5 NHL Free Agents Still Available Who Can Help Teams During the 2026-27 Season

Key Points:

• The 2026 NHL free-agent market opened with several key signings, including Bobrovsky to the Toronto Maple Leafs (three years), Lee to the Utah Mammoth (three years), and Zuccarello to the Los Angeles Kings (one year). Defensemen John Carlson and Jacob Trouba also signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning (two years) and San Jose Sharks (four years), respectively.
• Despite many top talents being signed quickly, notable free agents remain, including veteran forward Claude Giroux, who is projected to sign a one-year deal around $2.5 million; he offers versatility and leadership despite declining offensive output.
• Patrick Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and future Hall of Famer, is available as a playmaking right wing and could secure a one-year contract near $3.3 million, providing experienced depth for teams seeking secondary scoring.
• Anthony Mantha, coming off a career-best season with 64 points, aims for a longer-term, higher-value contract potentially worth $6.4 million annually over four years, appealing to teams needing a top-six scoring winger.
• Vladimir Tarasenko and Eeli Tolvanen also remain unsigned; Tarasenko, with recent scoring resurgence, might attract one- or two-year deals around $3.4 to $4 million annually, while the younger Tolvanen seeks a new club after four seasons with the Seattle Kraken.