NHL Free Agency Picks Up as Teams Reshape Stanley Cup Race

Published:Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 20264 min read

Updated:Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026

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The NHL offseason has entered its busiest stretch as free agency continues to reshape rosters across the league as well as affect NHL betting. Several contenders have added key veterans, while others have focused on depth signings and retaining core players for the 2026-27 season. According to ESPN’s free agency tracker, clubs have remained active well beyond the opening days of the market, with several notable signings announced over the weekend. The Pittsburgh Penguins, for example, added winger Egor Chinakhov on a three-year contract worth $6.5 million annually while also bolstering their goaltending depth with Arturs Silovs and Joel Blomqvist. The Edmonton Oilers also retained defenseman Spencer Stastney on a one-year deal as teams continue filling out their rosters before training camp. This year’s free-agent market has been somewhat thinner at the top compared to recent summers, placing greater emphasis on complementary additions and strategic cap management. Several clubs have instead relied on offseason trades to acquire impact players before free agency opened.

Top NHL Free Agency Moves So Far

Some of the biggest transactions since free agency opened include:

Pittsburgh Penguins — Signed winger Egor Chinakhov to a three-year contract, adding scoring depth to their top six. Added goaltender Arturs Silovs on a one-year deal to strengthen organizational depth.
Pittsburgh Penguins — Re-signed goaltender Joel Blomqvist to a two-year contract.
Edmonton Oilers — Re-signed defenseman Spencer Stastney to reinforce their blue line.
Anaheim Ducks – Signed Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year, $7.2 million contract before offer sheets rolled in.
Toronto Maple Leafs — Signed veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year contract, giving Toronto an experienced No. 1 netminder after another deep playoff run.
Philadelphia Flyers — Signed restricted free agent Leo Carlsson to a record-setting five-year offer sheet, leaving Anaheim with the opportunity to match the contract.
Calgary Flames — Signed defenseman Šimon Nemec to a five-year, $36.25 million contract, locking up one of the league’s emerging young blue liners.
Nashville Predators — Signed forward Mavrik Bourque to a six-year, $33 million extension as the club continues building around its young core.
Edmonton Oilers — Signed defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin to a two-year contract while continuing to strengthen the roster after another Stanley Cup run.
Utah Mammoth — Signed defenseman Andrew Peeke to a one-year deal, adding experienced depth to the blue line.
Ottawa Senators — Signed veteran forward Claude Giroux to a one-year, $2 million contract, keeping one of the franchise’s leaders in Ottawa.
Detroit Red Wings — Added veteran winger Viktor Arvidsson on a two-year contract to provide additional scoring and power-play depth.

Several Contenders Continue Looking for Help

Free agency is far from complete. A number of veteran forwards and defensemen remain available, while several restricted free agents continue negotiating new contracts. Teams are also monitoring the trade market, where additional movement is expected before training camps open later this summer. The future of Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson also has made headlines recently. The two sides are in negotiations, but Robertson also reportedly nixed a potential trade to Seattle. In the coming days, expect clubs with salary-cap flexibility to remain aggressive, particularly those that narrowly missed the playoffs or exited early during the postseason. Offer sheets, extensions and hockey trades remain very much in play over the coming weeks.

Betting Outlook: Stanley Cup Futures

Sportsbooks like DraftKings and Hard Rock Bet have adjusted Stanley Cup odds following the first wave of offseason moves, though most favorites remain unchanged. Florida continues to sit near the top after another deep playoff run, while Edmonton, Dallas and Carolina remain among the leading contenders heading toward training camp.

Top 10 Stanley Cup Favorites (2026-27)

Team	Representative Stanley Cup Odds
Florida Panthers	+650
Edmonton Oilers	+700
Dallas Stars	+850
Carolina Hurricanes	+900
Colorado Avalanche	+1000
Vegas Golden Knights	+1100
Toronto Maple Leafs	+1200
Tampa Bay Lightning	+1400
New Jersey Devils	+1600
Winnipeg Jets	+1800

While free agency has produced several quality additions, sportsbooks generally remain cautious about making major adjustments until training camps begin and preseason rosters take shape. Significant trades or late-summer signings could still shift the futures market, particularly for teams looking to address scoring depth or goaltending before opening night. Bettors will also be watching for additional contract extensions involving restricted free agents, which could influence Stanley Cup odds throughout the remainder of the offseason.

About the Author: Sean Chaffin

Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and former teacher in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He has covered poker and casino gaming for many years, and is a big football fan. Follow him @PokerTraditions.