For the first time since 2019, the NHL’s annual free-agent period begins at noon ET on July 1. Hockey fans and pundits will be focused on the potential destinations of the unrestricted free agents (UFAs). At the same time, the negotiations involving notable restricted free agent (RFA) players could also garner headlines.

Like UFAs, restricted free agents can re-sign with their current teams between now and July 1. The difference is the rights of RFA players remain with their current teams beyond July 1 unless they’re traded or their clubs decline to re-sign them. RFAs have until 5 pm ET on Dec. 1 to sign new contracts or become ineligible to play in the NHL for the remainder of the season.

Some, such as Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield, are completing their entry-level contracts. Others, like the New Jersey Devils’ Jesper Bratt, are coming off their second or third contracts and have arbitration rights.

Here are our predictions for what the top 10 NHL RFAs will receive for their next contracts. We’ll examine their current deals, how much we anticipate they’re entitled to, and for how long. 

Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils

With a team-leading 73 points in 76 games last season, Jesper Bratt seemed in line for a significant raise on a long-term deal coming off a breakout campaign. Instead, he and the New Jersey Devils agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract.

In a Nov. 23 interview with The Fourth Period’s James Nichols, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald indicated contract talks had begun with Bratt. Nichols indicated Fitzgerald made several attempts with different structured offers to keep the 24-year-old winger in New Jersey on an eight-year deal before reaching an agreement on the one-year contract.

On Dec. 29, NJ.com’s Ryan Novozinsky reported Bratt remained committed to inking a long-term extension with the Devils. Sitting second among Devils scorers this season with 46 points in as many games, he’s proven to be an invaluable part of the club’s development into a playoff contender.

There’s no indication if Fitzgerald is making progress in his contract discussions with the Bratt camp. The playmaking winger is going to get a substantial raise on a long-term deal. How much and for how long remains to be determined.

Prediction

Bratt agrees to an eight-year deal worth $8.5 million per season with the Devils.

Cole Caufield, Montreal Canadiens

Over the past two years, the Montreal Canadiens have endured a roller coaster of highs (reaching the 2021 Stanley Cup Final) and lows (finishing dead last in 2021-22). During that time, diminutive winger Cole Caufield emerged as a rising offensive star.

After finishing third among Canadiens scorers with 12 points in 20 games in the 2021 playoffs, the rookie Caufield overcome a poor first half to finish last season with a team-leading 23 goals in 67 games.

Leading the Canadiens with 26 goals in 46 games, the 5’7″, 174-pound left winger was on pace to perhaps become the first Hab to score 50 goals in a season since Stephan Richer in 1989-90. Unfortunately, his season came to an end as he will undergo shoulder surgery.

Despite the ups and downs in his short NHL career, Caufield has displayed the ability to become an elite scoring star for the Canadiens. The 22-year-old is in the final season of his entry-level contract and lacks arbitration rights. Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is hopeful of inking Caufield to a long-term extension.

Prediction

Despite his season-ending surgery, expect Caufield to sign an eight-year deal worth $8 million per season.