NHL Free Agency 2026 Updated Landing Spots Predictions Based on Offseason Rumors
Free agency in the NHL has already been explosive, with players finding new teams and organizations acquiring those stars they believe give them a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup next season and beyond.
There are still two high-value restricted free agents in Jason Robertson and Adam Fantilli worth keeping an eye on, and future Hall of Famer Patrick Kane has yet to pick the team he will continue his career with.
Dive deeper into each of those situations with this collection of insider rumors.
Jason Robertson Update
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Mark Madden of TribLive and 105.9 The X reported on his Monday Madden podcast that Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas remains determined to trade for Jason Robertson.
He said, "If he gets $15 (million) or $16 million in arbitration — which he might — Dallas has a really hard time dealing with that under the cap. That could make something move," (h/t TribLive for the transcription).
The 26-year-old previously turned down a trade to Seattle.
Robertson had the second-best season of his career in 2025-26, scoring 45 goals and adding 51 assists in 20:15 of ice time. An elite scorer with great vision, Robertson is a bright young star with potential franchise-altering upside.
It makes sense that Pittsburgh, an aging squad whose top stars, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, have limited time left on the ice, would be so determined to acquire Robertson.
While Pittsburgh is a great hockey town and Robertson would have the potential to lead that franchise for the next decade if he landed there, there is something to his refusal to accept the Seattle trade.
Perhaps, while money is certainly an issue, he simply has no desire to leave a legitimate Stanley Cup contender in Dallas.
Prediction: Robertson signs a one-year deal in arbitration with the Stars
Adam Fantilli Expectations
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Like Robertson, Columbus Blue Jackets star Adam Fantilli is a young, restricted free agent with tremendous upside who could still realistically be on the move before the start of next season.
Mark Schweig of The Hockey Writers noted on X the potential contract ranges for Fantilli now that Chicago has re-signed Connor Bedard.
Fantilli scored 24 goals and 35 assists last season, with an 11.2 shooting percentage, in 18:54 of ice time.
He is an explosive skater with great puck handling, who can score from any spot on the ice. He is a high-motor player, so it makes sense that he would be in line for a big payday.
And the Blue Jackets should absolutely give it to him.
Columbus is not a team that has been a perennial powerhouse or playoff contender. They do not have stars knocking down the door to play there. When a young, 21-year-old shows flashes of excellence, the organization must reward him and do whatever it can to keep him there for the long-term health of the team.
The Blue Jackets should be expected to do just that.
Prediction: Columbus signs Fantilli to a contract extension
Latest on Patrick Kane
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One of the greatest players of his generation is looking for an organization with which to wrap up his Hall of Fame career, and according to a former star, his decision has been narrowed down to two teams.
Chris Chelios reported for 104.3 The Score that Patrick Kane has narrowed his search to the Chicago Blackhawks and the Buffalo Sabres.
Kane won three Stanley Cups for the Blackhawks and is among that organization's greatest to lace a pair of skates.
He is originally from Buffalo, though, and could return home to play his final season(s) in the league.
Chelios noted that he believes Kane will sign with Chicago, returning to the organization where it all began.
Kane has played in 1369 games, scored 508 goals, and provided 892 assists. Last season, he found the net 16 times and assisted 41, proving he still has plenty to offer a team, even at this point in his career.
Buffalo has been a team at the center of Kane rumors from the beginning, but there is something to be said about having the ability to return to the organization that you helped establish as a modern dynasty.
Prediction: Kane returns to Chicago on a short-term deal
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