The upcoming NHL free agency class is expected to be one of the strangest markets in recent years. Many around the league are calling it “slim pickings” because of a clear lack of quality middle-tier talent, very few prime-age stars, and several aging veterans who are expected to re-sign with their current teams.
Amid that uncertainty, the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs may already be losing hope of landing a 6’6”, 232-pound forward who would’ve boosted their firepower for what is sure to be an eventful 2026/27 season.
2026 Free Agency: Big Forward Dream Fading for Oilers, Leafs
The player at the center of the speculation is Minnesota Wild forward Michael McCarron, who became an important physical presence for the Wild during their playoff run, appearing in 11 postseason games and recording four points (2 goals, 2 assists). His size, toughness, and defensive play made him a valuable bottom-six piece.
After finishing a two-year contract worth just $900,000 annually, McCarron is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. However, Wild GM Bill Guerin faces a difficult decision with six forwards heading toward free agency, and committing multiple years to a 31-year-old physical center carries some risk.
Still, NHL insider David Pagnotta believes Minnesota will find a way to keep him.
“I think they’re gonna try to keep him,” Pagnotta reported. “If I’m one of the other teams that was looking at him…Toronto, Edmonton…I’m annoyed, because I’d wanna go after him; I think they’re gonna find a way in Minnesota.”
McCarron has also made it clear he enjoyed his time with the Wild and appreciates the opportunity the organization gave him.
“You have a GM and coach who wanted me to come in here and help the team, and when someone gives up what they gave up to get me, I think it shows how much they wanted me,” McCarron told reporters. “So try to return the favor.”
“I think I’m at a point in my career where I haven’t really taken that next step financially, or had security, I’d say. I guess that’s what I’m looking for.”
Those comments only add to the belief that McCarron’s priority this summer is finding long-term stability, whether that comes in Minnesota or elsewhere.
The speculation surrounding McCarron has drawn interest from both the Oilers and Maple Leafs, two teams coming off vastly different and disappointing seasons that exposed major issues with depth, physicality, and consistency in their bottom-six forward groups.
At 6’6” and 232 pounds, McCarron fits exactly the type of role both teams need. For Edmonton, he could help improve a struggling penalty kill, add toughness around the crease, and provide reliable faceoff depth, all while fitting under a tight salary cap.
Toronto also views him as the kind of hard-nosed, defensive forward who could protect star players, strengthen the fourth line, and help establish a tougher identity under new GM John Chayka and senior advisor Mats Sundin.
For now, though, McCarron appears more likely to stay in Minnesota.
League insiders believe McCarron’s camp is using William Carrier’s six-year, $12.6 million deal with the Carolina Hurricanes as a framework in negotiations. The focus appears to be more on long-term security than on a high annual salary, as McCarron is reportedly seeking a multi-year contract that provides stability for the next several seasons.
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If the Wild hesitate on a three or four-year commitment, teams like the Maple Leafs and Oilers could still make a serious push once free agency opens.
