NHL Free Agents 2026 Rumors and Predictions for Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrik Laine, More

While NHL free agency opened back on July 1, several quality free agents remain unsigned.

Stars like Claude Giroux, John Carlson, and Rasmus Andersson came off the board quickly, but the overall NHL market tends to unfold more slowly than it does in some other major sports leagues.

Nine-time All-Star winger Patrick Kane, for example, was the 12th-ranked player on Bleacher Report's final free-agent board, and he didn't find a home until Saturday.

Some notable players are still out there, and some sizeable contracts have yet to be signed. Let's take a look at the latest buzz and make a few predictions.

Patrik Laine

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Patrik Laine has been a productive wing, when healthy, since entering the league as the second overall pick in 2016 with the Winnipeg Jets. He was a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist and a 2017 All-Star, and he reached 50 points in each of his first four seasons. Laine also hit the 50-point mark in the 2021-22 and '22-23 seasons.

However, injuries have also been a big, and unfortunate, part of Laine's career. He suffered a fractured clavicle in 2023, a significant knee sprain in 2024, and a core muscle injury that required surgery and erased most of his 2025-26 campaign.

After appearing in only five games with the Montreal Canadiens this past season, Laine may have to prove himself on a team-friendly deal. According to Islanders beat writer Stefen Rosner, New York is at least one team that is uninterested in giving Laine a market offer:

"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)."

If Laine is to get anything more than a tryout, it may have to come from a team with previous interest. As they continue to retool their roster, the Los Angeles Kings could be an option. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period previously reported that the Kings had interest in Laine before the trade deadline.

Prediction: Laine signs with Los Angeles

Logan Stanley

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While Laine may settle for a bargain contract, defenseman Logan Stanley probably won't. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli (h/t Sportsnet's Luke Fox), Stanley is seeking "as much as $25 million" on a four- or five-year deal.

Stanley is arguably the top defenseman left in free agency. He's a physical player at 6'7" and 231 pounds, and he's coming off a career-best offensive season with nine goals and 26 points. The Buffalo Sabres acquired him at the trade deadline but allowed him to reach the market.

Still only 28 years old, Stanley should command a multi-year deal, though teams may not be willing to meet his initial asking price.

A return to Buffalo could still make sense, especially after the Sabres traded away Bowen Byram. If Stanley wants a totally fresh start, the Anaheim Ducks could also make sense.

Anaheim traded Radko Gudas and lost Jacob Trouba to the San Jose Sharks in free agency.

Prediction: Stanley signs with Anaheim

Vladimir Tarasenko

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Vladimir Tarasenko is another big-name wing who could prove to be a valuable signing late in free agency. Despite turning 34 last December, he's still a capable offensive contributor. With the Minnesota Wild last season, he logged 23 goals and 47 points.

The Edmonton Oilers have been viewed as a potential suitor.

"Teams in need of scoring off the wings should kick tires on a short-term deal," Sportsnet's Luke Fox wrote. "That the Oilers expressed interest in Claude Giroux (before he re-upped in Ottawa) has some wondering if Edmonton could turn its sights to Tarasenko."

Given Kane's departure and Dylan Larkin's trade request, the Detroit Red Wings could also be in the market for scoring help. Tarasenko was in Detroit just two seasons ago, but former GM Steve Yzerman tried to sign another former Red Wing, Anthony Mantha, before he stepped down, according to MLive's Ansar Khan.

Of course, with Detroit now searching for Yzerman's replacement, its direction for the remainder of the offseason is a bit unclear. At this stage of his career, Tarasenko is probably more interested in landing with a contender than a rebuilding team anyway. Edmonton would fit.

Prediction: Tarasenko signs with Edmonton