NHL Free Agents 2026 Rumors, Landing Spots Predictions for Top Stars on the Market
A barrage of trades and the NHL Draft have dominated the headlines, but the league's free agency period kicks off on July 1, with several players potentially finding new organizations to call home.
Who are some of the most notable names to pay attention to, and where might they land?
Find out in this preview, with reports from some of the game's top insiders.
Sergei Bobrovsky to Toronto?
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Darren Dreger reported on TSN's Overdrive that "The Maple Leafs are high on Sergei Bobrovsky's list if the Panthers don't re-sign him."
NHL insider David Pagnotta previously reported that Bobrovsky would like to stay in Florida, but he is looking for a deal with term.
The Stanley Cup champion will be 38 years old at the start of next season and is coming off a year in which he recorded a career-low save percentage, so there is plenty of reason for the organization to be hesitant to commit years and money to the veteran goaltender.
His experience and the fact that he has played in as many high-profile, high-stakes games as he has would benefit Toronto exponentially, especially as the Leafs undergo a roster rebuild under new general manager John Chaykin.
Whether the front office exec is willing to give Bobrovsky the contract length he is looking for could determine whether he heads north or returns to the Florida organization with which he has experienced his greatest success.
With the Panthers general manager, Bill Zito, revealing that no doors are closed on a Bobrovsky return, it feels like a reunion is as possible as not.
Prediction: Bobrovsky stays in Florida and finishes his career with the Panthers
John Carlson Potentially Heading to Tampa
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Elliotte Friedman reported on the 32 Thoughts podcast that "most people would be surprised if John Carlson doesn't end up in Tampa."
The 36-year-old defenseman had another strong season, scoring 14 goals and 46 assists, a total of 60 points, for the surprising Anaheim Ducks.
An unrestricted free agent, he will test the market, with his destination seemingly predestined.
The Tampa Bay Lightning traded Darry Raddysh to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a fifth-round draft pick and will be looking to replace him with a veteran defensive presence.
Carlson fits that role, bringing an elite shot and toughness to the table. He also possesses elite playmaking abilities, which will help the Lightning in an ever-tough Eastern Conference.
A perfect fit for a Lightning franchise with a knack for retooling.
Prediction: Carlson signs with Tampa Bay
Latest on Radko Gudas
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Friedman also reported that, despite speculation, Radko Gudas is not likely to sign with Toronto.
Gudas suffered from a lower-body injury and played in just 56 games last season, but the 36-year-old is a strong, physical presence on the ice. His ability to block shots and shut opposing offenses down makes him valuable to teams looking to improve that area of their roster.
That Gudas was suspended for five games after he delivered "a forceful, dangerous and direct knee-on-knee collision" to Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews makes the idea that Toronto would even entertain signing him surprising.
Gudas will have plenty of suitors, but keep an eye on the Florida Panthers, who have spent several years loading up with veteran players who can set the tone and compete for championships. His toughness would only elevate the team's defense, thus giving them a shot at returning to Stanley Cup contention.
Prediction: Gudas lands in Florida
