Who Are the Top Remaining RFAs That Are Currently Unsigned?
As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, not every young star has secured their place on the ice just yet. A number of promising restricted free agents, or RFAs for short, remain unsigned, leaving fans and teams alike anxiously waiting to see how negotiations unfold. For rebuilding franchises and contenders alike, these contract situations carry major implications, as locking down young talent is often the key to long-term stability and success. Players like Luke Hughes, Mason McTavish, Connor Zary, Alexander Holtz, and Wyatt Kaiser represent the future of their respective organizations, but uncertainty lingers, and other teams have the potential to sign away these players from their teams. The following looks at each of these players, their importance to their teams, and what their current RFA status means heading into the season.
Luke Hughes
Luke Hughes, one of the NHL’s most promising young defensemen, finds himself in a holding pattern as an unsigned restricted free agent heading into the 2025-26 season for the New Jersey Devils. The 21-year-old blueliner, drafted fourth overall by the Devils in 2021, has already shown flashes of his elite skating and offensive instincts, living up to the Hughes family reputation. After a strong start to his NHL career, he’s proven he can handle top-four minutes and contribute on both special teams, making his contract situation all the more pressing for New Jersey. Negotiations have reportedly been ongoing, with the Devils needing to balance their cap space after investing heavily in their core. Hughes remains a critical but unresolved piece of New Jersey’s future, and fans are eager to see how quickly this situation gets resolved.
Mason McTavish
Mason McTavish, one of the Anaheim Ducks’ cornerstone forwards, enters the upcoming season still unsigned as a restricted free agent for the Ducks. Drafted third overall in 2021, McTavish has developed into a powerful two-way center who combines physicality with a natural scoring touch, making him a vital part of the Ducks’ rebuild. His ability to drive play, contribute on special teams, and bring leadership qualities well beyond his years has made him a fan favorite in Anaheim. However, his RFA status has left a cloud of uncertainty as the Ducks work to balance their payroll around a young, emerging core. McTavish’s camp will almost certainly be pushing for a long-term, big-money deal reflective of his role as a franchise centerpiece, while Anaheim may prefer to make sure every dollar is spent wisely to maximize the potential of their current rebuild. Regardless of how negotiations play out, McTavish’s importance to the Ducks’ future is undeniable, and securing him will be one of the team’s top priorities this offseason.
Connor Zary
Connor Zary, a promising young forward for the Calgary Flames, remains unsigned as a restricted free agent heading into the 2025-26 season. After breaking into the NHL as a skilled and versatile offensive presence, Zary quickly established himself as a key part of Calgary’s forward group. This especially includes his capability of contributing both as a playmaker and a finisher. His hockey IQ and ability to slot into different roles in the top nine make him a crucial asset as the Flames continue to shape their identity in a competitive Western Conference.
Alexander Holtz
Alexander Holtz, the talented winger for the Vegas Golden Knights, remains an unsigned restricted free agent as the upcoming season approaches. Drafted seventh overall back in 2020 for the Devils thanks to his elite shot and pure scoring ability, Holtz has shown flashes of being a dangerous offensive weapon, though consistency and defensive abilities have sometimes been a hurdle in his early NHL career. With the Golden Knights boasting a strong core up front, Holtz’s ability to establish himself as a regular contributor on the wing is especially valuable, as he brings a scoring touch that complements their high-paced, skill-driven offense. His camp is likely pushing for a contract that reflects his potential as a long-term top-six winger, while Vegas may prefer a shorter bridge deal until he proves himself as a reliable and steady producer at the NHL level. Despite the uncertainty around his contract, Holtz is seen as a player who could blossom into a consistent 20-30 goal scorer with the right opportunity. Getting him signed and integrated into the lineup will be important for the Golden Knights as they continue to chase contention in the Western Conference.
Wyatt Kaiser
Wyatt Kaiser, the young defenseman for the Chicago Blackhawks, is still an unsigned restricted free agent heading into September. Known for his smooth skating and puck-moving ability, Kaiser has been developing into a reliable two-way presence on the blue line, showing flashes of strong decision-making and mobility in transition. While not a flashy offensive defenseman, his calm play style and ability to move the puck out of danger make him an important piece for Chicago as they continue their rebuild around Connor Bedard and their young core. Despite his consistency being a work in progress, Kaiser has the tools to become a dependable NHL blueliner who can log meaningful minutes. Getting him signed will be a priority for Chicago, as his presence could help stabilize a blue line that has been in flux over the past few seasons.
Unsigned RFAs are always one of the most intriguing storylines of any NHL offseason, and the upcoming campaign is no different. The young players still without contracts are not just role players, but they are players with the potential to shape their team’s identity for years to come. Whether it’s Hughes’s elite upside in New Jersey, McTavish’s grit and skill in Anaheim, Zary’s playmaking in Calgary, Holtz’s scoring touch in Vegas, or Kaiser’s defensive development in Chicago, each situation has its own weight and urgency. Ultimately, the outcome of these negotiations could have ripple effects across the league, as teams fight to balance cap space, player demands, and future roster planning. Until deals are finalized, fans will continue to watch closely, knowing these signings could make or break the season.
