2026 NHL free agency tracker: News, contracts, grades, buzz

Key Points:

• The 2026 NHL offseason has been highly active, highlighted by the Carolina Hurricanes winning their first Stanley Cup since 2006 and numerous trades and signings taking place, including 224 players drafted.
• Notable free agency signings on July 1 include Viktor Arvidsson joining the Detroit Red Wings on a two-year deal, Jaden Schwartz signing a three-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche, and Mats Zuccarello agreeing to a one-year, $1 million deal with the Los Angeles Kings.
• Several key contract extensions were finalized, such as Ivan Demidov's eight-year, $9.13 million AAV deal with the Canadiens, Rasmus Andersson's seven-year, $8.5 million AAV extension with the Golden Knights, and Nico Hischier's five-year, $11.7 million AAV extension with the Devils.
• Other notable moves include Trevor van Riemsdyk signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mackie Samoskevich joining the Seattle Kraken on a three-year deal, and Bowen Byram agreeing to a six-year, $12.5 million AAV extension with the Chicago Blackhawks starting in 2027-28.
• In late June, the Golden Knights extended Jeremy Lauzon for six years at $4 million AAV, the Ducks signed A.J. Greer to a four-year deal, and restricted free agents like Arseny Gritsyuk and Sebastian Cossa secured multi-year contracts with their respective teams.