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Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Rasmus Andersson controls the puck against the Stars in Dallas on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
By The Canadian Press

NHL free agency set to open Wednesday as GMs prep for annual Canada Day dash

Jun 30, 2026 | 12:37 PM

NHL free agency opens Wednesday for the annual Canada Day sprint. This year’s crop is thin on elite talent — especially when it comes to younger players — but there are still plenty of options as general managers look to build or round out rosters.

The Canadian Press looks at some of the names set to hit the open market at 12 p.m. ET.

RASMUS ANDERSSON (2025-26 SALARY CAPT HIT: US$4.55 MILLION)

The right-shot defenceman should be a hot commodity in unrestricted free agency after getting acquired by the Vegas Golden Knights from the Calgary Flames ahead of March’s trade deadline. The 29-year-old registered 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points in 81 games last season. Andersson added six assists in 22 playoff contests.

ANDERS LEE (2025-26: $7 MILLION)

The New York Islanders captain and veteran centre is about to test free agency after playing his entire career with the same organization. The 35-year-old Lee put up 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points across 82 games last season.

PATRICK KANE (2025-26: $3 MILLION)

The 37-year-old winger has spent the last three campaigns with the Detroit Red Wings, posting a respectable 57 points (16 goals, 41 assists) in 67 games in 2025-26. A three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks, Kane became the NHL’s all-time leading scorer among U.S.-born players in January.

CLAUDE GIROUX (2025-26: $2 MILLION)

The 38-year-old winger came home to sign with the Ottawa Senators in the summer of 2022, but could move on after four seasons in the nation’s capital. Still a reliable option at both ends of the ice, Giroux had 49 points (14 goals, 35 assists) in 82 games in 2025-26.

JACOB TROUBA (2025-26: $8 MILLION)

The 32-year-old defenceman will be another enticing right-shot option for GMs looking to add blue-line bite. Trouba had 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 81 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season. The six-foot-three, 212-pound wrecking ball remains one of the NHL’s hardest hitters.

MASON MARCHMENT (2025-26: $4.5 MILLION)

Speaking of physical threats, the six-foot-five, 212-pound winger is also set to welcome offers after splitting last season between the Seattle Kraken and Columbus Blue Jackets. The 31-year-old Marchment had 19 goals and 26 assists for 45 points in 68 games in 2025-26. He added 56 penalty minutes.

ALEX OVECHKIN (2025-26: $9.5 MILLION)

The NHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer has yet to decide — at least publicly — on his future plans. While it’s difficult to envision the 40-year-old suiting up for another team in the league other than the Washington Capitals, the door will at least open a crack if he doesn’t re-sign by noon Wednesday. Ovechkin, who could also retire or head home to the Russian-based KHL, registered 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 82 games last season.

SERGEI BOBROVSKY (2025-26: $10 MILLION)

The 37-year-old goaltender is coming off a difficult campaign with the Florida Panthers, but tops the heap of available goaltenders. Bobrovsky had an .877 save percentage and 3.07 goals-against average in 2025-26. The two-time Cup winner has, however, consistently shown up in big moments throughout his career.

ANTHONY MANTHA (2025-26: $2.5 MILLION)

The 31-year-old winger had a breakout season with the Pittsburgh Penguins that saw him bag 64 points (33 goals, 31 assists) in 81 games. Mantha, who stands six foot five and weighs 240 pounds, has also found it difficult staying healthy. He combined to play just 31 regular-season games in 2023-24 and 2024-25 because of injury.

COREY PERRY (2025-26: $2 MILLION)

The 41-year-old winger continues to chase an elusive second Cup win after hoisting hockey’s holy grail with Anaheim in 2007. Perry split time between the Los Angeles Kings and Tampa Bay Lightning last season, finishing with 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points in 72 games.

JOHN CARLSON (2025-26: $8 MILLION)

The 36-year-old defenceman spent his entire career with the Capitals before getting traded to the Ducks prior to the March deadline. Another right-shot option, Carlson put up 60 points (14 goals, 46 assists) in 71 games last season. The Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes acquired his negotiating rights from Anaheim on Saturday, but the veteran blueliner will be free to talk to the NHL’s 31 other teams Wednesday.

MATS ZUCCARELLO (2025-26: US$4.125 MILLION)

The 38-year-old winger remains an effective offensive threat late in his career. Zuccarello registered 54 points (15 goals, 39 assists) in 59 games last season with the Minnesota Wild. He added two goals and seven assists in eight playoff contests.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 30, 2026.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press




by The Canadian Press