Top NHL Trade Rumors and Free-Agency Buzz Before 2026 Draft

The 2026 NHL Draft kicks off Friday night from Buffalo and while front offices across the league are focused on securing the future of their organizations, they are also looking toward free agency and trades to help bolster their rosters.

What is the latest from around the league and which high-profile stars have question marks surrounding them?

Find out with this collection of reports from the most trusted insiders in the game.

Alex Ovechkin Update

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TSN insider Pierre LeBrun reported on X that, "I don't expect any news on Alex Ovechkin before July 1 free agency. But should have word at some point after that."

Ovechkin, the career goals leader in NHL history, said after the Capitals' final game of the 2025-26 season, "I hope it's not my last game. I don't know what's going to happen. So, we'll see."

Retirement is certainly an option for the 40-year-old and Stanley Cup winner. The first NHL player to eclipse 900 goals, he has accomplished all that there is to, but he continues to chase a second championship.

The team may have made the decision for him by trading for Jordan Kyrou from St. Louis, an interesting move in that the 28-year-old would fit right into a void left by the former Conn Smythe trophy winner should he hang up the skates.

Sure, he also enhances the team should Ovechkin choose to return, but it could very well be a preemptive move to ensure the team has pieces in place should the greatest player in Capitals history decide to call it a career.

Ovechkin has earned the right to take his time and make the decision. If that means waiting until after free agency starts on July 1 at noon, so be it.

Latest on Connor Hellebuyck

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Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck is one of the best in the game, but his name has been bandied about in trade discussions this offseason.

TSN's Darren Dreger reported:

"Well, as you would expect, there's some interest. Probably not as much as Kevin Cheveldayoff would want at this point. I would say a number of teams have expressed a level of interest, including the Florida Panthers, with the uncertainty that they have in their crease as they continue to restock the cupboard there."

He added:

"...the offers on this future Hall of Fame goaltender just flat out aren't good enough yet. It's early in the week. Perhaps there can be developments moving forward. But I wanna remind everyone, Connor Hellebuyck is under contract with the Winnipeg Jets until 2031. So for him to get moved, the offers have to improve."

The 33-year-old, former Hart trophy and three-time Vezina trophy winner finished last season with a disappointing 23-23 record and a career-worst save percentage of .895.

Much of the down year can be attributed to a midseason torn meniscus and the Jets' subpar defense, which plagued the team throughout the year.

Still an elite player at his position, the minimal interest can be linked to a deal that has him under contract through 2031, with AAV of $8.5 million. That is a hefty sum, with five years left, to pay for someone who is over 30 and flashed the first signs of age this past season.

Unless a goalie-needy team steps up and shows the Jets an impressive offer that makes trading one of the most celebrated players of this generation worth it, expect him to return to Winnipeg for another campaign.

Will Dallas Trade Jason Robertson?

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Robertson is a restricted free agent with the Dallas Stars this offseason.

Dreger reported that the team is preparing its final, perhaps best, offer to the 26-year-old. He wrote of high interest in Robertson: "Could we see a sign and trade? And then also on top of all of that, you've got the threat of an offer sheet, and that is a legit threat that the Dallas Stars have to consider."

He added that arbitration, a one-year deal, and Robertson leaving free and clear next offseason is also an option.

Robertson had a strong year for the Stars, scoring 45 goals, 51 assists, and 96 total points. An elite scorer with some of the best shot selection in the league, with two-way ability, it is no surprise that he is garnering the attention that he is.

Dallas would likely hope to get something in return for Robertson but it does beg the question: is the team demonstrably better without him?

If the answer is no, and the numbers would suggest that is the case, arbitration and the one-year deal may prove to be the best option for the team.