Five Pending RFA Situations To Watch In 2026
H
Hockey News
Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Hockey News. Read the full original article here →
As the NHL gears up for 2026, several key pending restricted free agents (RFAs) are at the forefront of discussions surrounding contract renewals. Players like Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild and Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks are drawing considerable attention, as their performances could greatly impact their teams' payrolls and strategic planning.
Kaprizov, who has proven to be a cornerstone for the Wild, is expected to command a significant raise after his impressive seasons. Meanwhile, Pettersson has been instrumental for the Canucks, consistently showcasing his offensive skills. Their pending statuses not only create intrigue around their teams but also add excitement for fans who follow their next moves closely.
Adding to this mix are players like Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues. Both have made significant strides since entering the league and are now poised to negotiate contracts that reflect their growth as players. Hischier’s leadership and offensive prowess have made him a valuable asset for the Devils, while Thomas’s contributions have solidified his role in the Blues' lineup.
The situation surrounding these RFAs not only affects their teams but can also influence the broader market as other teams watch to gauge potential contract expectations. As the summer approaches, fans will be on the edge of their seats, anticipating decisions that may alter the landscape of the NHL for years to come.
Kaprizov, who has proven to be a cornerstone for the Wild, is expected to command a significant raise after his impressive seasons. Meanwhile, Pettersson has been instrumental for the Canucks, consistently showcasing his offensive skills. Their pending statuses not only create intrigue around their teams but also add excitement for fans who follow their next moves closely.
Adding to this mix are players like Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils and Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues. Both have made significant strides since entering the league and are now poised to negotiate contracts that reflect their growth as players. Hischier’s leadership and offensive prowess have made him a valuable asset for the Devils, while Thomas’s contributions have solidified his role in the Blues' lineup.
The situation surrounding these RFAs not only affects their teams but can also influence the broader market as other teams watch to gauge potential contract expectations. As the summer approaches, fans will be on the edge of their seats, anticipating decisions that may alter the landscape of the NHL for years to come.