NHL free agency tracker 2026: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades

NHL free agency tracker 2026: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>A year ago, the 2026 NHL free-agent class was billed as potentially one of the best ever, headlined by Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel and Kirill Kaprizov.

>That shine has since faded, with all three signing extensions and numerous other players also locking themselves into long-term deals. Other major free agents, including Alex Tuch, were acquired and extended by a new team in the days leading up to free agency.

>For those who remain, including Rasmus Andersson, Anthony Mantha and the great Alex Ovechkin — plus the top trade candidates — the action officially starts at noon ET on Wednesday.

>The Sporting News is tracking the latest NHL free agency signings, news and rumors. Follow along below with the newest updates.

>MORE:Ranking the top 30 NHL unrestricted free agents

NHL free agency live news, updates on signings and tradesLightning sign John Carlson on two-year deal Date: July 1 • >Source:Tampa Bay LightningAfter Carlson was unable to come to contract terms with Carolina, he now lands in Tampa Bay, signing a two-year deal worth $8.5 million annually.

Oilers bringing in Frederik AndersenDate: July 1 • >Source: ESPNEdmonton has agreed to a one-year, $2.75 million deal with goaltender Frederik Andersen. The 36-year-old now leaves Carolina after five seasons.

Oilers trade Darnell Nurse to SharksDate: July 1 • >Source: ESPNEdmonton and San Jose have agreed to a deal that sends defenseman Darnell Nurse to San Jose in exchange for defensemen Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp.

Devils give Barrett Hayton offer sheetDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanHayton signed a one-year, $4.775 million deal that Utah now has to match, or else it gets a second-round pick in return. As part of the offer sheet, Hayton can not be traded for a full calendar season.

Mammoth sign former Islanders captain Anders LeeDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanLee heads west after spending his entire career in New York, including the last eight as the team's captain. Lee gets a three-year deal worth $16.2 million overall as he aims to compete in Utah.

Bruins acquire Will Borgen from Rangers for draft picksDate: July 1 • >Source: Mollie WalkerThe Rangers continue to remake their team, this time by sending Borgen to Boston for a second-round pick and a conditional third-round pick. Borgen is a steady defenseman with four years left on his contract at $4.1 million per year.

Oilers add Ryan SheaDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanShea gets a five-year, $20 million deal to go from the Penguins to the Oilers next season. Shea has played in just three seasons in the NHL, but had his best season last year as he produced 35 points in 80 games.

Mammoth make splash, get Vincent TrocheckDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanThe Rangers were dangling Trocheck for months, and now Utah is the ones to land him. New York will get a third-round pick, Sean Durzi and Cole Beaudoin back to complete the deal.

Capitals close deal with Boone JennerDate: July 1 • >Source: CapitalsIt's a four-year deal worth $23 million as Jenner is the latest Washington addition. The 33-year-old has spent the last 13 years with the Blue Jackets, including last year when he had 38 points in 67 games.

Rangers acquiring Marcus PetterssonDate: July 1 • >Source: David PagnottaPettersson, who has five years left on his contract is waiving his no movement clause to make sure the deal goes through. The veteran will give the Rangers much needed stability on defense as Pettersson reunites with Mike Sullivan.

Capitals sign Vincent Desharnais to four-year dealDate: July 1 • >Source: CapitalsDesharnais gets just over $4 million per season to go from the Sharks to the Capitals next season. Desharnais played 53 games in San Jose last year, securing just seven points as a defenseman.

Maple Leafs add Colton Sissons, Teddy BluegerDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanToronto has been busy today, as veterans Sissons and Blueger head up north on two-year deals. Sissons will get $4.5 million overall over the next two years, while Blueger will get $5 million.

Sergei Bobrovsky lands in TorontoDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanThe Maple Leafs get the veteran goalie for three years, $21 million overall. Bobrovsky brings big-game experience to Toronto after a successful tenure as the Panthers starting goaltender.

Jacob Trouba signs with Sharks Date: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanTrouba gets a four-year deal worth $8.25 million per season as he stays in California but heads north from Anaheim to San Jose. The Sharks continue to show they are serious about competing next year.

Golden Knights, Rasmus Andersson agree on extensionDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanVegas acquired Andersson mid-season and now keeps him long term on a seven-year deal worth $8.5 million per season. The 29-year-old previously spent his entire career with the Flames as a top-pairing defenseman.

Bruins send G Joonas Korpisalo to RangersDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanBoston is getting a 2028 fourth-round pick and Kalle Vaisanen back in return. Korpisalo will be the Rangers backup goalie next year behind star Igor Shesterkin.

Corey Perry goes back to KingsDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanPerry's career continues as he returns to the Kings on a one-year, $1 million deal. Perry began last season in Los Angeles but was traded to the Lightning midway through the season.

Eetu Luostarinen extends in Florida for eight yearsDate: July 1 • >Source: PanthersThe Panthers remain busy by giving Luostarinen an eight-year, $40 million extension. The center has been a key member of the Florida team through it's Stanley Cup Finals runs, and now will be a Panther for most of his career.

Jaden Schwartz goes to Avalanche on a three-year dealDate: July 1 • >Source: Scottie UpshallColorado gives Schwartz a three-year deal worth $3.25 million per season. After 10 years with the blues, the veteran Schwartz spent the last five years in Seattle and produced 26 points in just 50 games last year.

Sharks land Mason Marchment on five-year dealDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanMarchment was one of the biggest free agents to hit the market, and he gets a five-year deal worth around $7 million a year to go to San Jose. Marchment has at least 45 points in four of the last five seasons and joins a Sharks team on the rise.

Kraken give Mackie Samoskevich three-year dealDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanSeattle acquired Samoskevich via trade from the Panthers a few weeks ago, and now secures him long term with a three-year deal worth $3.85 million per season. Samoskevich had a combined 63 points in Florida over the last two seasons.

Mats Zuccarello heading to Los AngelesDate: July 1 • >Source: Emily KaplanZuccarello hit the open market after failing to come to terms with the Wild, and now gets a one-year deal with the Kings worth $1 million. Los Angeles continues to add veteran talent as it aims to make a playoff run after years of losing in the first round.

Kings sign Erik HaulaDate: July 1 • >Source: Pierre LeBrunThe deal is for two years at $3.6 million per season to bring the forward to Los Angeles. Haula is a well-traveled veteran who played last season with the Predators, totaling 38 points in 81 games played.

Flyers extend Tyson Foerster on eight-year dealDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanPhiladelphia is giving Foerster an eight-year deal worth $7 million annual average value. Foesrter has spent his entire career in Philadelphia thus fur, and even though he played in just 29 games last year, he had 43 points two years ago.

Ivan Demidov gets eight-year extension from CanadiensDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanDemidov's full deal is for eight years at $9.125 million per season. The 20-year-old is coming off his first full season in the NHL, totaling 62 points in 82 games and finishing second for the Calder Trophy.

Flyers give Dan Vladar five-year dealDate: July 1 • >Source: Dan MilsteinVladar was strong in net for Philadelphia last year as the Flyers returned to the playoffs and made it all the way to the second round. Now, the Flyers are keeping Vladar around on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season.

Panthers give Radko. Gudas six-year dealDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanThe Panthers acquired Gudas' rights ahead of free agency to negotiate before the defenseman hit the market, and they secure the deal. Gudas is getting $1.5 million per year over the next six seasons to join Florida.

Sabres, Olen Zellweger agree to extensionDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanZellweger gets $3 million per season over the next three years after Buffalo acquired him via trade. The 22-year-old defenseman has played just three years in the NHL, totaling 51 points in 164 games played.

Stars trade Mavrik Bourque to PredatorsDate: July 1 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanDallas also sends Ilya Lyubushkin to Nashville for 2026 second- and third-round picks. Bourque is a restricted free agent who needs a new contract, so the Stars trading him could help the team try and retain Jason Robertson.

Nico Hischier signs extension with DevilsDate: July 1 • >Source: Kevin WeekesThe former No. 1 pick gets a new five-year deal worth around $12 million per season that kicks in after the 2026-27 campaign. The 27-year-old Devils captain remains the core piece for New Jersey as the team looks to return to contention.

Hurricanes interested in Connor HellebuyckDate: July 1 • >Source: Darren DregerWhile the Jets continue to listen to deals, another team has entered the fold — the Hurricanes. Fresh off winning the 2026 Stanley Cup, Carolina is looking to boost its goaltending and Hellebuyck could be the answer. The Canes have been listening to interest in RFA Alexander Nikishin, who could be included in a deal to Winnipeg for the USA star goalie.

Blackhawks closing in on Bowen Byram extensionDate: July 1 • >Source: Chris JohnstonAfter the Blackhawks traded for Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram a couple of weeks ago, he is now eligible to sign an extension with the team. Chicago is reportedly ready to shell out a six-year deal with an AAV at $12.5 million. That would make Byram the highest-paid defenseman in terms of AAV in the league, despite never being a No. 1 defenseman and having a career-high in points of 42.

Zach Werenski vetoes Stars tradeDate: June 30 • >Source: Elliotte FriedmanWerenski, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, vetoed a verbal agreement in place between the Stars and the Blue Jackets to send him to the Stars in a deal that revolved around Dallas standout Thomas Harley. Friedman reported that Werenski prefers to be in the Eastern Conference and that his relationship with his long-time franchise appears to be fraying as it enters its tumultuous final days.

Senators re-signing Nick CousinsDate: June 30 • >Source: Brett WallaceThe Senators will bring back C Nick Cousins on a two-year deal. The veteran posted 23 points on nine goals and 14 assists in his second season with Ottawa.

Claude Giroux headed to open marketDate: June 30 • >Source: Pierre LeBrunSenators veteran Claude Giroux will become a free agent on Wednesday, Pierre LeBrun reports, though the door remains open for a return to Ottawa. Giroux posted 49 points on 14 goals and 35 assists this past season, his fourth with the Senators.

Golden Knights give Jeremy Lauzon 6-year extensionDate: June 30 • >Source: Chris JohnstonThe Golden Knights are locking up defenseman Jeremy Lauzon to a six-year extension, carrying an AAV of "around" $4 million a year. The 29-year-old played in 68 games for Vegas in the regular season, recording a career-high 12 assists in a depth role on the blue line.

Ducks sign A.J. Greer to 4-year dealDate: June 30 • >Source: Pierre LeBrunAfter acquiring his rights from the Panthers, the Ducks have agreed to a four-year, $17 million contract with forward A.J. Greer.

Wild close to re-signing Bobby BrinkDate: June 30 • >Source: Michael RussoThe Wild didn't qualify Brink a contract on Monday but the team gets the forward back on a one-year, $2.75 million deal. Brink was sent from Philadelphia to Minnesota midseason but had just four points in 13 games with his new team after the deadline.

Anders Lee to hit free agencyDate: June 30 • >Source: Pierre LeBrunThe Islanders captain has spent his entire career to this point with New York, as the 35-year-old has played 14 seasons with the organization, including the last eight as the team's captain. Lee's also been very durable, missing just one game in the last four seasons, and will give a team experience as he looks to make a run for the Stanley Cup.

Devils send Jacob Markstrom to PanthersDate: June 30 • >Source: Pierre LeBrunThe full deal is Markstron and Angus Crookshank to Florida for Evan Rodriques, Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves. Markstrom has two years left on his contract as this deal likely signals that Sergei Bobrovsky will not be back in Florida.

Panthers, Ducks swap rights to AJ Greer, Radko GudasDate: June 29 • >Source: PanthersBoth Greer and Gudas are set to hit free agency, with the Panthers unlikely to sign Greer and Ducks unlikely to sign Gudas. Therefore, Florida now gets the rights to Gudas, and Anaheim the rights to Greer, as they will try to reach deals with their new players before free agency begins.

Vladimir Tarasenko headed to open marketDate: June 28 • >Source:Pierre LeBrunVladimir Tarasenko has played for six teams in the last four seasons, and a seventh could soon be on the horizon. Tarasenko will test the open market, Pierre LeBrun reports, after a 47-point season in Minnesota.

Hurricanes acquire rights to John Carlson, no deal in placeDate: June 27 • >Source:Elliotte FriedmanThe Ducks have traded the rights to pending UFA John Carlson to the Hurricanes, exchange for the No. 192 pick and Kyle Masters.

>The deal was reportedly made with no deal in place, as Carlson is days away from being an unrestricted free agent and simply has the right to negotiate a deal with Carolina before anyone else as a result of the deal.

NHL free agent signings by teamAnaheim Ducks

F A.J. Greer (4yr/$17M) • >D Nick Jensen (2 yr/$4.5M) • >F Jeff Malott (3 yr/$5.55M)Boston Bruins

D Connor Clifton (2 yr/$2.25M) • >D Jordan Harris (1 yr/$850K)Buffalo Sabres

F Conor Sheary (1 yr/$850K) • >D Dennis Gilbert (1 yr/$850K)Calgary Flames

Carolina Hurricanes

Chicago Blackhawks

D Ian Cole (1 yr/$4.5M)Colorado Avalanche

F Jaden Schwartz (3 yr/$9.75M) • >D Noah Juulsen (2 yr/$1.1M)Columbus Blue Jackets

F Ryan Lomberg (2 yr/$1.3M)Dallas Stars

Detroit Red Wings

F Viktor Arvidsson (2 yr($10M) • >G Daniil Tarasov (1 yr/$2M)Edmonton Oilers

D Ryan Shea (5yr/$20M) • >F Mathieu Joseph (1 yr/$1M) • >G Frederik Andersen (1 yr/$2.75M) • >D Shakir Mukhamadullin (trade) • >D Zack Sharp (trade)Florida Panthers

Los Angeles Kings

F Erik Haula (2 yr/$7.2M) • >F Mats Zuccarello (1 yr/$1M) • >D Erik Gustafsson • >F Corey Perry (1 yr/$1M) • >F Scott Laughton (3 yr/$10.5M)Minnesota Wild

Montreal Canadiens

Nashville Predators

F Alex Kerfoot (2 yr/$7M)New Jersey Devils

New York Islanders

F Mattias Maccelli (1 yr/$2.25M) • >G Vitek Vanacek (1 yr/$1M)New York Rangers

F Oliver Bjorkstrand (1 yr/$4.5M) • >F Joe Velano (1 yr/$1.2M)Ottawa Senators

F Sam Ersson (2 yr/$4.4M)Philadelphia Flyers

F Noel Acciari (2 yr/$5.6M)Pittsburgh Penguins

D Declan Carlile (2 yr/$3M) • >F Andrei Kuzmenko (1 yr/$5M)San Jose Sharks

F Mason Marchment (5 yr/$34.75M) • >D Jacob Trouba (4 yr/$33M) • >G Eric Comrie (2 yr/$2.3M) • >D Darnell Nurse (trade)Seattle Kraken

F Curtis Douglas (2 yr/$2.5M)St. Louis Blues

Tampa Bay Lightning

F Ilya Mikheyev (4 yr/ $3.85M AAV) • >F Jeffrey Viel (5 yr/ $12.5M) • >D John Carlson (2 yr/$8.5M AAV)Toronto Maple Leafs

D Darren Raddysh (8yr/$68M) • >F Jack Roslovic (2 yr/$8M) • >G Sergei Bobrovsky (3 yr/$21M) • >F Colton Sissons (2 yr/$4.5M) • >F Teddy Blueger (2 yr/$5M) • >F Brandon Duhaime (3 yr/$7.8M)Utah Mammoth

F Kevin Stenlund (1 yr/$2.75M) • >F Anders Lee (3 yr/$16.2M)Vancouver Canucks

F Paul Cotter (1 yr/$2.15M) Vegas Golden Knights

Washington Capitals

F Alex Tuch (8 yr/$84M) • >D Vincent Desharnais (4 yr/$16.8M) • >F Boone Jenner (4 yr/$23M)Winnipeg Jets

G Stuart Skinner (2 yr/$7.5M) • >D Mario Ferraro (3 yr/$12M)