New NHL Free Agents 2026 Predictions for Top Players Available Amid Rumors

Several top free agents have already signed with new teams, including Patrick Kane, who re-signed with the Chicago Blackhawks over the weekend, returning to the organization for which he won three Stanley Cup titles.

There are still veteran players looking to catch on with their next squads, and one burgeoning superstar awaiting a monster payday.

Who are they, and what is the latest on their status this postseason? Find out with this collection of rumors from trusted NHL insiders and predictions for each.

Latest on Patrik Laine

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Patrik Laine is a threat to score in every power-play situation. Still, inconsistency at even strength and an injury history, including a devastating knee injury, that is becoming more prolific than his scoring output have left him without a team.

He may have to earn his way onto a roster if a report from Islanders beat writer Stefen Rosner is any indication.

He wrote in an Elmonters Mailbag piece, "From what I've been told, the Islanders did have conversations with Patrik Laine's camp when free agency opened. I don't believe the Islanders were willing, or are willing, to offer Laine anything more than a Professional Tryout (PTO)."

He added, "And because he missed more than 100 games last season, he's eligible to sign a bonus-laden contract, allowing for a lower base salary with performance incentives."

The Islanders do not necessarily need a forward at this point, but Laine would provide them further depth and a sharpshooter in the power play. It will ultimately depend on his willingness to do what is necessary to get an offer, even if that means winning trust via a tryout.

Prediction: Laine takes a big pay cut, but signs elsewhere

Cutter Gauthier Contract Update

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The Anaheim Ducks have already made a huge offseason splash by making Leo Carlsson the highest-paid player in the NHL, and it looks like the team will have to pony up more cash to keep another one of their restricted free agents for the long term.

Anthony Di Marco reported on TSN Radio that RFA Cutter Gauthier's next contract could carry an AAV of $16-17 million per season.

That would put Gauthier between Carlsson and Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard as the second-highest-paid player, per season, in the game.

There is plenty of reason for the Ducks to want to hang onto the 22-year-old left winger, too. Gauthier found the net 41 times in the regular season and added 28 assists. In the playoffs, he added four more goals and eight assists, averaging one point for every game he played in.

An elite goal scorer and one of the best young skaters in the league, he has the potential to be a superstar for the Ducks for a long time. Getting him under contract, even if it costs the team now, is the right step for an organization that returned to the postseason this year and showed flashes of greatness.

Prediction: The Ducks hit the ATM and get the deal done

Prediction for Vladimir Tarasenko

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Vladimir Tarasenko had permission from the NHL to get an early start on the free agency period after he switched agents late in the game, but the 34-year-old right wing has yet to put pen to paper this offseason.

Still, the talented shooter has plenty of potential options and ideal landing spots.

Both the Oilers and Lightning need depth scorers who can produce when their stars struggle.

Tarasenko would provide that and more. In 75 appearances last season, he scored 23 goals and added 24 assists. The veteran has high hockey IQ and one of the best wrist shots in the game, which would benefit either of those Stanley Cup contenders.

If he is willing to accept a team-friendly deal, there is no reason to believe that Tarasenko cannot play deep into the postseason next year.

Prediction: Tarasenko signs with a contender, with Edmonton being the best fit