The annual summer dance of NHL free agency brings a predictable mix of big splashes and quiet signings. While the initial frenzy of July 1st often sees major unrestricted free agents (UFAs) and some high-profile restricted free agents (RFAs) ink their deals, a significant subset of talented young players remains in contract limbo. These unsigned RFAs represent a crucial piece of their teams` future, and the negotiations surrounding them carry weight for both player development and salary cap management.
This year`s crop of unsigned RFAs offers a diverse group, from burgeoning defensive stars to dynamic forwards and promising goaltenders. Their situations are varied, influenced by factors like arbitration eligibility, team cap space, and organizational priorities. As the window for salary arbitration hearings (July 20th to August 4th) approaches, the pressure mounts to find common ground or prepare for a potentially contentious process.
Let`s examine some of the most notable unsigned RFAs of 2025 and the latest insights into their contract sagas:
Luke Hughes
Position: Defence | Age: 21
Value Proposition: As a fourth-overall pick from a distinguished hockey family, Luke Hughes arrived with high expectations and promptly exceeded them in his rookie year. A Calder finalist and NHL All-Rookie Team selection, he`s already a top-four defenseman with significant offensive flair, tallying 47 points in his debut season. Representing Team USA multiple times at the World Championships only adds to his resume.
Current Status: New Jersey`s general manager has made locking up Hughes a clear priority following a busy UFA period. The recent 8-year, $8.5 million AAV extension signed by fellow Calder finalist Brock Faber provides a significant comparable, one that humorously suggests Luke could soon earn more than his older brother Jack. While a short-term deal could save cap space now, the consensus points towards the Devils aiming for a long-term commitment to secure their future on the blueline. Discussions are reported to be progressing, with positive signals from both the team and the player`s camp about his desire to stay long-term.
Arbitration: Not yet eligible.
Gabriel Vilardi
Position: Centre / Right Wing | Age: 25
Value Proposition: The return in a notable trade, Vilardi has thrived with the Winnipeg Jets, evolving into a top-six forward and a dangerous power-play threat. His consistency is a major asset, highlighted by three consecutive 20-goal campaigns and a career-best 61 points this past season. His contribution was integral to the Jets` successful year.
Current Status: Vilardi is a key player the Jets aim to retain. A bridge deal seems less likely this time, as it would lead him directly to UFA status. The focus appears to be on a long-term extension, capitalizing on his strong fit with the team`s core forwards. With substantial cap flexibility available, the Jets are well-positioned to offer Vilardi a substantial raise. He has filed for arbitration, signaling a push for market value based on his recent performance spike.
Arbitration: Eligible, and filed.
Lukas Dostal
Position: Goaltender | Age: 25
Value Proposition: Dostal has solidified his status as the Anaheim Ducks` future in net. His performance, especially stepping into the de facto No. 1 role, has been exceptional, earning accolades like Best Goaltender at the 2024 World Championships. Carrying a significant workload (54 games) with strong underlying statistics behind a rebuilding team demonstrates his capability and potential as a franchise goaltender. Quality young netminders are notoriously hard to find.
Current Status: Dostal`s timing for a new contract couldn`t be better. His stellar play has undoubtedly increased his value, perhaps making management wish they had acted sooner on an extension. The departure of veteran John Gibson further clears the path and the cap space for Dostal to be signed to a significant deal. Discussions with his agent have commenced, focusing on securing their cornerstone goaltender long-term. Dostal has filed for arbitration, seeking a contract commensurate with his performance.
Arbitration: Eligible, and filed.
Marco Rossi
Position: Centre | Age: 23
Value Proposition: A former top-10 pick and OHL standout, Rossi has quickly become a valuable centre for the Minnesota Wild. He significantly improved his production from a 40-point rookie year to a 60-point sophomore season, earning a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team. His ability to contribute offensively, particularly around the net, is highly valued.
Current Status: Minnesota`s cap situation is complicated by buyout charges, impacting their ability to give out significant raises. The immediate priority is likely re-signing superstar Kirill Kaprizov, which will largely define the remaining cap picture. While Rossi publicly expressed a desire to stay, and management initially praised his play and denied trade rumors, his notably reduced playoff ice time (a mere 11:18 average in their short series) has fueled speculation about his future. Despite this, recent reports suggest a re-signing is more probable, recognizing the value of a skilled centre. A shorter, “show-me” deal, perhaps similar to Cole Perfetti`s recent extension, seems a practical solution given the team`s cap constraints and the player`s trajectory.
Arbitration: Not yet eligible.
Mason McTavish
Position: Centre | Age: 22
Value Proposition: Selected third overall, McTavish is a foundational piece of the Anaheim Ducks` organizational future, particularly down the middle. His impressive resume includes an Olympic appearance and a World Junior MVP performance. He`s consistently produced over 40 points in his young NHL career, culminating in a career-high 52 points while demonstrating improved defensive awareness. He possesses the blend of skill and developing reliability teams covet in a young centre.
Current Status: Anaheim has cap space but is mindful of upcoming contracts for its young core. Management has a history of patience in these situations. McTavish`s lack of arbitration rights gives the team some negotiating leverage. A potential comparable could be Quinton Byfield`s recent 5-year, $6.25 million AAV extension in Los Angeles. Both the player and management have indicated a mutual desire for him to remain in Anaheim. The GM has explicitly stated that securing both McTavish and Dostal are the next priorities after handling UFA signings.
Arbitration: Not yet eligible.
Bowen Byram
Position: Defence | Age: 24
Value Proposition: A former fourth-overall pick, Stanley Cup champion, and World Junior gold medallist, Byram is undeniably a high-pedigree defenseman. His ability to log over 22 minutes per night and contribute offensively (career-high 38 points) makes him a valuable asset. Finding defensemen of his caliber on the trade market is exceptionally difficult.
Current Status: Despite his talent, Byram`s name has been prominent in trade rumors surrounding the Buffalo Sabres, particularly following their recent acquisitions on the blueline. The general manager acknowledges Byram as an “elite defenseman” but has openly stated a willingness to trade him for the “right return,” ideally an impact forward who can help the team win immediately. While several teams are reportedly inquiring, the Sabres are in a position to demand a significant price. In an interesting turn of events, while Byram did not file for arbitration, the *Sabres* elected team-elected arbitration, possibly as a strategic maneuver to control the process or establish a baseline value in potential trade talks.
Arbitration: Eligible, and the Buffalo Sabres filed for team arbitration.
Kaapo Kakko
Position: Right Wing | Age: 24
Value Proposition: The second-overall pick seems to have found a better fit since being traded to the Seattle Kraken. A decorated international player with gold medals at both World Juniors and World Championships, he enjoyed a career-high 44-point season in Seattle, benefiting from increased ice time and responsibility. He`s developing into the reliable front-line winger the Kraken envisioned.
Current Status: Given the assets Seattle traded to acquire Kakko, letting him walk is highly improbable. Despite undergoing changes in their front office and coaching staff, signing Kakko remains a priority. His improved production in Seattle provides his camp with solid ground for negotiations. Kakko himself has filed for salary arbitration, indicating his push for a contract reflecting his recent offensive uptick and established pedigree.
Arbitration: Eligible, and filed.
Dylan Samberg
Position: Defence | Age: 26
Value Proposition: A Minnesota native, Samberg was a quiet but essential contributor to the Winnipeg Jets` strong season. He had a career year in virtually every significant category, including points (20), ice time (21:08), and an impressive team-leading +34 plus/minus rating. He has solidified his role as a dependable left-shot defenseman capable of handling difficult matchups.
Current Status: Samberg is viewed as a “must-keep” for the Jets, crucial to their excellent defense corps. With cap space available, his situation is a priority alongside Vilardi. The team`s management recognizes his growth and potential. Samberg has filed for arbitration, underscoring his significant impact and the value he brings to the team, and suggesting he`s seeking a contract that reflects his enhanced role and performance.
Arbitration: Eligible, and filed.
Alex Laferriere
Position: Right Wing | Age: 23
Value Proposition: The former Harvard standout demonstrated promising growth for the Los Angeles Kings, achieving career highs in goals (19), assists (23), and plus/minus (+22). He projects as a valuable component of the Kings` forward group and represents an important part of their younger core.
Current Status: Laferriere does not yet have arbitration rights, which offers the Kings some flexibility in negotiations. A short-term “bridge” contract appears to be the most logical path, allowing the player to continue developing and potentially earn a larger deal down the road, while also providing the Kings with cap predictability after recent free agency activity. The new general manager has confirmed that discussions are ongoing and that Laferriere is keen to remain in Los Angeles.
Arbitration: Not yet eligible.
Connor Zary
Position: Centre | Age: 23
Value Proposition: A former first-round pick, Zary fits the age profile of the Calgary Flames` ongoing rebuild and shows potential as a future centrepiece. His early NHL statistics (27 goals, 61 points in 117 games) are promising, and capable young centres are highly sought after across the league.
Current Status: Calgary`s general manager is in the process of addressing his RFA group, having already signed other players. Zary`s lack of arbitration rights means there is “no huge rush” from the team`s perspective, allowing them to navigate other roster priorities first. While his production saw a slight dip from his initial pace, the Flames remain in contact with his camp and aim to sign him. A short-term contract is likely the outcome, giving both sides time to assess his continued development.
Arbitration: Not yet eligible.
Nicholas Robertson
Position: Left Wing | Age: 23
Value Proposition: Despite a somewhat “choppy” start to his Toronto Maple Leafs career marked by injuries and inconsistent usage, Robertson possesses a valuable asset: he can put the puck in the net, evidenced by a career-high 15 goals this past season. He`s also shown improvement in his two-way game and is known for his high work ethic. As one of the few younger, NHL-ready forwards in the system, he holds potential value.
Current Status: For the first time, Robertson has earned some leverage, gaining arbitration rights this summer. He saw slightly more consistent deployment under the new coaching staff but was famously a healthy scratch in a crucial playoff game. He received a qualifying offer and has since filed for arbitration, ensuring his next contract will be in the seven-figure range. However, trade rumors persist, especially as the Leafs look to acquire top-six forward help, making Robertson a potential trade piece. The GM acknowledges his scoring touch and ongoing development.
Arbitration: Eligible, and filed.
As the days tick closer to the arbitration deadline and the final weeks of the off-season, the futures of these talented Restricted Free Agents hang in the balance. Their eventual contracts, or potential trades, will not only shape their individual careers but also significantly impact their teams` ability to build competitive rosters under the constraints of the salary cap heading into the 2025-26 season.
