Bridge contracts, prove-it deals, arbitration rights, offer sheets… NHL restricted free agency is tricky and compelling business.
The RFA class of 2016 has some beauties: No. 1 picks, players that have already proven their worth, and guys who might need to show a little more growth at the NHL level before they’re deemed worthy of that home-run deal.
With 14 teams already in off-season mode (note the Maple Leafs’ signing of their top two RFAs-to-be), we take a look at the remaining 2016 RFA class.
Six years seems to be the trendy term for valued young players. Aleksander Barkov, Olli Maatta, Nazem Kadri and Morgan Rielly — four key players who were set to turn RFA on July 1 — all re-upped for that length.
In no particular order, here are the 35 impending RFAs we’re most interested in watching perform in the playoffs and/or at the bargaining table.
Whose stock has dropped, whose has raised, and whose rights could be dangled as trade bait?
Some heavy hitters are ready for big raises.
Nathan MacKinnon
Age on July 1: 20
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $925,000
The stats: Neck and neck with Matt Duchene atop the Avs’ scoring leaderboard for most of the season, MacKinnon rebounded nicely from his sophomore slump and returned to 20-goal, 30 assist form. He missed the final 10 games of the season with an MCL sprain.
The situation: Once Erik Johnson got locked up last summer, MacKinnon — the 2013 first-overall pick and 2014 Calder Trophy winner — immediately became the Avalanche’s No. 1 re-signing priority. We’ll be shocked if we don’t see a long-term commitment here, despite coach Patrick Roy’s demand for more out of his core. Aleksander Barkov’s $35.4-million deal set the comparable.
Justin Schultz
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Defence
2015-16 cap hit: $3.9 million
The stats: Quietly started to turn his game around after being dealt to Pittsburgh. Put up as many assists (seven) in 18 games as a Penguin as he did in 45 games as an Oiler this season.
The situation: The Oilers finally found a taker for Schultz, who had fallen out of favour in Edmonton. The early returns in Pittsburgh are promising, as Schultz is a plus player for the first time in his career.
Mike Hoffman
Age on July 1: 27
Position: Left wing
2015-16 cap hit: $2 million
The stats: Building on a stellar rookie campaign, Hoffman scored 29 goals and 30 assists and is the most underpaid Senator.
The situation: The Senators have questioned Hoffman’s all-around game, but snipers like him are a hot commodity. With Ottawa making changes across the board — new GM, new coach — Hoffman’s contract negotiations are nonexistent thus far.
Nikita Kucherov
Age on July 1: 23
Position: Right wing
2015-16 cap hit: $711,666
The stats: A 30-goal scorer for the first time, Kucherov paced the Lighting in scoring with a career-high 66 points.
The situation: Wingers who score 148 points at age 22 don’t come along often. Now is not the time to break up the Triplets, but the Bolts are in a precarious cap situation. If captain Steven Stamkos walks as a free agent, there’s more dough for Kucherov.
“It’s something we’ll address at the end of the season,” Scott Greenspun, Kucherov’s agent, told ESPN’s Craig Custance. “That’s what he would prefer. He just wants to focus on having a good season and the team doing well.”
Petr Mrazek
Age on July 1: 24
Position: Goaltender
2015-16 cap hit: $737,500
The stats: Excellent .921 save percentage and 27-16-3 record, with three shutouts.
The situation: Mrazek heisted the starting role in Detroit from Jimmy Howard last spring and looked solid in his first season as a No. 1. Howard’s contract — four more years at $5.3 million per — and no-trade clause means the American will be difficult to move, and Detroit might not want to pin its hopes on Mrazek just yet. He faltered a bit down the stretch, and Howard became the playoff starter. Smart move might be to get Mrazek to ink a bridge deal.
Marcus Johansson
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Left wing
2015-16 cap hit: $3.75 million
The stats: With his best points-per-game average and a career-high plus/minus, the Swedish winger has again played an important role in the Caps’ offence.
The situation: Washington and Johansson nearly headed to arbitration last summer before striking a one-year deal, and the forward has maintained the level of play he exhibited in 2014-15’s breakout season.
Torey Krug
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Defence
2015-16 cap hit: $3.4 million
The stats: The top-four defenceman thrived this season, especially on the power-play, where he put up 19 points. Tons of assists (40) but went 54 games without a goal.
The situation: The Bruins have been leaking blue-liners lately, trading blue-chippers they didn’t think they could re-sign (Johnny Boychuk, Dougie Hamilton). This makes keeping a healthy, young Krug even more important. The player should have plenty of leverage.
“You have to do whatever you have to do,” Krug told reporters after the season. “At this point, it’s a business. You have to protect yourself, make sure you’re taking care of yourself.”
Tyson Barrie
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Defence
2015-16 cap hit: $2.6 million
The stats: Ensconced in a top-four role for the Avs, Barrie led the club’s D-men in points (49) and logged more than 23 minutes per game.
The situation: Colorado needs to hang on to all the quality defencemen it has, and the emerging Barrie falls into that slim category. Though his name has been volleyed about in trade rumours, Colorado will need to find a comparable replacement if it loses Barrie, who has arbitration rights.
Vincent Trocheck
Age on July 1: 22
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $661,666
The stats: A monstrous breakout saw the Pittsburgh native put up 25 goals and 28 assists despite missing the last six games of the season.
The situation: The Panthers’ deadly second line of Trocheck, Reilly Smith and Jussi Jokinen discovered great chemistry. GM Dale Tallon is a big fan of the kid. Expect him to re-sign. We profiled the confident forward here.
Alex Killorn
Age on July 1: 26
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $2.55 million
The stats: The versatile forward is a source of secondary scoring (40 points) and a contributor to both special teams.
The situation: One more complicated piece to the Lightning’s cap-puzzling future, the unheralded Harvard grad built on two solid seasons by breaking out for 18 points in the 2015 playoffs, but his negotiations will be buried behind those of Stamkos and Kucherov.
Brayden Schenn
Age on July 1: 24
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $2.5 million
The stats: Schenn posted career numbers across the board — 26 goals, 33 assists, plus-3 rating — and even outscored $66-million man Jakub Voracek.
The situation: A healthy scratch who watched brother Luke get traded away, Schenn went from having his name pop up in trade rumours to enjoying the best season of his life.
Andrew Shaw
Age on July 1: 24
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $2 million
The stats: With 34 points and a plus-11 rating, Shaw rebounded nicely from a down year, production-wise.
The situation: An agitator of the highest degree, Shaw’s dirty work (and secondary scoring) are of value to the Blackhawks. His role, though important, should limit his salary to a price cap-conscious Chicago can make work. If Shaw demands too much, GM Stan Bowman has a track record of moving on. Note that Chicago chose to lock up its other RFA depth forward, Marcus Kruger, mid-season. Not Shaw.
Sami Vatanen
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Defence
2015-16 cap hit: $1.2625 million
The stats: Set a new career high and paced all Ducks D-men with 38 points. Posted the best plus/minus (+8) among the Ducks’ top four.
The situation: The Ducks would like to-re-sign Vatanen, but with no deal reached and GM Bob Murray on the hunt for scoring, Anaheim may be willing to trade from strength (young defencemen) in order to get a boost upfront. Anaheim blue-line prospects Brandon Montour and Shea Theodore could become NHL regulars. Vatanen’s name was bandied about in trade rumours at the deadline after Murray tried unsuccessfully to extend some of his RFAs. It’s a healthy list that also includes the excellent Hampus Lindholm, whom we believe will be extended.
“We’ve tried on a couple (RFAs) and got nowhere,” Murray said. “Nothing was going anywhere. It’s going to be an interesting summer around here, I’ll tell you that.”
Jaden Schwartz
Age on July 1: 24
Position: Left wing
2015-16 cap hit: $2.35 million
The stats: Spending the bulk of the season on injured reserve with a broken right ankle, Schwartz returned to put up 22 points in 33 games.
The situation: One of the most under-hyped forwards in the West, Schwartz scored 28 goals and 35 assists in 75 games in 2014-15. It’s doubtful Schwartz is going anywhere now, but the Blues will face some tough decisions as captain David Backes and winger Troy Brouwer are also due new deals.
Chris Kreider
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Left wing
2015-16 cap hit: $2.475 million
The stats: The 2009 first-rounder showed big promise last season with 21 goals. A late-season surge helped him repeat that total this season.
The situation: Capable of breaking open a game, Kreider’s two-year bridge deal ends July 1, but he was inconsistent in a season that will directly affect his pocketbook. Kreider picked up his play down the stretch after being subjected to trade rumours.
Frederik Andersen
Age on July 1: 27
Position: Goaltender
2015-16 cap hit: $1.15 million
The stats: Andersen’s sparkling 22-9-4 record and .919 save percentage helped he and John Gibson claim the William M. Jennings Trophy.
The situation: The NHL’s lowest-paid No. 1 goalie entering this season temporarily lost his starting job to rookie John Gibson, who already got an extension and an All-Star Game invite. Andersen could be used as a trade chip after the playoffs. Toronto’s Lou Lamoriello is scouting.
“At the end of the day it’s going to take care of itself, whatever may happen,” Andersen told Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston on March 24. “It’s out of my control right now except the way I play, and I think that’s the only thing I worry about.”
Seth Jones
Age on July 1: 21
Position: Defence
2015-16 cap hit: $925,000
The stats: A minus-14 player this season, Jones saw his point production double once moved from Nashville to Columbus.
The situation: The Blue Jackets traded star centre Ryan Johansen to Nashville for Jones, so you better believe they’ll make him part of their core for the future. Use the six-year, $30-million deal Toronto gave to Morgan Rielly as a starting point.
Johnny Gaudreau
Age on July 1: 22
Position: Left wing
2015-16 cap hit: $1 million
The stats: Finished tied for sixth in overall scoring with 30 goals and 78 points. Selected to 2016 All-Star Game.
The situation: Undoubtedly in line for a huge raise, the 2015 Calder finalist continues to wow us. That he’s not eligible for arbitration gives GM Brad Treliving leverage here, but it will be interesting to see if the Flames go bridge or long term.
“Whatever is best for the Flames and whatever is best for us, we’ll come to an agreement and we’ll figure something out,” Gaudreau said when negotiations began in February.
Sean Monahan
Age on July 1: 21
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $925,000
The stats: Came just shy of repeating 2014-15’s 30-goal mark again, but Monahan set a new high with 63 points.
The situation: The kid is a two-way centre who can defend, create plays and scored 31 goals as a sophomore — and that’s not boring. The Flames have long said they’re willing to spend to the cap. By trading away impending free agents Kris Russell and Jiri Hudler, the Flames cleared space to take care of both Gaudreau and Monahan.
“We’ll get to work on it. We’ll get contracts done,” GM Brad Treliving said at the end of the season. “I know that they’re both excited to be here. They’re both going to be big parts of this team moving forward.”
The big question: Will RFA Joe Colborne, 26, be the odd man out?
Brandon Pirri
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $925,000
The stats: Hockey’s 2015 Cy Young champ sniped 22 goals last season but only had a pair of assists. This year he had more helpers (15) than goals (14).
The situation: Florida dealt Pirri to Anaheim, a club hungry for offence, at the deadline. If Pirri fares well in the playoffs, it makes sense for the Ducks to re-sign him. Keep in mind, though, Anaheim’s Rickard Rakell is also turning RFA.
Jacob Trouba
Age on July 1: 22
Position: Defence
2015-16 cap hit: $894,166
The stats: Like several of his teammates, Trouba had a down year statistically. He registered 21 points while setting a career high in penalties.
The situation: The Winnipeg Free Press reported that Trouba originally asked for upwards of $56 million over eight years. His play this season hinders his negotiating power a bit. The Ottawa Sun reported in late March that the Jets and Trouba’s camp are “nowhere close” in contract talks. Could be a valuable trade chip if the Jets decide to go that route. By trading away Andrew Ladd, Winnipeg has the space to lock up Trouba if it wants.
Valeri Nichushkin
Age on July 1: 21
Position: Right wing
2015-16 cap hit: $925,000
The stats: That breakout year from Nichushkin still awaits… right? The winger had 29 points and failed to get his goal total into double digits.
The situation: We originally predicted a big raise for the 2013 first-rounder, but Nichushkin will have little sway when he sits down to hash out a new deal with Jim Nill this summer.
“He is frustrated, but he is frustrated with himself,” agent Mark Gandler said. “He wants to score more, and he knows he’s getting chances and he wants to put the puck in. I think that is natural for him.”
Zemgus Girgensons
Age on July 1: 22
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $894,166
The stats: Not quite the all-star he was last season, the Latvian rap muse mustered just seven goals while new guys Jack Eichel, Evander Kane and Ryan O’Reilly surpassed him on the Sabres depth chart.
The situation: GM Tim Murray said the Sabres still need to figure out if Girgensons is a centre or a wing. Regardless, he didn’t help his cause this season.
Filip Forsberg
Age on July 1: 21
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $894,166
The stats: After a stellar rookie campaign, Forsberg led the Predators in scoring with 33 goals and 31 assists. A stud.
The situation: GM David Poile said he is putting negotiations aside for now so Forsberg can focus on the playoffs. We’d be surprised if things don’t go smoothly here, but the term will be worth watching. Interesting that the Preds locked up defenceman Matthias Ekholm, another pending RFA, first.
Mark Scheifele
Age on July 1: 23
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $863,333
The stats: Despite missing 11 games to a lower-body injury, Scheifele set career highs in goals (29) and points (61). Earned a spot on Canada’s world championship squad.
The situation: The Kitchener, Ont., native has shown significant improvement, and with the Jets blatantly putting trust in their youth, re-signing a 23-year-old centre should be a no-brainer. The Jets have plenty of cap space.
Boone Jenner
Age on July 1: 23
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $778,333
The stats: While most of the Blue Jackets news is doom and gloom, Jenner quietly enjoyed a career year. He and Brandon Saad became the first Columbus teammates to hit 30 goals in the same season. Will represent Canada at the worlds.
The situation: Jenner’s sophomore season was jinxed with a broken hand, but the 215-pounder is making his impact felt. The Jackets brass will have their hands full as Seth Jones and Ryan Murray also turn RFA on July 1.
Kyle Palmieri
Age on July 1: 25
Position: Right wing
2015-16 cap hit: $1.6 million
The stats: Palmieri led all Devils in goals (30) and points (57) and was a beast on the power-play. Put up some of the league’s best penalty-drawing stats, too.
The situation: GM Ray Shero, who traded for Palmieri shortly after getting the Devils job, says he’s open to re-signing his top scorer. He better.
Tomas Hertl
Age on July 1: 22
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $925,000
The stats: Tagged a potential star after some ridiculous highlights in his rookie season (2013-14), Hertl has settled nicely into a role of secondary scorer, becoming a 20-goal man for the first time.
The situation: The Czech’s age indicates that he has yet to reach his ceiling, and Joe Thornton has given him credit for his fantastic season. A guess: bridge deal.
Rasmus Ristolainen
Age on July 1: 21
Position: Defence
2015-16 cap hit: $925,000
The stats: The Finn posted 32 assists and did some excellent work on the power-play. Led all Sabres in ice time.
The situation: A breakout year by the young defenceman should get him paid as GM Tim Murray builds for the future. One of the most under-discussed stories of 2015-16.
Danny DeKeyser
Age on July 1: 26
Position: Defence
2015-16 cap hit: $2.187 million
The stats: Has grown into a top-four presence in Motown. Though he didn’t meet last season’s 31 points (a career high), DeKeyser did put up 20 and is playing more responsible hockey.
The situation: A case of a 20-something D-man taking a bridge deal and proving his worth. Now it’s up to the Red Wings to commit.
Victor Rask
Age on July 1: 23
Position: Centre
2015-16 cap hit: $680,833
The stats: An emerging centre who enjoyed his best season statistically: 21 goals, 48 points.
The situation: With the Hurricanes’ only option to build for the future, it would be smart to give Rask a decent raise and keep him in red. He may require off-season shoulder surgery, though.
Ryan Murray
Age on July 1: 22
Position: Defence
2015-16 cap hit: $894,166
The stats: Murray had 25 points and was the only top-four defenceman to play all 82 games for Columbus.
The situation: Murray and Jones are supposed to be the Blue Jackets’ top pairing of the future. Partially due to an injury that cost him to miss 70 games last season, Murray’s development lags a bit behind. He played well enough to get a Team Canada invite to the worlds.
Mathew Dumba
Age on July 1: 21
Position: Defence
2015-16 cap hit: $894,166
The stats: Thrust into a prominent role on the Wild blue-line, Dumba responded well. His 26 points make for a career year, statistically.
The situation: The Wild already committed to defenceman Jared Spurgeon, another impending RFA. Dumba is a fan favourite, but his name was linked in a reported pitch for Tampa’s Jonathan Drouin midway through the season.
Louis Domingue
Age on July 1: 20
Position: Goaltender
2015-16 cap hit: $605,000
The stats: A solid .912 save percentage and 15 wins in relief.
The situation: When Coyotes starter Mike Smith went down long-term to injury, Domingue played his way onto this list. With so much money ($5.66 million a year through 2019) tied up in Smith, how much more will the Coyotes be willing to spend in net?
Zack Kassian
Age on July 1: 24
Position: Right wing
2015-16 cap hit: $1.75 million
The stats: Made an impact with the Oilers, scoring thrice and racking up 114 penalty minutes in just 36 games.
The situation: Traded in the summer from Vancouver to Montreal. As a passenger involved in a car crash prior to his Habs debut, Kassian broke his nose and left foot. He went through the NHL’s substance abuse program and was traded to Edmonton. The agitator faced a make-or-break winter, and coach Todd McLellan called his fourth line “tremendous” in April.
