NHL Free Agents 2026 Rumors, Predictions and Top Players Still on the Market

There are still several quality players available on the free agency market, with none bigger or more celebrated than Patrick Kane.

The three-time Stanley Cup champion has narrowed his options to two teams, but has yet to decide where he will continue his Hall of Fame-worthy career.

Find out the latest on him, as well as other veteran stars looking for a new organization to call "home," in this collection of rumors and insider reports.

Patrick Kane's Choice Down to Two Teams

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Patrick Kane is a future Hall of Famer looking to continue his NHL career, and according to a new report, he may have narrowed his next team down to two.

Former NHL star Chris Chelios reported on 104.3 The Score that the 37-year-old has narrowed it down to the Chicago Blackhawks and Buffalo Sabres.

Kane won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks and laid the foundation for his incredible career with that organization. In the twilight of his NHL run, it makes sense that he would weigh the option to head back where it all began, with the chance to retire with the team for which he had his greatest success.

As for Buffalo, Kane grew up in the city. Returning home would also be a fitting conclusion for him. Considering the young core the Sabres have and the success they achieved this past season, wrapping up his career with a legitimate contender and as a locker room leader for the squad would be rewarding.

Regardless of where he ends up, Kane brings 508 career goals, 892 assists, and a career 11.5 shooting percentage with him. Last season, he scored 57 points for the Detroit Red Wings, proving he can still contribute to a playoff-contending squad.

While that team fell out of contention late, Kane was still good enough to warrant attention from teams looking to bring his leadership, playoff experience, and on-ice excellence to their organizations.

While a reunion with the Blackhawks would be apropos, Buffalo has been linked to Kane since he hit the free-agent market, with many believing he will return to his hometown to finish out his career.

Even if Chelios believes he will be a Blackhawk one last time.

Prediction: Kane signs a short-term deal with the Sabres

Latest on Vladimir Tarasenko

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Unlike Kane, do not expect a reunion for Tarasenko and one of his former teams this offseason.

Vincent Mercogliano of The Athletic reported that the New York Rangers are not expected to pursue their 2023 trade deadline addition.

Tarasenko has been all over the league since 2022, playing for the Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, and Minnesota Wild.

He enjoyed a bit of a bounce-back season last year, scoring 47 points in 75 games, with a career-high 15.5 shooting percentage.

While that should be enough to warrant the 34-year-old a look from contending teams, a recent change in managers may have made the process more difficult, especially considering he was granted permission to start the free agency process early as a result.

The Montreal Canadiens would be an intriguing destination given his strengths and their need for defensive help.

Prediction: Tarasenko joins a contender, such as Montreal or San Jose, both of whom are in need of defensive upgrades

Where Will Patrick Laine Continue His Career?

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Mercogliano also reported on Patrik Laine, writing:

"Patrik Laine is another intriguing option who's lingering on the market. The 28-year-old appeared in only five games last season due to core muscle surgery but has seven seasons of at least 20 goals on his checkered resume. He'll likely have to settle for a one-year, prove-it contract, which is right in New York's wheelhouse, but Drury's interest is unclear."

Laine played in just five games for Montreal last season, with just one assist.

He has fallen off considerably since the early portion of his career, when he was a consistent scorer for the Winnipeg Jets. His downward trend since the 2020 season has understandably created hesitancy to pay him, in hopes that he rediscovers that early-career form.

A favorable deal, at a position of need, makes the Rangers a no-brainer for Laine. If he can shake off a year to forget last season and rediscover that electric scoring, particularly on the power play, he would be a huge asset for the winger-needy New York franchise.

Prediction: With options limited, Laine signs for one year with the Rangers