NHL News: Top 12 Pending RFAs Of 2025

3 weeks ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors  /  Read Time: 3 minutes

With the 2025 NHL offseason approaching and the salary cap set to rise, teams are bracing for some potentially tough negotiations with a wave of big name restricted free agents.Sportsnet’s Luke Fox compiled a list of the top 12 RFAs still unsigned heading toward the summer, including emerging stars, top-pairing defensemen, and franchise cornerstones.
Here’s a look at Fox’s ranking and where contract talks currently stand:
1. Evan Bouchard – Edmonton Oilers – D – Age 25
After an 82-point breakout in 2023-24 and a record-setting 26 playoff assists during the Oilers’ Cup Final run, Bouchard is poised for a major raise from his $3.9 million cap hit. GM Stan Bowman called him “a very big priority,” though his next deal may approach the $10 million per year range. Some fans are torn, however, due to defensive inconsistencies.
2. Luke Hughes – New Jersey Devils – D – Age 21
Hughes’ rookie season included 47 points and an All-Rookie Team nod. GM Tom Fitzgerald is expected to push for a long-term deal, with Brock Faber’s $8.5 million AAV over eight years serving as a likely comparable. “He’s a big part of our future,” Fitzgerald has said, though no deal has been struck yet.
3. Noah Dobson – New York Islanders – D – Age 25
Dobson followed up his 70-point campaign with a step back, but remains the Isles’ top right-shot defenseman. With arbitration rights and a strong track record, he could be seeking an eight-year deal around $8 million per season. He’s also switched agents, adding intrigue to the negotiations.
4. Gabriel Vilardi – Winnipeg Jets – C/RW – Age 25
With three straight 20-goal seasons and a critical role in Winnipeg’s rise, Vilardi has earned a significant bump from his $3.44 million salary. “He’s a big part of what we’re building,” Jets brass believes. Another short-term deal would walk him straight to UFA, so expect a longer-term commitment.
5. Matthew Knies – Toronto Maple Leafs – LW – Age 22
Knies has emerged as a top-line fixture and physical force. Auston Matthews calls him “a beast,” while GM Brad Treliving is looking to lock him in long-term. His growth under Craig Berube has been praised, and it’s clear the Leafs have no interest in letting him go.
6. JJ Peterka – Buffalo Sabres – C – Age 23
Peterka notched 28 goals in 2023-24 and looks to be a core piece in Buffalo’s rebuild. GM Kevyn Adams dismissed trade rumors and said Peterka is “one of our core young guys.” A long-term deal north of $7 million is in play if the Sabres want to avoid future cap inflation.
7. K’Andre Miller – New York Rangers – D – Age 25
A rangy, durable blueliner with a $3.872 million QO looming, Miller is next on GM Chris Drury’s list. “We think we have a lot of D back there that can do it all,” said Drury, and Miller remains a priority for a multi-year deal in the $6–6.5 million range.
8. Lukas Dostal – Anaheim Ducks – G – Age 25
With John Gibson sidelined, Dostal stepped in and delivered elite numbers behind a struggling Ducks team. Verbeek has been patient with RFAs in the past, but Dostal’s timing couldn’t be better. “We’ll take our time,” Verbeek said, but a raise is inevitable—especially if Gibson is moved this summer.
9. Marco Rossi – Minnesota Wild – C – Age 23
Rossi scored 21 goals in his rookie campaign and continues to be a top-six fixture. GM Bill Guerin has said there’s “no rush” to extend him, though a bridge deal similar to Cole Perfetti’s two years at $6.5 million is a likely outcome if the Wild choose short-term security.
10. Dmitri Voronkov – Columbus Blue Jackets – C – Age 24
Voronkov has made an immediate impact in Columbus, already hitting the 20-goal mark. GM Don Waddell praised his development: “He’s a big guy… he knows where to be.” With cap space to spend and a top-six role secured, the Blue Jackets are expected to lock him in for the long haul.
11. Mason McTavish – Anaheim Ducks – C – Age 22
McTavish has put up three straight 40-point seasons and is improving defensively. Quinton Byfield’s $6.25 million AAV over five years could serve as a template. “It’s on the radar,” Verbeek said, though he tends to wait before extending RFAs. Still, McTavish is viewed as a foundational piece.
12. Fabian Zetterlund – Ottawa Senators – LW – Age 25
After a 24-goal season in San Jose, Zetterlund was traded to the Senators, who are likely eyeing him as a long-term piece. “He’s really taken a step,” said one NHL exec. If he impresses in Ottawa’s playoff push, his value will only rise.Photo Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images...

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