The dust is settling on the initial flurry of NHL unrestricted free agency. The marquee names have signed lucrative deals, and teams have reshaped their rosters with seasoned veterans. However, the work is far from over for general managers. The focus now pivots to the vital task of securing the future by signing the team`s Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) for the 2025-26 season. This year`s RFA class is particularly compelling, featuring a mix of foundational defensemen, dynamic forwards, and emerging goaltenders, all looking to ink contracts that reflect their growing value under a rising salary cap.
Unlike UFAs who are free to sign with any club, RFAs have their negotiation rights retained by their current team. This structure gives teams leverage, but it also involves specific processes like offer sheets (rarely used) and salary arbitration. The deadlines for players to file for arbitration, or for teams to elect it, have just passed, setting the stage for negotiations that will either result in mutually agreed-upon contracts or head towards formal hearings later in July and August. Many high-profile RFAs managed to sign early, avoiding this post-July 1st tension, but several significant names remain.
Let`s examine some of the key RFA situations still in play:
Navigating Negotiations: Player Value Meets Team Strategy
Luke Hughes, Defence, New Jersey Devils: As a top-four defenceman who was a Calder finalist in his rookie year and boasts an undeniable hockey pedigree, Luke Hughes is undoubtedly the Devils` top RFA priority. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald has been upfront about the team`s desire for a long-term commitment, seeing a comparable in fellow sophomore Brock Faber`s recent significant extension in Minnesota. While there`s always the possibility of a shorter “bridge” deal, signing Hughes to a lengthy contract now could be a savvy move against a projected increase in the salary cap, potentially securing a superstar at a relative discount compared to what he might command as a UFA. Fitzgerald expressed confidence after July 1st, noting positive conversations and Hughes` apparent desire to stay long-term, mirroring his older brother Jack.
Lukas Dostal, Goaltender, Anaheim Ducks: The value of reliable goaltending cannot be overstated, and Lukas Dostal has firmly established himself as Anaheim`s future in net, especially after the trade of long-time starter John Gibson. Dostal`s strong performance, including excelling despite playing behind a developing team and earning international accolades, has put him in line for a substantial pay raise. GM Pat Verbeek might, perhaps with a touch of irony, wish he had signed Dostal before his breakout season, given how critical his reliable play and ability to handle a heavy workload (54 games played) are to the Ducks. Dostal`s decision to file for arbitration underscores his strong bargaining position, adding urgency to the ongoing discussions to secure their clear number one goalie.
Gabriel Vilardi, Centre / Right wing, Winnipeg Jets: A key component of the return in the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade, Gabriel Vilardi has thrived in Winnipeg, becoming a productive top-six forward known for his offensive consistency and power-play prowess. With three consecutive 20-goal seasons, culminating in a career-high 61 points, he`s integral to the Jets` offense. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has indicated that securing RFAs like Vilardi is a priority, particularly with cap space now available. A long-term contract seems fitting given his successful integration into the Jets` core, though another bridge deal remains a possibility. Vilardi filing for arbitration suggests he`s ready to leverage his strong performance to find common ground on his next salary.
Bowen Byram, Defence, Buffalo Sabres: Bowen Byram`s situation is one of the most discussed on the RFA market, largely due to persistent trade speculation. A former high draft pick and Stanley Cup winner with valuable experience playing significant minutes, Byram`s trade value is high. Buffalo`s recent defensive acquisitions have only fueled rumors. While GM Kevyn Adams stated he loves Byram as a player and wouldn`t force a trade, he openly acknowledged being willing to move him for the “right trade,” preferably one that brings immediate help in areas like scoring. Calgary, Vegas, Columbus, St. Louis, and Los Angeles are among the teams reportedly interested. Adding another layer, while Byram didn`t file for arbitration himself, the Sabres elected for team arbitration, a strategic move that could influence negotiations or facilitate a trade value assessment.
Marco Rossi, Centre, Minnesota Wild: Minnesota`s cap situation, complicated by significant buyouts and the looming need to extend superstar Kirill Kaprizov, adds complexity to Marco Rossi`s negotiation. A highly-touted former top-10 pick who posted a solid 60-point season, Rossi is a valuable young center, a position always in demand. While GM Bill Guerin has praised Rossi`s play and commitment, denying trade talks earlier, rumors did circulate in June. The Wild held a high price tag, making a trade unlikely. Given the team`s cap constraints, a short-term “bridge” deal seems the most probable outcome, allowing both sides to defer a long-term commitment while Rossi continues to develop. Rossi has publicly stated his strong desire to remain in Minnesota.
Mason McTavish, Centre, Anaheim Ducks: Another key young piece for the Ducks alongside Dostal, Mason McTavish brings a combination of high draft status, international success, and consistent offensive production (three straight 40+ point seasons, topping out at 52). He has also shown defensive improvement. GM Pat Verbeek acknowledged that determining the contract figures for McTavish and Dostal will be challenging but expressed a desire to get deals done “expeditiously” now that UFA activity is handled. Comparable contracts for young centers like Anaheim`s own Troy Terry or Los Angeles` Quinton Byfield offer potential benchmarks. Unlike some other prominent RFAs, McTavish does not possess arbitration rights, which can influence the negotiation timeline and leverage.
Kaapo Kakko, Right wing, Seattle Kraken: The acquisition of Kaapo Kakko via trade signaled Seattle`s belief in the former second-overall pick`s potential. In Seattle, he`s found a more prominent role, resulting in career highs in points (44) and ice time. Despite off-season changes in the Kraken`s front office and coaching staff, new GM Jason Botterill has expressed confidence that a contract “certainly will get done.” Kakko`s status as an arbitration-eligible RFA who *has* filed for arbitration adds a deadline to the negotiation process, providing leverage for the player to secure a contract reflecting his improved play and significant draft pedigree.
Dylan Samberg, Defence, Winnipeg Jets: Often overshadowed by flashier teammates, Dylan Samberg was an unsung hero for the Jets last season, significantly elevating his game to become a highly dependable left-shot defenseman. His career highs across multiple key metrics, including a team-best +34 rating while often facing tough opposition, highlight his growth and importance. GM Cheveldayoff has specifically mentioned Samberg as a young player with significant capacity for growth who the team wants to sign long-term. With salary cap space available, retaining a critical piece of their strong defense corps is a clear priority. Samberg filing for arbitration indicates his camp is pushing for a deal that reflects his enhanced role and effectiveness.
Cameron York, Defence, Philadelphia Flyers: As part of the Flyers` ongoing rebuild, securing promising young defensemen like Cameron York is fundamental. A former first-round pick with offensive upside and top-four minutes, York`s development has seen some ups and downs, which GM Danny Briere acknowledged while expressing confidence in his long-term potential, drawing parallels to the development path of Travis Sanheim. The Flyers have ample cap space, which should facilitate reaching an agreement. York notably did not file for arbitration, potentially suggesting a mutual expectation that a deal can be reached through direct negotiation without the need for a hearing.
Alex Laferriere, Right Wing, Los Angeles Kings: Coming off a career-best season with 19 goals and 23 assists, Alex Laferriere has emerged as an important young forward for the Kings, projected to potentially fill a second-line role. However, unlike several others on this list, Laferriere does not have arbitration rights, which impacts his leverage in negotiations. With the Kings having been active in the unrestricted free agent market, a short-term “bridge” contract appears to be the most likely outcome. This type of deal would allow the Kings financial flexibility in the immediate term while giving Laferriere the opportunity to build on his success and potentially earn a larger, longer contract in the future. New GM Ken Holland confirmed ongoing communication to find a “fair deal” for both sides.
Connor Zary, Centre, Calgary Flames: A former first-round selection, Connor Zary has shown flashes of potential as a young center, a position the Flames are looking to build around as they navigate a rebuild. While his production saw a slight decrease compared to his rookie season, he remains a player with significant upside. GM Craig Conroy is working through his RFA list, having already signed some other players. Like Laferriere, Zary does not have arbitration rights, reducing the immediate pressure to finalize a deal. A short-term contract seems prudent, allowing Zary to demonstrate further development and for the Flames to evaluate his role in their future core. Conroy has stated that contact has been made and they hope to get a deal done “sooner than later.”
The summer months in the NHL are a fascinating blend of player aspirations and team cap management. While the spotlight often shines brightest on the unrestricted free agent market, the work done to sign Restricted Free Agents is arguably more critical for building and sustaining a competitive team over the long term. These negotiations, sometimes tense, sometimes swift, will shape the rosters and salary cap structures of NHL clubs for years to come, potentially culminating in arbitration hearings for some or even leading to unforeseen trades as teams seek to find the right fit and value.