Top 5 NHL free agents over the age of 35

NHL fans are always looking for the shiny new toy, and the most exciting signings or trades are players they can envision staying for the better part of a decade.

But those aren’t always the signings that completely elevate a team. Oftentimes, it’s a veteran who brings intangibles that can’t be measured on the ice. Leadership and experience are often overlooked, and when a team lacks those elements, it’s noticeable.

Although the free agent market is fairly bleak this season, there are still some veterans over the age of 35 who can join teams and quickly elevate their status. Today, we’ll look at the top five unrestricted free agents over the age of 35.

Alex Ovechkin, LW, 40

Alex Ovechkin realistically has two options. Re-sign with the Washington Capitals or retire from the NHL. At 40 years old, Ovechkin is still a capable goal scorer, as he led the Capitals in goals and points last season with 32 goals and 64 points in 82 games.

Technically, he is a free agent, but the 31 other teams in the NHL have about a zero percent chance of signing the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer.

MORE: What Alex Ovechkin's Contract, Role And Impact Would Be If He Re-Signs With The Capitals

John Carlson, D, 36

John Carlson is not only the best free agent defenseman over the age of 35, but he might be the best defenseman on the market. The 36-year-old split his season between the Capitals and the Anaheim Ducks, where he finished with 14 goals and 60 points in 71 games.

In the playoffs, he played a key role in the Ducks’ elimination of the Edmonton Oilers in the first round, notching six assists in 12 games.

Carlson is reportedly looking to go back to the Eastern Conference, with teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning heavily linked to the right-handed defender. With loads of experience, Stanley Cup-winning pedigree, and the production to match, Carlson is arguably the most sought-after free agent. 

MORE: Former Capitals Defenseman John Carlson To Hit Free Agency, The Athletic Reports

Sergei Bobrovsky, G, 37

The case surrounding Sergei Bobrovsky has been fascinating. The soon-to-be 38-year-old goaltender is reportedly seeking a six- or seven-year contract with a price tag of up to $42 million. 

This is after Bobrovsky posted career-worst numbers this past season with an injury-riddled Florida Panthers team. The Panthers and GM Bill Zito haven’t completely shut the door on Bobrovsky’s return, but with links to goaltenders like Connor Hellebuyck and Jordan Binnington, it appears his time in Florida is coming to an end.

If he hits the free-agent market, it will be interesting to see whether a team is willing to pay his hefty price for the term he desires. 

MORE: 'Until Doors Close, You Never Know': Panthers GM Bill Zito Provides Update On Sergei Bobrovsky Negotiations

Patrick Kane, RW, 37

Patrick Kane seemed to have settled in Detroit with the Red Wings, but after another failed attempt to make the playoffs, it appears changes are on the way. Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, and if he is dealt, the odds are that the Red Wings will likely trade players like Alex DeBrincat and John Gibson to begin another rebuild/retool.

If that does happen, Kane will almost certainly entertain offers from teams around the NHL. If Kane seeks another championship, maybe he heads back home to join the Buffalo Sabres, but if he is content with his career winnings, maybe he ends his career where it started with the Chicago Blackhawks. 

MORE: Three Top-Level NHL UFAs Entered The Off-Season On A Cold Note

Frederik Andersen, G, 36

Frederik Andersen dealt with injuries for most of the 2025-26 season, but when the playoffs rolled around, Andersen found a string of good health and his game. Although he was injured for the final three games of the Stanley Cup final, he guided the Carolina Hurricanes through three rounds, losing just one game.

Andersen might not be able to carry the load of a No. 1 starter role, but in a tandem, Andersen could provide a team with very solid and reliable goaltending. 

Honorable mentions: Mats Zuccarello, Anders Lee, Claude Giroux, and Erik Haula

More NHL News

• Does Hurricanes' Taylor Hall have a case for the Hockey Hall of Fame?
• Jets pass on Caleb Malhotra meeting at NHL Combine, sparks questions on potential fall in draft
• Mitch Marner reverted to his Maple Leafs form when the Golden Knights needed him most
• 2026 NHL mock draft: Maple Leafs, Blackhawks add wingers for Auston Matthews, Connor Bedard; Sharks take No. 1 defenseman
• Top 5 goaltenders of the 2026 NHL draft