The NHL’s 2025 free-agent frenzy is winding down, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t intriguing scenarios still playing out.
That includes RFAs who haven’t agreed to a new deal with their current teams and could be headed to salary arbitration, where an arbitrator will decide on a one- or two-year contract and the average annual value.
Let’s break down three RFAs who, either by arbitration or by the next contract they sign, could be getting the biggest cap hits of any RFA on their next deal.
Bowen Byram, D, Buffalo Sabres
Far and away the most talked-about RFA, Byram can no longer sign an offer sheet after the Sabres elected for arbitration over the weekend.
Byram’s qualifying offer is $4.62 million for one season, but the offer expires by July 15.
That said, Byram will almost certainly earn more than that after averaging 22:42 of ice time and recording 38 points this past season.
Byram could choose to sign a two-year contract extension that would lead him to become a UFA afterward. But he could also sign a long-term contract extension with Buffalo or, more likely, with a new team for far more than he made this past season.
That’s the expectation we have for Byram – a trade away from the Sabres, and a five- to seven-year contract extension with a new team at between $7 million to $8 million per year.
Lukas Dostal, G, Anaheim Ducks
For a while now, Dostal has been considered the goalie of the future in Anaheim. After Ducks GM Pat Verbeek traded veteran John Gibson to the Detroit Red Wings on June 28, Dostal is the goalie of the present. He now has all the negotiating leverage he could ask for.
The 25-year-old improved his numbers to a 3.10 goals-against average and .903 save percentage in 54 appearances this past season. Those aren’t Vezina Trophy-worthy but could improve as the Ducks improve around him. But there’s no question that Dostal’s salary of $812,500 this past season will be dwarfed by his next deal.
Dostal filed for arbitration, which could take place between July 20 and Aug. 4, according to NHLPA.com. RFAs can sign at any time between now and their arbitration date, and we anticipate Dostal will sign well in advance of his hearing. The Ducks don’t have the leverage here, and a new deal that pleases Dostal for the next few years should happen fairly quickly.
As Cam York Re-Signs With Flyers, Which NHL RFA Defensemen Are Left?The Philadelphia Flyers re-signed RFA defenseman Cam York to a five-year contract on Monday.
Gabriel Vilardi, RW/C, Winnipeg Jets
After earning about $3.43 million this past season, Vilardi filed for arbitration, putting him on course to get a handsome raise. The 25-year-old posted career highs in goals (27), assists (34) and points (61) in 71 games this past season, and he’s a vital part of the Jets’ offensive attack.
Vilardi currently slots in as Winnipeg’s first-line right winger, and he led Jets forwards in power-play ice time per game. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff also has a proven track record of securing his players on long-term contracts that look like bargains from the get-go. Winnipeg has more than enough salary cap space to accommodate Vilardi’s next payday, and the only question here is what kind of term Vilardi signs for.
If Cheveldayoff wants to re-sign Vilardi on a short-term contract, the annual average salary Vilardi gets will be significantly higher than it would be on a long-term pact. But in either case, Vilardi will get at least $6 million per season, and likely more than $7 million.
His history of injuries may be a factor, as Vilardi has yet to play more than 71 games in any of his six NHL seasons. But keeping Vilardi happy is part of Cheveldayoff’s challenge, and we don’t see him poisoning the waters with a key component of Winnipeg’s competitive puzzle.
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.