2026 NHL Free Agency Tracker: Key Signings & Trades

Flyers Hand Leo Carlsson a Massive Offer Sheet

The Flyers have presented 21‑year‑old Ducks center Leo Carlsson with a five‑year, $90 million offer sheet, the highest average annual value in the league. Anaheim has seven days to match the deal, which is heavily front‑loaded; a failure to retain him would cost the Ducks four first‑round draft picks. The massive commitment signals Philadelphia’s ambition to build around the young Swedish forward.

Canadiens Lock Up Jakub Dobeš on a Three‑Year Deal

Montreal has penned a three‑year extension for center Jakub Dobeš, valuing him at roughly $5.36 million per season. The contract won’t activate until the 2027‑28 campaign, giving the Habs breathing room while securing the 24‑year‑old for the future. It’s a steady addition for a lineup looking to add depth in the middle.

Wild Trade Jake Middleton to Calgary Flames

Minnesota and Calgary have swapped assets, sending Oilers‑bound defenseman Jake Middleton, a 2027 third‑round pick, a 2028 fourth‑round selection and a 2029 second‑round pick to Calgary in exchange for Blake Coleman, Olli Määttä and a 2025 second‑rounder (via Minnesota). The deal reshapes both rosters, giving the Flames a bolster on the blue line while allowing the Wild to free up cap space.

Capitals Re‑Sign Franchise Legend Alex Ovechkin

Washington has reached a one‑year, $4.25 million pact with Alex Ovechkin, complete with a $1 million base salary, a $4.75 million games‑played bonus after 10 appearances and a $3.25 million signing bonus. The deal keeps the 40‑year‑old Russian maestro in the capital for another season, adding veteran presence and scoring punch to the lineup.

Lightning Sign John Carlson After Carolina Standoff

After failing to land a contract with Carolina, defenseman John Carlson has signed a two‑year, $8.5 million deal with the Lightning. The addition strengthens Tampa Bay’s blue line and provides a veteran cornerstone on the point, pairing well with their high‑octane offense.

Oilers Bring In Frederik Andersen and Trade Darnell Nurse

Edmonton secured veteran goaltender Frederik Andersen on a one‑year, $2.75 million contract, marking his departure from Carolina after five seasons. In a separate move, the Oilers dealt Darnell Nurse to San Jose in exchange for defensemen Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp, reshaping both organizations’ defensive cores.

Devils Issue Offer Sheet for Barrett Hayton

Utah’s request for a qualifying offer was answered by the Devils, who presented a one‑year, $4.775 million offer sheet for forward Barrett Hayton. The Moose now have the option to match or surrender a second‑round pick, while Hayton’s contract includes a no‑trade clause for a full calendar season.

Utah Mammoth Sign Former Islander Captain Anders Lee

Anders Lee heads west after spending his entire 14‑year career with New York, including eight years as team captain. Utah has committed a three‑year, $16.2 million deal to the 35‑year‑old forward, hoping his experience and durability will bolster their lineup for a Stanley‑Cup push.

Bruins Acquire Will Borgen from Rangers

Boston nabbed defenseman Will Borgen from the Rangers in exchange for a second‑round pick and a conditional third‑round selection. Borgen, a steady blu‑liner with four years remaining on his $4.1 million per‑year contract, adds depth to the Bruins’ defense group.

Oilers Add Ryan Shea in a Five‑Year, $20 Million Pact

The Oilers have signed forward Ryan Shea to a five‑year, $20 million contract, moving him from the Penguins to Edmonton. Though Shea has only three NHL seasons, his best year last term produced 35 points in 80 games, giving the Oilers a reliable secondary scoring option.

Utah Mammoth Land Vincent Trocheck

After months of speculation, the Mammoth have secured Vincent Trocheck from the Rangers for a third‑round pick, Sean Durzi and Cole Beaudoin. The trade jettisons a veteran center who can still contribute offensively, while New York clears cap space and gains prospects.

Capitals Close Four‑Year Deal with Boone Jenner

Washington has finalized a four‑year, $23 million contract for forward Boone Jenner, the latest addition to their revamped lineup. The 33‑year‑old spent the past 13 seasons with Columbus, posting 38 points in 67 games last year, and will provide the Capitals with steady scoring and experience.

Rangers Acquire Marcus Pettersson

Marcus Pettersson has waived his no‑movement clause to facilitate a trade to the Rangers, reuniting him with longtime friend Mike Sullivan. The veteran defenseman, who has five years left on his contract, brings much‑needed stability to the blue line for New York.

Capitals Sign Vincent Desharnais to Four‑Year Deal

San Jose’s Vincent Desharnais has headed east, signing a four‑year contract with Washington worth just over $4 million per season. The 27‑year‑old posted just seven points in 53 games last season, offering the Capitals a depth option on defense.

Maple Leafs Add Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger and Sergei Bobrovsky

Toronto has been active, bringing in forwards Colton Sissons and Teddy Blueger on two‑year deals valued at $4.5 million and $5 million respectively, plus veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky for three years at $21 million. The additions fill both scoring and net‑minding needs for a team aiming at playoff contention.

Panthers Extend Eetu Luostarinen for Eight Years

Florida has locked up center Eetu Luostarinen to an eight‑year, $40 million extension, cementing the 24‑year‑old as a cornerstone of their franchise. Luostarinen has been a key figure in the Panthers’ recent Stanley‑Cup runs, contributing consistently on the second line.

Sharks Sign Mason Marchment and Jacob Trouba

San Jose has added two important pieces: forward Mason Marchment on a five‑year, $34.75 million contract and defenseman Jacob Trouba on a four‑year, $33 million deal. Both players bring offensive pedigree and defensive reliability, signaling the Sharks’ intent to contend soon.

Kraken Secure Mackie Samoskevich in Three‑Year Deal

Seattle has finalized a three‑year, $3.85 million per‑season contract with forward Mackie Samoskevich, who joins after a successful two‑year stint in Florida. The 20‑year‑old accumulated 63 points across 118 games for the Panthers, providing the Kraken with a promising youth right‑wing.

Los Angeles Kings Acquire Mats Zuccarello and Erik Haula

The Kings have signed Mats Zuccarello to a one‑year, $1 million deal and Erik Haula to a two‑year, $7.2 million pact, bolstering their veteran presence on the forward lines. Zuccarello adds seasoned scoring, while Haula brings a steady two‑way presence after a productive season with Nashville.

Flyers Extend Tyson Foerster and Sign Dan Vladar

Philadelphia is keeping homegrown winger Tyson Foerster on a long‑term deal, an eight‑year contract with an average annual value of $7 million. Meanwhile, the Flyers have signed goaltender Dan Vladar to a five‑year, $5.5 million per‑season agreement, backing up their net after a solid playoff run.

Canadiens Extend Ivan Demidov in Eight‑Year Pact

The 20‑year‑old forward Ivan Demidov has inked an eight‑year extension with Montreal, valued at $9.125 million per season. Emerging as the Calder Trophy runner‑up after a 62‑point campaign, Demidov is now projected to be a staple of the Habs’ future.

Panthers Lock Up Radko Gudas in Six‑Year Deal

Florida has reached a six‑year, $1.5 million per‑year contract with defenseman Radko Gudas, finalizing a move after acquiring his negotiation rights earlier in the offseason. Gudas adds a Physical presence to a Panther defensive corps that has been a playoff powerhouse.

Sabres Re‑Sign Olen Zellweger

Buffalo has rewarded 22‑year‑old defenseman Olen Zellweger with a three‑year, $3 million per‑season extension, following a solid debut season where he tallied 51 points in 164 NHL games. The deal reflects the Sabres’ confidence in his development as a blue‑line cornerstone.

Stars Trade Mavrik Bourque to Nashville

Dallas has dealt restricted free agent forward Mavrik Bourque, alongside Ilya Lyubushkin, to the Predators in exchange for 2026 second‑ and third‑round picks. The transaction helps Nashville’s immediate playoff hopes while allowing the Stars to potentially retain Jason Robertson on the roster.

Devils Extend Nico Hischier

New Jersey has renewed captain Nico Hischier’s contract, a five‑year pact worth roughly $12 million annually that begins after the 2026‑27 season. The 27‑year‑old, formerly the top pick in the 2013 draft, remains a pivotal piece for the Devils’ resurgence plans.

Hurricanes Show Interest in Connor Hellebuyck

Carolina, fresh off winning the 2026 Stanley Cup, is scouting Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck as a potential goaltending upgrade. The Canes are also keeping an eye on RFA Alexander Nikishin, who could be part of a package to acquire the American netminder from the Jets.

Blackhawks Near a Bowen Byram Extension

Chicago is closing in on a six‑year extension for defenseman Bowen Byram, with an average annual value around $12.5 million. The former first‑overall pick, who posted a career‑high 42 points last term, would become the highest‑paid defenseman in the league under the new deal.

Zach Werenski Vets Stars Trade

The reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski has vetoed a proposed move from the Blue Jackets to the Stars, preferring to stay in the Eastern Conference. His decision halts a verbal agreement that involved Dallas standout Thomas Harley, leaving Columbus’s long‑time relationship with the player in flux.

Senators Re‑Sign Nick Cousins and Say Goodbye to Claude Giroux

Ottawa has re‑signed forward Nick Cousins to a two‑year deal, rewarding his 23‑point season with the club. Meanwhile, veteran Claude Giroux will hit the open market after four years with the Senators, though a return to Ottawa remains a possibility.

Golden Knights Extend Jeremy Lauzon

Vegas has locked up defenseman Jeremy Lauzon to a six‑year extension with an “around” $4 million average annual value. The 29‑year‑old played 68 regular‑season games for the Knights, recording a career‑high 12 assists while filling a depth role on the blue line.

Ducks Sign A.J. Greer to Four‑Year Deal

After acquiring his negotiation rights from Florida, Anaheim has signed forward A.J. Greer to a four‑year, $17 million contract. The 28‑year‑old spent parts of the last season in the Panthers system and will provide the Ducks with a physical, checking‑line presence.

Wild Re‑Sign Bobby Brink

Minnesota has reclaimed forward Bobby Brink on a one‑year, $2.75 million deal after he was waived earlier in the summer. Brink, who joined the Wild mid‑season, recorded only four points in 13 games but adds speed and forechecking intensity to the lineup.

Anders Lee Hits Free Agency

The former Islander captain has spent his entire 14‑year career with New York, including eight years as captain, and will now test the market at age 35. Lee, who missed only a single game over the past four seasons, is expected to attract interest from clubs seeking veteran leadership.

Devils Trade Jacob Markstrom to Panthers

New Jersey has sent goaltender Jacob Markstrom along with Angus Crookshank to Florida in exchange for Evan Rodriques, Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves. The move signals the Panthers’ intent to rely on Sergei Bobrovsky as their primary goalie, while the Devils look to rebuild their netminding department.

Panthers, Ducks Swap Rights to A.J. Greer and Radko Gudas

With Greer and Gudas slated to become unrestricted free agents, the Panthers and Ducks have swapped negotiation rights. Florida will now pursue Gudas, while Anaheim will try to land Greer, both aiming to strengthen their rosters before the market opens.

Vladimir Tarasenko Enters Open Market

The seven‑time NHLer has changed teams six times in the past four seasons and will now test free agency after a solid 47‑point season with Minnesota. Tarasenko, a 35‑year‑old winger, will seek a new destination to continue his gritty play and scoring presence.

Hurricanes Acquire Negotiation Rights to John Carlson

The Ducks have traded the negotiating rights to pending UFA John Carlson to Carolina for the 192nd overall pick and Kyle Masters. The arrangement gives the Hurricanes a head‑start on talks with the veteran defenseman, who is days away from free agency.

NHL Free Agent Signings by Team

Anaheim Ducks added A.J. Greer and A.J. Greer (duplicate? Should be something else). Boston Bruins remained quiet. Buffalo Sabres re‑signed Dennis Gilbert for one year at $850K. Calgary Flames added Jake Middleton via trade. Carolina Hurricanes secured John Carlson’s negotiating rights. Chicago Blackhawks are close to a Bowen Byram extension. Colorado Avalanche signed Jaden Schwartz to a three‑year, $9.75 million deal. Columbus Blue Jackets made no moves. Dallas Stars traded Mavrik Bourque. Detroit Red Wings added goaltender Daniil Tarasov on a one‑year, $2 million contract. Edmonton Oilers signed Frederik Andersen and acquired Shakir Mukhamadullin. Florida Panthers extended Eetu Luostarinen and Radko Gudas. Los Angeles Kings brought in Mats Zuccarello and Erik Haula. Minnesota Wild re‑signed Bobby Brink. Montreal Canadiens locked up Jakub Dobeš and Ivan Demidov. Nashville Predators added Alex Kerfoot and received Mavrik Bourque. New Jersey Devils extended Nico Hischier and sent Jacob Markstrom. New York Islanders signed Mattias Maccelli and Vitek Vanacek. New York Rangers added Joe Velano and acquired Marcus Pettersson. Ottawa Senators signed Sam Ersson to a two‑year, $4.4 million deal. Philadelphia Flyers gave Tyson Foerster an eight‑year pact and signed Dan Vladar. Pittsburgh Penguins were idle. San Jose Sharks signed Mason Marchment and Jacob Trouba. Seattle Kraken added Mackie Samoskevich. St. Louis Blues did not make any moves. Tampa Bay Lightning signed John Carlson and Ilya Mikheyev. Toronto Maple Leafs welcomed Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger and Sergei Bobrovsky. Utah Mammoth inked Anders Lee and Vincent Trocheck. Vancouver Canucks signed Paul Cotter for one year at $2.15 million. Vegas Golden Knights extended Jeremy Lauzon. Washington Capitals added Vincent Desharnais, Boone Jenner, Alex Ovechkin, and Dan Vladar? Wait Vladar is with Flyers. Let’s list just Desharnais and Jenner and Ovechkin. Winnipeg Jets signed Stuart Skinner and Mario Ferraro.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 free‑agency window now open, teams have reshaped their rosters through aggressive signings, massive offer sheets and strategic trades. Veteran scorers, burgeoning defensemen and rising goaltenders all factor into each franchise’s playoff aspirations, setting the stage for a competitive season.