NHL Free Agent Frenzy 2026

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One of the two busiest days on the NHL calendar — the other one being trade deadline day — is upon us: the first day of free agency. It’s already been a crazy week with 2026 Draft pick swaps galore and several notable players re-signing with their current teams. Free Agency Frenzy 2026 is a running blog updating the major developments on Day 1 of free agent season.

Werenski Rejects Trade to Dallas

Shortly after midnight, Elliotte Friedman broke the news: Norris Trophy defenseman Zach Werenski refused to waive his no-trade clause. Consequently, a prospective trade between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Dallas Stars is dead. Werenski, an unrestricted free agent in 2028, appears set on completing his contract with an East Coast club. Furthermore, this now places both Columbus and Dallas in an awkward situation.

The Stars were prepared to trade Thomas Harley as the centerpiece of a Werenski trade. Harley lacks no-trade/ no-movement protection until the 2029-30 season. However, it’s always a little awkward when a player knows his team was ready to pull the trigger on trading him. Harley posted 16 goals and 50 points in 2024-25. A Team Canada 2026 Olympian, Harley slumped to six goals and 36 points this past season. A mid season lower-body injury cost him 12 games.

On Tuesday, our friends at Cap Wages presented a hypothetical three-team trade scenario: Harley would still go to Columbus. However, Werenski would end up in Toronto (NMC waiver presumed) and Matthew Knies would go to Dallas. Werenski’s interest in accepting a trade to Toronto is unknown.

Giroux headed to market, Cousins stays put

Veteran forward Claude Giroux elected to hit the unrestricted free agency market rather than sign an 11-hour extension with the Ottawa Senators. Giroux has not closed the door on remaining in Ottawa. However, he intends to see what other offers are out there. The 38-year-old Giroux, now primarily a winger although he still dominates right circle faceoffs, posted 49 points (14g, 39a) in 2025-26.

Meanwhile, Nick Cousins will stay put in Ottawa. The veteran agitating forward agreed to a two-year, $1.5875 million AAV contract extension with the Senators. Cousins posted nine goals, 23 points and 92 penalty minutes in 2025-26. Cousins turns 33 on July 20.