As the initial frenzy of NHL free agency subsides, the focus shifts to the next critical phase: securing Restricted Free Agents. While many prominent young stars inked lucrative long-term deals before or just after the July 1 deadline, a significant group of impact players remains unsigned for the upcoming 2025-26 season. These negotiations aren`t just about player salaries; they`re strategic chess matches impacting team cap structure, future flexibility, and roster composition. With the salary cap on an upward trajectory, both players seeking to capitalize on their performance and teams aiming for cost control are engaged in delicate discussions. This period also brings the potential for arbitration hearings and, in some cases, trade speculation.
Here`s a closer look at some of the top RFAs still seeking new contracts and the factors shaping their off-season:
Key Figures Awaiting Deals
Luke Hughes – New Jersey Devils
A highly touted fourth-overall pick and a member of a notable hockey family, Luke Hughes wasted no time establishing himself as a dynamic, top-four defenseman in the NHL. His impressive rookie season earned him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team and a Calder Trophy finalist nomination. Despite a brief shoulder setback, he finished strong, demonstrating his capability, especially with injuries to other Devils blueliners. His comparable, Brock Faber, recently signed an eight-year deal averaging $8.5 million, providing a potential benchmark. The Devils ideally seek a long-term commitment, mirroring the approach taken with his brother, Jack. GM Tom Fitzgerald has expressed optimism about Hughes`s desire to remain in New Jersey long-term, emphasizing that talks began after the July 1 holiday. While a short-term “bridge” deal could offer immediate cap relief, the organization seems inclined to invest big now to avoid potentially larger figures later when the cap is projected to soar. The stated enthusiasm from both player and team suggests a deal, likely long-term, is the probable outcome, though timing remains uncertain.
Gabriel Vilardi – Winnipeg Jets
Acquired in the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade, Gabriel Vilardi has blossomed with the Jets. He`s evolved from a bottom-six forward into a consistent top-six producer, posting three consecutive 20-goal seasons and hitting a career-high 61 points in his latest campaign, which included a strong playoff performance. Vilardi`s arbitration rights, which he has exercised by filing, add a layer of urgency to his negotiation. A short-term contract could push him directly to unrestricted free agency soon, something the Jets would likely prefer to avoid for a core player. With significant cap space available after moving Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is prioritizing deals for his younger RFAs, stating a commitment to finding common ground. Vilardi`s importance, particularly his power-play prowess and chemistry with key forwards, makes him a crucial re-signing target for the Jets.
Lukas Dostal – Anaheim Ducks
Goaltenders who demonstrate the ability to handle a heavy workload and perform effectively are valuable commodities, and Lukas Dostal has firmly put himself in that category. An AHL All-Star with world championship medals, Dostal seized the opportunity provided by John Gibson`s health issues, becoming the clear number one in Anaheim. His strong traditional and underlying statistics, despite playing behind a struggling team, underscore his talent. While GM Pat Verbeek initially expressed patience regarding RFA extensions, Dostal`s performance has likely accelerated those discussions. The mid-season trade of Gibson further cemented Dostal`s position and cleared cap space for a significant commitment. Dostal has filed for arbitration, indicating his agent is ready to make his case for a substantial pay raise based on his emergence as a starting NHL goaltender. Locking him up long-term is a priority for the Ducks` future.
Marco Rossi – Minnesota Wild
A former top-10 pick and OHL MVP, Marco Rossi has established himself as a skilled center for the Wild, particularly excelling around the net – a trait GM Bill Guerin has specifically praised, noting, “All his goals are from 10 feet and less. He’s doing all the right stuff.” After a productive first full NHL season and a subsequent 60-point campaign, Rossi`s value is clear. However, Minnesota faces significant cap constraints due to buyouts and the looming need to extend Kirill Kaprizov to an eight-figure deal. This tight budget, coupled with a dip in Rossi`s playoff ice time and persistent trade rumors (despite the GM denying any immediate intention to trade him), makes his situation complex. While Rossi lacks arbitration rights this year, a short-term “bridge” deal seems the most probable path, allowing both player and team to reassess his value and the cap situation in a couple of years. Recent reports suggest re-signing him is more likely than a trade, acknowledging the difficulty in acquiring skilled centers.
Mason McTavish – Anaheim Ducks
Another high draft pick and a hero of the 2022 World Juniors, Mason McTavish is a central piece of Anaheim`s rebuilding efforts. He has consistently improved, reaching a career-high 52 points while enhancing his defensive game. His situation is somewhat comparable to teammate Troy Terry`s contract negotiation a year prior. Like Rossi, McTavish does not yet have arbitration rights, giving the team some leverage and allowing GM Pat Verbeek to maintain his track record of patience in negotiations. Recent comparable contracts for young centers, such as Quinton Byfield`s $6.25 million AAV over five years, offer a potential framework. Verbeek has indicated he`s having conversations with McTavish`s agent and hopes to resolve the situation “expeditiously” now that the initial free agency rush is over, but as of mid-June, formal offers hadn`t been exchanged. A medium-term deal seems plausible to lock in a key part of their young core.
Bowen Byram – Buffalo Sabres
Despite being referred to by his GM as an “elite defenceman in the league right now,” Bowen Byram`s future in Buffalo remains uncertain. His acquisition in a mid-season trade and his subsequent career-high offensive production solidified his value, but Buffalo`s moves to acquire other defensemen have fuelled speculation that he could be traded this summer. The Sabres, eager to return to relevance, are reportedly seeking a scoring forward in return for Byram. Interestingly, while Byram himself did not file for arbitration, the Sabres elected for team-elected arbitration, potentially as leverage in trade discussions or ongoing contract talks. With multiple teams reportedly showing interest, GM Kevyn Adams has stated he`s open to a trade if it significantly improves the team, but he`s also content to keep Byram if no such deal materializes. It`s a fascinating situation where a talented player`s future hinges precariously between an extension, a trade, and a potentially contentious arbitration hearing initiated by his own team.
Other Notable RFAs Facing Decisions
The list of impactful RFAs continues. Kaapo Kakko, the second-overall pick in 2019, has finally found his footing with the Seattle Kraken after being traded from the Rangers. His increased ice time and career-high points in Seattle make him a clear re-signing priority for the Kraken, despite recent front office and coaching changes causing some delay in negotiations. He has filed for arbitration.
In Winnipeg, defenseman Dylan Samberg, like Vilardi, filed for arbitration. He`s become an increasingly important and dependable piece of the Jets` blueline, setting career highs in points, plus/minus, and ice time, often taking on tough assignments. His strong performance, particularly in the playoffs, makes him a “must-keep” according to many, and the freed-up cap space from Ehlers` departure should facilitate a new deal.
Los Angeles Kings forward Alex Laferriere, a former Harvard standout, also hit career highs in goals and points last season, establishing himself as a key young player for a team aiming to contend. Lacking arbitration rights, his negotiation with new GM Ken Holland is expected to result in a short-term “bridge” deal, allowing him to bet on continued improvement and a bigger payday down the line, while offering the team some immediate cap flexibility after free-agency spending. Holland confirmed communication has begun and both sides seek a “fair, short-term deal.”
Calgary Flames center Connor Zary, a first-round pick, has shown promising flashes in his first 117 NHL games. While his production saw a slight step back, his age and position make him a valuable asset in Calgary`s rebuilding phase. Similar to Laferriere, Zary does not have arbitration rights, reducing the immediate pressure to sign a long-term deal. GM Craig Conroy is working through his RFA list and hopes to get Zary signed “sooner than later,” likely on a short-term contract to allow him to further prove his value.
In Toronto, winger Nicholas Robertson is navigating a familiar landscape of trade rumors and utilization questions, yet he`s also found a shred of newfound leverage. After a contentious off-season trade request and a subsequent cheap one-year deal, Robertson showed improvement under the new coach during the regular season but again found himself a healthy scratch in the playoffs. He received a qualifying offer and has filed for arbitration, guaranteeing him a raise north of seven figures and giving him more bargaining power. However, Toronto`s ongoing search for a top-six forward means Robertson`s name continues to surface in trade speculation, leaving his future with the Maple Leafs uncertain despite his arbitration filing.
Finally, the list includes players like Maxim Tsyplakov, a winger whose situation with his club will also need resolution, though details of his negotiation may be less publicly reported than the higher-profile names.
The Path Forward
The coming weeks are crucial for these players and their respective teams. Salary arbitration hearings are scheduled from late July through early August, setting hard deadlines or providing independent salary determinations if deals aren`t reached beforehand. While offer sheets are part of the RFA system, they remain exceedingly rare for players of this caliber due to the significant compensation required. Ultimately, the goal for most is a mutually agreeable contract, whether it`s a short-term deal buying the team cap flexibility or a long-term commitment securing a key piece of the franchise`s future. The resolution of these RFA situations will significantly shape the rosters we see on the ice when training camps open.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow