2026 NHL free agency starts on July 1, 2026 , with the market opening at noon ET.

Quick Scoop

That is the official start of the NHL’s free-agent signing period this year. Reports from multiple NHL outlets on June 26–27 say the market opens July 1, and one specifically notes the opening time as noon Eastern.

What to expect

  • Teams can begin signing unrestricted free agents once the window opens.
  • Many big names are expected to be available right away, even though some movement can happen before the market opens.
  • The lead-up has already been busy with trade chatter and draft-week rumors.

TL;DR: 2026 NHL free agency begins July 1 at noon ET.