NHL Summer Standoff: RFAs Await New Deals Amidst Team Hardball
The Calgary Flames made headway in their offseason negotiations by securing winger Connor Zary with a three-year, $11.3 million contract extension. While this signing marks progress for the Flames, it also highlights a larger issue within the NHL: six restricted free agents (RFAs) remain unsigned as training camps inch closer. The list includes notable names such as Mason McTavish from Anaheim, Luke Hughes of New Jersey, Nashville’s Luke Evangelista, Alexander Holtz from Vegas, Rasmus Kupari of Winnipeg, and Wyatt Kaiser of Chicago.
Rising Tension Among RFAs
As the calendar flips to September, the lack of movement in contract negotiations for these young players has become increasingly conspicuous. Teams appear resolute in their hardball tactics, often forcing players to grapple with the disparity between their perceived market value and the offers on the table. This standoff can lead to not just frustration, but potential long-term damage to team-player relationships.
In this climate, speculation arises about whether the Montreal Canadiens might exploit the situation with the Anaheim Ducks to address their need for a second-line center. The sheer number of quality RFAs still available is striking, but what stands out even more is the absence of any offer sheets—a tactic often regarded as a strategic maneuver in the NHL.
The Offer Sheet Drought
The NHL has always been a league that tends to mimic successful strategies, yet the offer sheet remains conspicuously absent this summer. This is notable given the recent history; last year, St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong stunned the hockey world by successfully signing both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway away from Edmonton through offer sheets, a move that revitalized the Blues’ rebuilding efforts. Before that, you have to go back to 2007 to find an offer sheet that resulted in a player switching teams.
Now, as six RFAs linger without contracts, the anticipation around the potential for bold moves grows. Canadiens president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton had initially predicted that the increase in salary cap space would encourage teams to leverage offer sheets more aggressively. Yet, months into the offseason, that expectation has not materialized, leaving many frustrated and wondering when—or if—teams will take action.
Anaheim’s Pressure to Resolve McTavish’s Situation
Among the unsigned RFAs, McTavish’s situation stands out as particularly precarious. Adam Proteau from The Hockey News recently noted that the Ducks are under pressure to secure McTavish, whose contributions have been vital, averaging 19 goals over his first three seasons. For Anaheim, making the playoffs hinges on having all their key players, and McTavish is no exception.
The longer the Ducks wait to finalize a deal with him, the greater the risk of damaging their relationship and potentially losing him in the future. On the 32 Thoughts podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that discussions between McTavish and the Ducks are complicated. Anaheim’s preference for a long-term contract contrasts with McTavish’s desire for a shorter bridge deal that would allow him to hit unrestricted free agency sooner.
Montreal’s Opportunity in the Market
While an offer sheet might seem unlikely given Anaheim’s cap situation and the likelihood of matching any substantial offer, the Canadiens possess a strong array of prospects and draft picks that could entice the Ducks. With additional selections in the 2026 draft, Montreal could potentially package center prospect Michael Hage along with another player and a second-round pick to make a compelling offer.
The Canadiens are in a position to capitalize on this unique market dynamic. With the recent trade of Jim Carey to the San Jose Sharks, they have the cap space to maneuver. Should they pursue McTavish, a contract similar to Marco Rossi’s recent three-year, $15 million extension could serve as a model. This move could effectively land Montreal their much-needed second-line center to complement Nick Suzuki.
As the situation evolves, the NHL landscape remains poised for potential shifts, with RFAs caught in a waiting game while teams navigate the complexities of contract negotiations.
