Many RFA’s Still To Be Signed – Here’s The Who’s Who

While those who were eligible and filed for salary arbitration earlier in the summer all came to an agreement before the scheduled hearings, there are a number of top-level restricted free agents still looking for contracts.

What may or may not be surprising is the fact that there have been no offer sheets on the 5 or 6 premium names that are yet to sign.  Especially the Toronto pair that the Leafs are going to have a hard time fitting both of under the salary cap this season.

Feb 15, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen (2) skates during the third period against the Florida Panthers at the BankAtlantic Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it is fear of future retribution or retaliation, or simply a matter of their own finances, many of the names on this list should be worthy of negotiating with to see what it would take for them to sign.

Alex Pietrangelo, St Louis

May 4, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) handles the puck in game three of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The young 23 year old defenseman will be a contender for Team Canada’s Olympic team, and was in the conversation for the Norris Trophy over the last couple of years.  That success might be the stumbling block as the player is probably looking to cash in, but the Blues already are among the leaders in terms of dollars committed to defensemen.  The Blues have the cap space, but seem to be attempting to show fiscal responsibility, a rarity these days.

Nazem Kadri, Toronto Maple Leafs

May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) carries the puck against the Boston Bruins during game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Bruins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

After buying out Mikhail Grabovski to be able to sign Tyler Bozak, there is a problem finding cap space for their #2 centre.  Kadri likely is looking for a longer term deal but will likely have to settle for a bridge deal.The Leafs have less than $5M in cap space and 2 quality UFA’s, who might be standing in each other’s way to a deal.

Cody Franson, Toronto Maple Leafs

May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Franson (4) carries the puck against the Boston Bruins in game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Boston 2-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Just like Kadri, Franson will likely have to take a shorter term deal before the cap goes up next year and he can get his name on a longer term deal.  However, short deals are risky, and Franson is coming off his best ever season, so his asking price is legitimately high.

Cody Hodgson, Buffalo Sabres

Apr 19, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Cody Hodgson (19) shoots on the New York Rangers net during the second period at the First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Hodgson is coming off a great season, but it was really his first impact on the NHL.  He is a candidate for a short term “bridge contract”, but as the Sabres only true offensive threat (at least until Mikhail Grigorenko matures) he has the Sabres over a barrel.

Marcus Johansson, Washington Capitals

May 8, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals center Marcus Johansson (90) handles the puck against the New York Rangers during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

After the Caps let Mike Ribeiro walk, Johansson was expected to be a legitimate top 6 forward and as such will expect to be paid as such.  There have been rumors surfacing in the last couple of days that the Caps might have trading on their minds when it comes to Johansson.

Derek Stepan, New York Rangers

May 25, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New York Rangers forward Derek Stepan (21) faces off against Boston Bruins forward

(23) in game five of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

Stepan took a big step forward in his third year with the Rangers, netting nearly a point per game and taking a more offensive role.  If he expects to get paid among the elite, he might have some waiting to do.

Jared Cowen, Ottawa Senators

Feb 15, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Jared Cowen (2) skates during the third period against the Florida Panthers at the BankAtlantic Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Counted on to be a top 4 defenseman and coming off a major hip injury, Cowen is another player who will likely need to prove himself before getting a long-term deal.  He missed a lot of development time last season and needs to be on the ice to continue his improvement to become the top end player he has the potential to become.

Other Options

Some players, especially Europeans, investigate their options of playing elsewhere.  A couple have already elected to forego the trials and tribulations of NHL contract negotiation and signed on in Europe.  Alexandre Burmistrov and Leo Komarov are two examples of players who were either frustrated with their roles in the NHL, or offered more lucrative deals to play in the KHL.

Apr. 22, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Alex Burmistrov (8) looks for the puck during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Winnipeg beats Buffalo 2 to 1. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

I wouldn’t expect any of the previously mentioned players to pursue that avenue, but it might take some time for them to come to a contract agreement, even if it means missing the start of the year in some cases.