Latest 2026 NHL Free Agents Rumors and Predictions for Notable Names
With the awarding of the Stanley Cup to the Carolina Hurricanes Sunday comes the unofficial start of the NHL offseason, where free agents will have the opportunity to test the market and teams can improve their rosters by shelling out money for upgrades at key positions.
Find out which players are making headlines early on with this collection of reports from some of the sport's most respected insiders.
Darren Raddysh to Test Free Agency
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NHL contributor Dave McCarthy reported that the Tampa Bay Lightning's opening offer to 30-year-old defeseman Darren Raddysh was $5.75M AAV. As that is below what Raddysh is likely to command on the market, Erik Erlendsson reported on Sports 1440 radio that he is expected to test free agency (h/t Jason Gregor).
"Raddysh got back in the lineup and found his defensive play and he excelled on the powerplay," Erlendsson said.
Raddysh tallied 70 points this season, scoring 22 goals and 48 assists, with a +/- of 21.
He also saw his playing time jump from 17:17 in 2024-25 to 22:41 this past season.
A strong, high-powered shot and his ability to navigate the power play make him an asset to any potential suitor. A team like the San Jose Sharks, who need an upgrade defensively, would be a perfect option for Raddysh, who could bring veteran leadership to the locker room while improving an area of need for the otherwise young organization.
More on that team in a bit.
Prediction: Raddysh signs elsewhere, leaving Tampa Bay and becoming a high-profile addition to a contending team.
Sharks to Address Defense
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The San Jose Sharks were one of the most exciting teams to watch this past season, thanks to the development of budding superstar Macklin Celebrini. Despite an electric offense, the team just narrowly missed the playoffs, a disappointment that can be attributed to the defense's lackluster performance.
The Sharks allowed the third-most goals against in the league (290), an area that general manager Mike Grier will look to address this offseason, per Sheng Deng on Sports 1440 radio (h/t Jason Gregor).
"The Sharks desperately need to improve their defense. And they will look to do it in free agency and via trade."
He continued, suggesting, "If the Sharks draft Stenberg, then they could move a young forward like Eklund to acquire a proven D-man,"
The Sharks have a bright future, and a potential Stanley Cup-winning star in Celebrini, who adapted extremely well to pro play despite being just 19 years old. Building the defense via proven assets in free agency and trade, rather than drafting for talent, is the right call.
Prediction: Sharks add multiple defenders this offseason, make a serious playoff push as soon as next year
Dylan Larkin Expected to Have a Trade Market
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David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that "Florida, Vegas and Minnesota are his three preferred destinations and other clubs, such as Dallas and Utah, are believed to also be in play" for Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin.
Larkin scored a career-high 34 goals, added 33 assists, and finished with a shooting percentage of 14.8, the second-best of his career.
The Florida Panthers, off a disastrous season that saw them finish with the worst record in the East, possess the ninth overall pick in this year's NHL Draft. One would have to imagine the team could package that pick and another asset or two to acquire Larkin.
Vegas, fresh off a loss in the Stanley Cup Finals, would benefit exponentially from acquiring Larkin and pairing him with star Jack Eichel. He would also take pressure off of William Karlsson, allowing him to transition to the third line, where he would likely thrive.
All of that is moot if Larkin decided he did not want to leave Detroit, where he currently possesses a no-trade clause that he would have to wave if he was to be moved anywhere.
Prediction: Larkin stays in Detroit
