The free agent class in 2026 will be really interesting. Many super star players, especially McDavid, Eichel and Makar, may be available with a bit of luck. It could be very tempting, especially for Eichel, to play at home (yes I know, Hanifin blah blah blah). I would never in my life waste my entire cap space without foresight just to use it. I've read several times that the cap is rising and it doesn't matter if you throw money around now. I don't see it that way at all. You should still use it carefully, as if you barely have any cap space available.