2024 Offseason Watch: Top 5 Restricted Free Agents This Offseason

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 , , ,

As the NHL offseason looms, attention zeroes in on the top restricted free agents (RFAs) set to shape the league's landscape.

Leading the pack are Filip Hronek of the Vancouver Canucks, Moritz Seider from the Detroit Red Wings, Casey Mittelstadt, recently traded to the Colorado Avalanche, Lucas Raymond also from the Red Wings, and Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes, as noted by Luke Fox.

Each player presents a unique negotiation challenge for their respective teams.

Filip Hronek, a pivotal defenseman for the Canucks, has turned heads with his standout performances but has rejected the initial contract offer, eyeing a salary commensurate with his contributions.

The 26-year-old Hronek has blown past his previous career-highs, holding a current total of five goals and 45 points, along with a fantastic +32 plus/minus rating and 74 blocked shots across 72 games played.

Meanwhile, Moritz Seider's emergence as a defensive cornerstone for the Red Wings has management contemplating a substantial long-term extension, recognizing his pivotal role in the team's rebuild.

The 22-year-old Seider will have a tall task matching his 50-point total from his rookie season over the final 11 games, currently holding eight goals, 38 total points, a -4 plus/minus rating, 174 blocked shots and 170 hits across 71 games played this season.

For Casey Mittelstadt, his relocation to the Colorado Avalanche adds intrigue to his contract negotiations, with Colorado keen on securing their 2C position amidst his promising potential.

The 25-year-old Mittelstadt is on track for the best season of his 7-year NHL career, amassing 16 goals and 52 total points across 69 games played, with the former first-round pick putting up two goals and five points over his first seven games with Colorado.

In Detroit, the Red Wings face crucial decisions with both Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Raymond's leading role in team scoring adds weight to negotiations, with management weighing the risk of a long-term commitment against his undeniable talent.

Raymond is having a fantastic third NHL season, scoring 24 goals and 60 total points over 71 games played this year, beating his previous career-high of 23 goals and 57 points, set in his rookie season.

Similarly, Seth Jarvis's emergence as a key player for the Hurricanes prompts discussions about his future, with Carolina considering whether to bridge him or make a long-term investment in his burgeoning skillset.

The 22-year-old Jarvis has also blown past his previous career highs, amassing 27 goals and 57 points over 72 games played in his third NHL season.

As negotiations unfold, these top RFAs hold the power to reshape their teams' rosters and influence their competitiveness for seasons to come. Photo Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

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