NHL Free Agents 2026 Rumors, Predictions for Claude Giroux, Mason Marchment and More

NHL free agency kicks off Wednesday, with players available to sign with whomever they wish, all with the intent of making money, bettering an organization, and competing for a Stanley Cup.

What is the latest on the top impending free agents, and where might they end up?

Find out in this collection of rumors from top industry insiders.

Latest on Claude Giroux

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Pierre LeBrun reported on X:

"My sense when it comes to pending UFA Claude Giroux is that he's still weighing all his options right now. Taking a patient approach. Likely headed to the UFA market next week while keeping the door open to Ottawa."

The 38-year-old finished last season with 14 goals, 35 assists, and a +/- of 20.

He accomplished that while appearing in all 82 games.

An iron man who has missed one game in his four full seasons with Ottawa, he continues to be a respected veteran who can positively influence his team on the ice and in the locker room.

He may hit the free agency market on July 1, but the Senators would be foolish not to try and woo him back, even if it means paying him a little more.

Considering the current state of the organization, including consecutive first-round exits and a playoff drought of seven years before that, paying Giroux, even on a short-term deal, is only benefits the team.

Prediction: Giroux hits free agency, but still re-signs with Ottawa

Teams Interested in Mason Marchment

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Left winger Mason Marchment is garnering attention ahead of free agency, with LeBrun reporting for The Athletic that "The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs are among several other clubs with interest."

Despite the interest, LeBrun noted that Columbus is expected to try to re-sign him before Wednesday's start of free agency.

Marchment began his career with the Leafs in 2019, appearing in just four games with one assist and an average of 32 minutes of ice time.

Since then, he has bounced around the league, with stops in Florida, Dallas, and Seattle. Marchment scored 19 goals, 26 assists, and a total of 45 points in 68 games last season.

A reliable playmaker and puck handler, it makes sense that teams would be interested in signing him. Whether he actually goes anywhere remains to be seen.

Prediction: Marchment re-signs with Columbus

Jacob Trouba to Hit the Market

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Elliotte Friedman reported on the FAN Hockey Show that Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba is expected to hit the free agency market on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old scored 10 goals and delivered 25 assists last season for the Ducks.

A physical defender with a knack for blocking shots, Trouba is an asset on the back end of the ice, making the Ducks' inability to get him under contract that much more surprising, especially considering how many players they have lost or could lose by the start of the July 1 free agency period.

A veteran defender and strong locker room presence, Trouba will benefit any team that attempts to sign him and would be a great fit in a place like San Jose, where defense is their top priority this offseason. Even Toronto, who already traded for Darren Raddysh, could utilize a player of his calibre on the defensive side of the puck.

Prediction: Trouba signs a big contract, leaves Anaheim, and plays for a contender in 2026