The Detroit Red Wings are nearing a two-year contract with unrestricted free agent winger Viktor Arvidsson, according to ESPN sources reported on July 1, 2026.
The 33-year-old forward is set to hit the open market after failing to agree on an extension with the Boston Bruins.
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Arvidsson spent last season with Boston, recording 25 goals and 54 points in 69 games.
He helped the Bruins secure the No. 4 seed in the Atlantic Division with 100 points.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Bruins attempted to retain the veteran middle-six forward before he opted to test free agency.
"Someone said to me that they heard that they heard Boston offered him like 2×5 or something like that," Friedman said.
"That obviously didn't work, so we'll see what happens."
The Bruins had already altered their forward depth on the first day of the NHL Draft by acquiring winger JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth.
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Before Detroit emerged as the frontrunner, media speculation linked Arvidsson to other teams.
TheScore's Josh Wegman predicted the Swedish winger would sign with an Atlantic Division rival on a longer deal.
"Arvidsson's speed and motor should be appealing for a Maple Leafs team that needs to get faster and could use another top-nine winger option," Wegman wrote.
"The Swedish influence already on the team in William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, plus Mats Sundin in the front office, could help sway Arvidsson.
He also excelled playing under new Leafs head coach Jim Hiller in Los Angeles."
Detroit is attempting to end a 10-season playoff drought, the longest active streak in the NHL.
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General manager Steve Yzerman has allowed veteran wingers Patrick Kane and David Perron to test free agency while managing a trade request from captain Dylan Larkin.
