Trending Now: 07/06/2025 - NHL RFAs take Spotlight

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Top 15 NHL Restricted Free Agents to Watch in 2025

After the first wave of NHL free agency, most of this summer’s biggest names have already found their new homes. Now, teams are shifting their focus to restricted free agents (RFAs) — and this year’s class includes a number of impact players.

From top‑six forwards to top‑four defensemen and a few goaltenders in key situations, here are the Top 15 RFAs to watch this summer:

Gabriel Vilardi – Winnipeg Jets

Vilardi posted 61 points last season, seeing time on Winnipeg’s first line and top power play. There’s no indication he’s leaving, with GM Kevin Cheveldayoff calling his arbitration filing “procedural.”

Marco Rossi – Minnesota Wild

Rossi also tallied 60 points but remains a bit of a question mark. His name surfaced in trade rumors earlier this year, and the team’s long‑term commitment is unclear. He could still be a trade candidate.

Mason McTavish – Anaheim Ducks

The 20‑goal center enters restricted free agency amid plenty of buzz. McTavish projects as Anaheim’s second‑line center next season — if he signs his new deal.

Luke Hughes – New Jersey Devils

Hughes notched 44 points despite just 7 goals. New Jersey has no real concern about retaining him. He’ll continue to anchor the second power play and top‑four pairing.

Bowen Byram – Buffalo Sabres (Buffalo elected Arbitration)

Perhaps the most intriguing name in this class, Byram is a highly sought‑after left‑shot defenseman. With Buffalo already trading J.J. Peterka, another deal for Byram isn’t out of the question.

Kaapo Kakko – Seattle Kraken

The former No. 2 pick found new life after a trade to Seattle, earning a first‑line role and contributing on the second power play. He’s filed for arbitration and seems primed to stay put.

Lukas Dostal – Anaheim Ducks

With John Gibson traded to Detroit, Dostal is now Anaheim’s presumed No. 1. His .903 save percentage was solid, and the team’s only fallback, Petr Mrazek, inspires little confidence.

Alex Laferriere – Los Angeles Kings

Coming off a 19‑goal, 42‑point season, Laferriere is a big part of the Kings’ plans. GM Rob Blake has already said, “We’re going to find a solution.” He’s penciled in as the second‑line RW.

Dylan Samberg – Winnipeg Jets

The big, shutdown defenseman filed for arbitration and is expected to return in his top‑four role next season.

Cameron York – Philadelphia Flyers

Once seen as a dynamic power‑play quarterback, York has yet to meet expectations and fell off both PP units last season. He’ll still likely return to his top‑pair role alongside Travis Sanheim.

Maxim Tsyplakov – New York Islanders

The gritty winger chipped in 10 goals and 35 points in his rookie season and filed for arbitration. He should remain a bottom‑six option on Long Island.

Luke Evangelista – Nashville Predators

After a disappointing 10‑goal, 32‑point season, Evangelista vowed to improve — likely still in a second‑line and second power‑play role in Nashville.

Mackie Samoskevich – Florida Panthers

The Cup‑winning winger contributed 15 goals in Florida’s title defense. He’ll likely return on a cap‑friendly deal and remain a bottom‑six piece of their rotation.

Connor Zary – Calgary Flames

Zary’s midseason injury slowed him down, but he remains central to Calgary’s forward corps. He projects as the Flames’ first‑line RW and second power‑play option.

Devon Levi – Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo’s crease is crowded, but the Sabres are unlikely to let Levi walk for nothing. Expect him to compete with UPL and Lyon for starts this season.

We’ll keep you updated as these RFAs sign and as potential trades develop. Stay tuned for more analysis on the fantasy hockey fallout of each move.