NHL free agency gets underway today

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) sprays water on his face during the second period of the NHL Winter Classic outdoor hockey game against the New York Rangers, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

With the NHL Entry Draft in the rear-view mirror, general managers are focused on getting their teams in competitive shape for next season.

There’s a chance to add some talent, starting today, when free agency officially begins at noon (Eastern Time).

Unrestricted free agents are free to sign with any team, and clubs can submit offer sheets to restricted free agents, too.

This year’s crop is thin on elite young stars, but there are still plenty of options to build or round out rosters with experience and depth.

But, with the salary cap getting another record increase to $104 million per team, price tags could be high.

Some of the more familiar names on the market include 37-year-old winger Patrick Kane, right-shot defenceman Rasmus Andersson, New York Islanders captain-centre Anders Lee, 32-year-old defenceman Jacob Trouba, 6-5 power forward Mason Marchment, two-time Stanley Cup winning netminder Sergei Bobrovsky, 41-year-old winger-agitator Corey Perry, and 36-year-old defenceman John Carlson.

Most of the top talent that would have reached free agency, such as Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel and Kyle Connor, ended up signing long-term contracts before reaching the open market.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2026.