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

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