and without much surprise, it was a busy day. The NHL saw several UFAs find their new homes on July 1, and there were also some big trades to go along with it.
While many of this year's UFAs have now landed contracts, there are still some notable players who remain on the market. Interestingly, four players from the Detroit Red Wings' 2025-26 season are among them: Patrick Kane, David Perron, Cam Talbot, and James van Riemsdyk.
Teams looking for top-six help should have Kane on their radar, especially with the majority of this year's top UFA wingers being off the board. The 37-year-old forward is still an impactful player at this stage in his career, as his 16 goals and 57 points in 67 games last season demonstrate. It also doesn't hurt that he is a three-time Stanley Cup champion.
Teams looking for help in their bottom six could consider taking a flier on Perron. While he recorded just three goals in 16 games after being re-acquired by the Red Wings last season, he also had 10 goals and 25 points in 49 games with the Ottawa Senators before the trade. With that and his strong resume, it would not be surprising if he found a new home soon.
Despite a tough 2025-26 season, Talbot is arguably the best UFA goalie left. The two-time All-Star had a .900 save percentage or better in five out of his previous six seasons before the 2025-26 campaign, so a team looking for a backup could consider taking a gamble on him. He would be looking to bounce back if he got another chance, as he had an .883 save percentage in 34 games last season.
As for van Riemsdyk, he showed last season with the Red Wings that he can still provide decent secondary scoring. In 72 games with the Original Six club, he recorded 15 goals and 31 points in 72 games. On a cheap one-year deal, JVR could be a solid pickup for a team needing more offense in their bottom six.
Kane is the one Red Wings UFA who Detroit should try to bring back
Out of these four Red Wings UFAs, it is clear that Kane is the player that the Red Wings should work hard to re-sign. If he officially ends up signing elsewhere, it would not be particularly easy for the Red Wings to find a proper replacement for him in their top six.
Furthermore, Kane is the kind of veteran that the Red Wings should be trying to keep around they look to snap their 10-year playoff drought. His mixture of skill and leadership have made him a very valuable part of the Red Wings' roster, so losing him officially would sting.
It will be interesting to see if the Red Wings can successfully re-sign Kane. However, it would be understandable if No. 88 wanted the chance to play for a top contender as he gears up for his 20th NHL season.
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