A lot of attention has been paid to college free agents this spring, who numerous clubs signed at the conclusion of their respective amateur seasons. However, there is also a bevy of European players eligible for NHL action.
The player who originally caught my attention for this piece is German forward Veit Oswald of the DEL (Germany’s top pro league). The 21-year-old registered 26 points (14G 12A) in 38 regular season games for EHC Munchen in 2025-26. Although a handful of teams have interest, Edmonton is said to be the front-runner.
Multiple NHL teams also have significant interest in forward Vitali Pinchuk of Minsk in the KHL. The 24-year-old pivot/winger averaged over a point per game (31G 35A) in 65 games, and has the size (6’3″ 203 LBS.) teams covet from a potential power forward.
Other top free agents currently in Europe include Patrik Puistola of Orebro in the SHL. A highly-skilled scoring forward, the 25-year-old native of Tampere, Finland had 36 points (14G 22A) in 50 games this season. KHL forward Danil Aimzurin also is included on this list. The consistently productive Aimzurin had 43 points (14G 29A) in 2025-26.
The top netminder teams are interested in is Czechia’s Jakub Malik. A former Tampa Bay draft pick, the 23-year-old goaltender compiled a 25-14-0 record this season, six of which were shutouts, for HC Plzen. Unlike the other players discussed here, he is under contract with his Czechian team until 2027-28, yet will be only 25 years old that deal expires.