NHL Free Agents 2026 Rumors, Landing Spots Predictions for Jason Robertson, Top Stars

Free agency kicks off in the NHL Wednesday, with teams looking to sign the players they believe will give them the best opportunity to compete for, and win, a Stanley Cup.

Restricted free agent Jason Robertson is making all of the headlines, but veterans like Anders Lee and Claude Giroux are quality additions who can help the locker room and enhance the play on the ice.

Dive deeper into all three of their current situations with these reports from the game's top insiders.

A New Team Interested in Jason Robertson

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Jason Robertson is a restricted free agent this offseason and has already vetoed a trade to the Seattle Kraken, who were prepared to give up three first-round picks and a young player, per Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported, "The Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson's camp have gone back to the negotiating table to see if they can reach any common ground on an extension – restricted free agents can start talking to teams as of tomorrow."

There is another team interested in acquiring the 26-year-old forward, according to Pagnotta. He wrote, "The Pittsburgh Penguins have a lot of salary cap space and they aren't afraid to use it. Just how GM Kyle Dubas allocates those funds, though, is the question. They've been in on Robertson and are looking to make a splash this summer."

Robertson scored 45 goals and added 51 assists this past season, so it stands to reason that the Penguins would take a look at adding his shot to the roster.

While Robertson is an elite scorer and would fit the Penguins' desperate need to get younger this offseason, it seems his heart is still in Dallas, and he would rather stay with the Stars.

Especially considering a report from Darren Dreger on the Barn Burner, who claims he turned down an AAV of $15 million.

Prediction: Dallas and Robertson agree to a contract extension

Anders Lee to Hit the Market

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NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported on X about the free agent status of Anders Lee:

"The Islanders were informed this morning that captain Anders Lee is headed to the UFA market. Not a decision that was taken lightly. The Isles improved their offer in late stages, but still not there. So Lee heads to market. Door open to Isles as well while hearing from other teams tomorrow."

Lee has been with New York since being drafted in 2009 and joined the Islanders proper in 2012. He has since become their captain and this past season, accounted for 19 goals, 23 assists, and 15:38 TOI.

A big, physical forward with a knack for blocking the vision of opposing goalies and setting up scoring opportunities, he will have suitors this offseason, especially considering his veteran leadership and locker room presence.

While the door is still open and the Islanders would like to have him back, Puckpedia notes that the team has just over $6 million in cap space. That likely will not be enough to bring back Lee, who made $7 million on his last deal.

Prediction: Lee leaves New York, with Minnesota being an intriguing fit

Giroux to Hit the Market

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LeBrun also reported on X that, "Claude Giroux is headed to the UFA market Wednesday while keeping the door open to Ottawa."

He continued, "There are some teams for sure that were curious if he'd be available or not. Now we have our answer."

Giroux scored 14 times and added 35 assists for a total of 49 points this past season for the Senators, proving that even at 38 years of age, he can still be a contributor.

Giroux was on a one-year, $2 million deal last season, a modest contract for a veteran player. He will likely be affordable and looking to join a contending team, looking for one last shot at competing for the Stanley Cup.

The Senators made the playoffs last season, but Giroux did not score a goal in any of their postseason games.

Unlike Lee in New York, Giroux's return to Ottawa would not be surprising. He was a good fit and a great presence in the locker room, guiding the team back to the postseason for the second consecutive year after a seven-year drought.

Prediction: Giroux returns to the Senators on another short-term deal