3 Notable RFAs No-Shows As Training Camps Open Across NHL (inc. Latest Intel on Talks)

Luke Hughes, NJ Devils on ice during warmup

It's the first day of camp for most players around the NHL, but for three very notable unsigned restricted free agents, it's the first day of a holdout, and the umpteenth day in their stalemated contract talks.

Luke Hughes & NJ Devils 'Grinding' Away at deal

Yesterday, insider Pierre LeBrun told us that "a longer-term deal remains the preferred option for both sides, but all options are on the table to get the restricted free agent signed.

Tom Fitzgerald on Luke Hughes contract: "This is part of the process. We're grinding through this together. Respecting each others opinions. But this is part of the process. We're dissapointed he's not here, he's dissapointed he's not here."#NJDevils
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) September 18, 2025

"We're grinding through this together. Respecting each other's opinions. But this is part of the process. We're disappointed he's not here, he's disappointed he's not here," said GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Mason McTavish & Anaheim Ducks 'in a tough place'

LeBrun says this RFA negotiation is the most problematic at this time, calling it "difficult by all accounts...

"We’ll see where this one goes, but as of Tuesday, communication was ongoing, but it was still in a tough place". Eric Stephens of The Athletic adds that talks have been happening daily.

Trade rumors surrounded McTavish during the summer, but the Ducks and GM Pat Verbeek have never been close to taking serious trade calls... At least not yet. Now camp is underway, and the Ducks' second-line center is absent.

Luke Evangelista and Predators far apart on AAV

According to LeBrun, the two sides are still far apart on money, and Evangelista will not be at camp for the foreseeable future.

Both sides are comfortable doing a two-year deal but there remains a sizeable gap on salary. Needs to be some real movement there. https://t.co/ty9duFZ7M3
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 18, 2025

He adds that a two-year deal seems to be an agreeable term, but there's "a sizeable gap" on salary.

#Preds GM Barry Trotz says potentially trading Luke Evangelista is "not even a thought." Preds simply want to get a contract done.
— Brooks Bratten (@brooksbratten) September 18, 2025

Beat writer Brooks Bratten says that GM Barry Trotz refers to the possibility of trading Evangelista as "not even a thought."