6 Restricted Free Agents Still Without Contracts

Being a restricted free agent without a contract is a tough spot to be in just weeks before training camp opens. We saw last season what a holdout can do for a goaltender, as Boston Bruins' Jeremy Swayman never really got 'right' and the Bruins failed because of it, and eventually traded their captain to the Stanley Cup champions.

Heading into the 2025-26 season, there's still six restricted free agents who, as the second week of September approaches, don't have a contract for next season. They include:

Mason McTavish, Anaheim Ducks

The 22-year-old McTavish is supposed to be the Ducks' number-two center of the future behind Leo Carlsson, and with Trevor Zegras traded this past summer, all eyes turned to McTavish to land a lucrative contract extension. That hasn't been the case at all, and many are left scratching their head as McTavish was one of the teams leaders in second half production last season. Expect to see a new contract come in around $7 million on a long term, and $4 million on a short term.

Wyatt Kaiser, Chicago Blackhawks

The 23-year-old played around 20 minutes per night for the Blackhawks last season, appearing in 57 games, registering eight points. He's developing nicely into a shut-down defenceman and with some of the Blackhawks' offensive talents on the back end, he could turn into the perfect complement. Expect to see a deal come in around $5.5 million on a long-term contract, and $3 million on a short term deal. 

Connor Zary, Calgary Flames

Zary was one of the best Flames forward to finish last season, and from all accounts, is going to be a major part of their franchise moving forward. So, what is Craig Conroy waiting for? The 23-year-old Zary should expect a long-term offer around $5.7 million and if it's a three-year contract, could come in around $3.5 million AAV.

Luke Evangelista, Nashville Predators

Evangelista was a high-end junior prospect who has had to change his game a little bit to be able to contribute at the pro level. He's done well to post 86 points in 172 games, sometimes in a limited role, and looking forward, should be a big piece of the Preds' future, as the team could transition to selling if they don't make a strong push of the gates this season. A contract around $2.4 million AAV makes sense on a short-term deal.

Alexander Holtz, Vegas Golden Knights

After being acquired in a summertime trade last year, Holtz had a tough first year in Vegas, scoring just 12 points in 53 games. It's very hard to pinpoint exactly what Holtz' value is, and with the Golden Knights next season, he's likely a bottom-six depth forward who could help the team with some secondary scoring. He'll need to work on his defensive game if he wants to stick around the NHL. Look for a contract to come in under $1 million AAV. 

Luke Hughes, New Jersey Devils

There's been two reports surface from the negotiations between Luke Hughes and the Devils, and one stated the two sides were very far part on AAV, and the other was from GM Tom Fitzgerald stating there's nothing to worry about and a deal is going to get done before the start of the season. Sounds like 'when' and not 'if' at this point, as Hughes wants to stick around New Jersey long term, and wait for his brother Quinn to arrive.

photo credit: © Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images