Bruins Free Agency 2026: Latest News, Rumors & Offseason Signings for Boston originally appeared on NESN.
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Following a chaotic wave of blockbuster trades highlighted by Brady Tkachuk landing in Florida and Alex Tuch heading to Buffalo, the NHL offseason is shifting to the annual free agency period.
For teams looking to contend, the next few days are critical. General managers will look to use the market to either counter the massive upgrades made by their rivals or land the final pieces needed for a deep playoff run.
How will Boston improve its roster?
Here are the latest rumors surrounding the Bruins as NHL free agency begins.
Bruins free agency 2026: Latest news, rumors
Wednesday, July 1
Bruins trade for defenseman Will Borgen from Rangers
Boston continued to bolster its defense, acquiring Borgen from New York for a 2027 second-round pick and a conditional 2028 third-rounder, per the New York Post’s Mollie Walker. If the Bruins make the conference final in either of the next two seasons and Borgen plays in 50% of the games, the 2028 third becomes a second.
The right-handed defenseman was traded to New York in Dececmber 2024 in exchange for Kaapo Kakko, tallying 18 total points in two seasons with the Blueshirts. He is currently on a $4.1 million AAV contract that expires after the 2029-30 season.
Jordan Harris stays with Bruins on one-year deal
The Bruins announced that they have re-signed defenseman Jordan Harris on a one-year deal with a cap hit of $850,000. Harris appeared in eight games with Boston last season, totaling three points (one goal, two assists).
Bruins bring Connor Clifton back for second stint
The Bruins announced that they have signed defenseman Connor Clifton on a two-year deal with a cap hit of $2.25 million. Clifton played for the Bruins from 2018-2023.
Viktor Arvidsson signs with Red Wings
Viktor Arvidsson will leave the Bruins and sign a two-year deal with the Red Wings, per multiplereports. The contract is expected to have an average annual value of $5 million.
Bruins acquire young forward, draft pick in trade with Rangers
The Bruins acquired forward Kalle Vaisanen and a 2028 fourth-round pick from the Rangers in exchange for goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. Vaisanen appeared in 51 games with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack last season.
Will Viktor Arvidsson leave Bruins, join Red Wings?
After finishing last season with 25 goals and 29 assists for the Bruins, Viktor Arvidsson could be on his way to Detroit. ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reports that the Red Wings are looking to sign the winger on a two-year deal.
Luke Cavallin signs one-year deal with Bruins
The Bruins announced that they have signed goaltender Luke Cavallin on a one-year, two-way contract extension with a cap hit of $850,000. He appeared in 34 games with the ECHL’s Maine Mariners and eight games with the AHL’s Providence Bruins last season.
Bruins free agency signings, trades 2026
- July 1: The Bruins acquired defenseman Will Borgen from the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a conditional 2028 third-rounder.
- July 1: The Bruins re-signed defenseman Jordan Harris on a one-year deal with a cap hit of $850,000.
- July 1: The Bruins signed defenseman Connor Clifton on a two-year deal with a cap hit of $2.25 million.
- July 1: The Bruins acquired forward Kalle Vaisanen and a 2028 fourth-round pick from the Rangers in exchange for goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.
- July 1: The Bruins signed goaltender Luke Cavallin on a one-year, two-way contract extension. The deal has a cap hit of $850,000.
When does NHL free agency start in 2026?
- Date: Wednesday, July 1
- Time: Noon ET
NHL free agency will begin at noon ET on Wednesday, July 1. Unrestricted free agents will be able to officially sign new deals with teams, and front offices will be permitted to extend offer sheets to restricted free agents.
NHL free agency 2026: Top available players
Rasmus Andersson
The 29-year-old defenseman sits at the top of this year’s class. Andersson produced 17 goals and 30 assists in 81 games last year, helping Vegas reach the Stanley Cup Final. It would be shocking if the Golden Knights aren’t able to reach an agreement with him as free agency begins.
John Carlson
After being sent from from Washington to Anaheim, Carlson showed that he remains an elite player at 36 years old. He posted 14 goals and 46 assists in 71 games last season. The Ducks traded his rights to the Hurricanes last month, so Carolina has an exclusive window to negotiate with him.
Alex Ovechkin
Ovechkin, the only player in NHL history with more than 900 career goals, is unlikely to leave Washington if he wants to continue playing. However, he could retire after finishing his 21st NHL season. Ovechkin led the Capitals with 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in 2025-26 and played all 82 games.
Sergei Bobrovsky
At 37 years old, the two-time Stanley Cup champion still has something left in the tank after appearing in 52 games last season. Rumors are swirling about Bobrovsky potentially leaving the Panthers and joining the Maple Leafs.
Mats Zuccarello
Zuccarello is coming off back-to-back 54-point seasons with the Wild. He remains a terrific passer, but at 38 years old, he will likely be looking at short-term offers when he hits free agency.
Anthony Mantha
Mantha enjoyed the best season of his career in Pittsburgh, scoring a team-high 33 goals to go along with 31 assists before struggling in the playoffs. He was a major contributor for a team that stunned the hockey world by reaching the postseason, but it’s unclear if the Penguins are willing to use a significant portion of their cap space to keep him.
Anders Lee
Will Lee really leave the Islanders? New York’s captain had 19 goals and 23 assists in 82 games last season and continued to provide strong leadership in the locker room. He would certainly be a welcome addition to a contending roster.
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