Several big name RFAs remain unsigned, and the clock is ticking with NHL training camps just days away. While cornerstone players such as Johnny Gaudreau should have no problem getting a deal done, a fair number of RFAs have something worry about.
One of the more tenuous RFA situations seems to be Valeri Nichushkin's negotiation with the Dallas Stars. The 22 year old winger has struggled to live up to the draft hype thus far, and with the signing of winger Jiri Hudler, he may struggle to stick in the top six. There are even reports of Nichushkin and his agent speaking with various KHL teams, which most fans hope is nothing more than a leverage tactic.
Ryan Strome may have the most to lose in his negotiations with the Islanders, who send players home for the year if they fail to report to training camp. After a substandard 28 point effort in 2015-2016, Strome doesn't have much leverage here.
Anaheim have two key RFAs in Rickard Rakell and Hampus Lindholm still unsigned. Rumours emerged last season that the Ducks were looking to trade one of their RFAs - a group that included Sami Vatanen until he was signed - sometime this offseason. Trade rumours continue to swirl around Lindholm and Rakell, as well as defenseman Cam Fowler.
The Coyotes have one RFA left to sign in Tobias Rieder, who had a put together a nice breakout campaign in 2015-2016. Reports surfaced suggesting Rieder was prepared to bolt to the KHL if need be, but that seems to have settled down for now.
In Winnipeg, rumours continue to swirl around stud defenseman Jacob Trouba. Mixed reports have emerged regarding Trouba's future with the team, but the Jets seem confident that a deal will get done.
