Several high-profile NHL players remain unsigned.

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Ryan Hall
August 20, 2023 (10:30)

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As the summer's dog days have passed and the NHL is beginning to come back to life after an eventful break, teams are getting ready to assemble their players for the training camp, beginning in early September.

While most teams have their rosters ready and contracts settled, some teams have yet to secure deals for their restricted free agents, and these players will not be available to attend the training camp.

Several notable names remain unsigned, which is surprising as these players are key to their respective teams' success. In the case of the Oilers, Evan Bouchard remains the only player whose contract needs to be signed for this season.

Despite rampant speculation across NHL media, it's expected that General Manager Ken Holland would prefer to sign him to a bridge deal, thus maintaining flexibility until the salary cap rises to over $4 million per season.

Bouchard holds significant value, having just completed back-to-back 40-point seasons and becoming the mainstay on the power play following Tyson Barrie's move to the Nashville Predators. Assuming they come to terms and a bridge deal is reached, I anticipate nothing less than $3,000,000 per season for this emerging talent.

Perhaps the most surprising player still available in the restricted free-agent market is Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks. Zegras has been leading the Anaheim Ducks' rebuilding phase, amassing 23 goals and 65 points in an 81-game span last year.

While Troy Terry secured a new seven-year deal worth 49 million, a similar deal is expected for Zegras.

As the countdown to the training camp grows closer, I anticipate that these players and others will sign rather quickly, ensuring they are ready for the camp. Missing out on development and the chance to shake off the rust from the summer is something no player wants to experience.