
NHL teams are facing crucial decisions with a strong class of Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) in 2025. These players, including top defensemen, centers, wingers, and goalies, are either bridge contract candidates or emerging superstars who need long-term deals.
While some potential RFAs like Alexis Lafreniere, Jake Oettinger, and Brock Faber have already signed extensions, several notable young talents remain unsigned for the upcoming season. As these RFAs aim to capitalize on their performance and teams manage their budgets under a rising salary cap, expect intense negotiations and potential trades, especially in Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Anaheim.
Here’s a look at the top 12 RFAs of 2025 as the trade deadline dust settles:
1. Evan Bouchard
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Defence
2024-25 salary cap hit: $3.9 million
Arbitration rights: Yes
Key points: Top draft pick, right-handed shot, power play specialist, Stanley Cup finalist, impressive point production in both regular season and playoffs, holding a playoff assist record for defensemen.
Latest update: The Edmonton Oilers are considering a significant contract for Bouchard, reminiscent of Paul Coffey’s offensive impact. GM Stan Bowman acknowledges Bouchard as a top priority, hinting at a potential $10 million range extension despite fan debate about his defensive game. Bouchard’s contract talks are happening alongside considerations for Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid’s salaries.
2. Luke Hughes
Age on July 1: 21
Position: Defence
2024-25 salary cap hit: $925,000
Arbitration rights: No
Key points: High draft pick, part of a famous hockey family, international experience, Calder finalist, All-Rookie Team selection, strong rookie season performance.
Latest update: The New Jersey Devils prioritize signing Hughes to a team-friendly, long-term deal, similar to his brother Jack. Brock Faber’s contract at $8.5 million per season sets a comparable. Despite shoulder surgery, Hughes has shown resilience and stepped up due to team injuries. Negotiations are ongoing, with the Devils considering a long-term investment versus a shorter bridge deal.
3. Noah Dobson
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Defence
2024-25 salary cap hit: $4 million
Arbitration rights: Yes
Key points: Right-handed defenseman, excellent vision, high draft pick, achieved significant assist and point milestones for Islanders defensemen, logs heavy ice time.
Latest update: The Islanders and GM Lou Lamoriello face uncertainty with Dobson’s contract. Lamoriello recognizes Dobson’s potential but acknowledges a challenging season. Contract negotiations are further complicated by Dobson changing agents, suggesting a potentially high demand for a long-term deal around $8 million annually, making him the team’s highest-paid defenseman.
4. Gabriel Vilardi
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Centre / Right wing
2024-25 salary cap hit: $3.44 million
Arbitration rights: Yes
Key points: First-round pick, international champion, key acquisition in a trade, consistent 20-goal scorer, vital player for team success, career-best season.
Latest update: Vilardi’s performance has validated the trade for Pierre-Luc Dubois for the Winnipeg Jets. He has become a top-six forward and power-play threat. With free agency approaching soon if only bridge deals are signed, Winnipeg is expected to aim for a long-term contract, prioritizing Vilardi over other pending UFAs like Nikolaj Ehlers.
5. Matthew Knies
Age on July 1: 22
Position: Left wing
2024-25 salary cap hit: $925,000
Arbitration rights: No
Key points: Top-line power forward, plays on special teams, strong chemistry with star teammates, physically imposing, impactful playoff performances, consistently improving stats, net-front presence, Olympian.
Latest update: Knies has exceeded expectations in his second season, gaining significant trust from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ coaching staff. Comparisons to power forwards like Keith Tkachuk have been made. Knies has expressed his desire to stay in Toronto, and despite ongoing negotiations and trade interest from other teams, the Leafs are expected to secure him long-term.
6. JJ Peterka
Age on July 1: 23
Position: Centre
2024-25 salary cap hit: $855,833
Arbitration rights: No
Key points: AHL All-Rookie, international accolades, excellent skater and scorer, career-high stats.
Latest update: Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams aims to sign Peterka to a long-term contract, following a pattern of securing young talents. Peterka, comparable to Dylan Guenther, could command over $7 million annually for a long-term deal. While a bridge deal is possible, Adams prefers long-term agreements. Despite trade rumors, Adams insists on extending Peterka’s contract and sees him as a core player.
7. K’Andre Miller
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Defence
2024-25 salary cap hit: $3.872 million
Arbitration rights: Yes
Key points: First-round pick, international medals, All-Rookie Team, durable, physically imposing, productive, considerable playoff experience, excellent skater.
Latest update: The New York Rangers value Miller as a key defenseman. While they quickly re-signed other players, extending Miller is also a priority. A long-term deal for Miller is anticipated to be in the $6 million to $6.5 million range. Despite salary adjustments within the team, Miller is expected to remain with the Rangers, with extension talks likely to progress.
8. Lukas Dostal
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Goaltender
2024-25 salary cap hit: $812,500
Arbitration rights: Yes
Key points: International gold and bronze medals, recognized as top goalie internationally, AHL All-Star, successor to John Gibson, strong stats despite team performance.
Latest update: Dostal has excelled as Anaheim’s starting goalie, especially with Gibson’s absence, positioning himself for a significant pay raise. Initially in no rush to extend, GM Pat Verbeek may now expedite contract talks given Dostal’s performance. A long-term commitment to Dostal is expected, especially with potential changes in Anaheim’s goaltending lineup.
9. Marco Rossi
Age on July 1: 23
Position: Centre
2024-25 salary cap hit: $883,334
Arbitration rights: No
Key points: Top draft pick, OHL MVP, international captain, productive first full NHL season, All-Rookie Team.
Latest update: Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin faces cap challenges but prioritizes re-signing Rossi. Contract talks are also tied to Kirill Kaprizov’s extension. As Rossi’s performance improves, his contract demands may increase. With budget constraints, a short-term bridge deal, similar to Cole Perfetti’s, is a likely solution. Rossi has expressed his desire to stay in Minnesota, and trade rumors have been dismissed.
10. Dmitri Voronkov
Age on July 1: 24
Position: Centre
2024-25 salary cap hit: $925,000
Arbitration rights: Yes
Key points: International medals, KHL star, seamless NHL transition, career-high stats, top-line center role.
Latest update: Voronkov has been a standout success for the Columbus Blue Jackets after transitioning from the KHL. GM Don Waddell praises his impact, highlighting his skill and net presence. With ample cap space, Columbus is expected to extend Voronkov, ensuring he remains a key part of their emerging core.