New NHL Free Agents 2026 Predictions for Top Players Amid Rumors

Free agency in the NHL kicked off Wednesday, with several players finding new homes. There are still some, though, waiting and searching for the right deals, with restricted free agent Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars leading the way.

Find out the latest on the 26-year-old and more with this collection of rumors and reports from the game's most trusted insiders.

Pittsburgh Interested in Jason Robertson

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Josh Yohe reported for The Athletic:

"Several team sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect private information, told me that president/general manager Kyle Dubas has discussed a potential deal with the Dallas Stars. I reported last season that Dubas possessed a keen interest in Robertson, the 26-year-old forward whom Dubas views as one of hockey's best pure goal scorers."

He noted that Dubas tried to move up in the draft and also acquire Robertson, but neither panned out. The Pittsburgh general manager is reportedly not giving up.

There is still a chance that Robertson signs a long-term deal to remain in Dallas.

The 26-year-old forward turned down a blockbuster trade to Seattle, which would have seen him make an AAV of $15 million, per Elliotte Friedman for Sportsnet. He added that Robertson and Dallas are "at least $2 million apart per season."

Robertson is an elite scorer, finding the net 45 times last season and assisting 51. It is not surprising that teams would be interested in acquiring him. The player's no-move clause, though, makes it a tricky proposition for both the Stars and a potential suitor.

If there is no new contract or trade, the team would likely head to arbitration, and a one- or two-year deal would come out of it. Or, Robertson sits out the year.

Prediction: Arbitration and Robertson remains in Dallas for one more season

Flyers Interested in Reunion with Claude Giroux

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NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reported on X that "Reunion in Philadelphia? The Flyers expected to be among the teams trying to sign Claude Giroux when he goes to market today."

Giroux played for the Flyers for 15 seasons before he was traded to the Florida Panthers in the middle of the 2021-22 season.

Last season with Ottawa, the 38-year-old scored 14 times, assisted 35, and proved that he can still be a contributor on a playoff team. That he is a proven leader and a great locker room presence only enhances his value.

Giroux is not the superstar he was the last time the fans in Philly saw him in orange and black, but he can still benefit a young Flyers team that returned to the postseason last year and swept the Penguins in the first round.

The Senators have expressed a desire to have Giroux back. At this stage in his career, it is unlikely that the veteran would want to acclimate himself with a new team.

A return to Philly is different, though.

If Giroux is in the twilight of his career and returning to where it all began, in front of a fan base that loves him and all that he did for the organization, could be the most appropriate choice.

Prediction: The Philly makes a big push, but Giroux stays put in Ottawa

Vladimir Tarasenko's Price Tag Too Big?

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Joe Smith and Michael Russo reported for The Athletic that "Tarasenko was a great buy-low option in last June's trade, netting 23 goals for Minnesota in a bounce-back season. He was expected to price himself out of Guerin's comfort zone."

Tarasenko switched agents, per Pierre LeBrun on X, and had permission from the league to engage in free agency conversations before Wednesday's start date.

Could he be costing himself opportunities by pricing himself so high as to turn off the incumbent team? Could be.

The 34-year-old is a great puck handler and possesses an elite shot. He is not the player he was with the St. Louis Blues earlier in his career, but he is still a talented right winger who can benefit any team that decides to pay his asking price.

The Edmonton Oilers, a team in need of some help in the middle six, could be a strong fit for him, as could the New Jersey Devils.

Prediction: Tarasenko signs with Edmonton or Boston, another team in need of a quality winger