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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 trades
Werenski vetoes Stars trade
- Date: June 30
- Source: Elliotte Friedman
Werenski, 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 Cousins
- Date: June 30
- Source: Brett Wallace
The 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 market
- Date: June 30
- Source: Pierre LeBrun
Senators 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 extension
- Date: June 30
- Source: Chris Johnston
The 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 deal
- Date: June 30
- Source: Pierre LeBrun
After 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 Brink
- Date: June 30
- Source: Michael Russo
The 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 agency
- Date: June 30
- Source: Pierre LeBrun
The 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 Panthers
- Date: June 30
- Source: Pierre LeBrun
The 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 Gudas
- Date: June 29
- Source: Panthers
Both 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 market
- Date: June 28
- Source:Pierre LeBrun
Vladimir 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 place
- Date: June 27
- Source:Elliotte Friedman
The 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 team
Anaheim Ducks
- F A.J. Greer (4yr/$17M)
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Calgary Flames
Carolina Hurricanes
Chicago Blackhawks
Colorado Avalanche
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dallas Stars
Detroit Red Wings
Edmonton Oilers
Florida Panthers
Los Angeles Kings
Minnesota Wild
Montreal Canadiens
Nashville Predators
New Jersey Devils
New York Islanders
New York Rangers
Ottawa Senators
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
San Jose Sharks
Seattle Kraken
St. Louis Blues
Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto Maple Leafs
- D Darren Raddysh (8yr/$68M)
Utah Mammoth
Vancouver Canucks
Vegas Golden Knights
Washington Capitals
- F Alex Tuch (8yr/$84M)
Winnipeg Jets
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