{"id":68637,"date":"2025-08-14T09:11:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T09:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/68637\/"},"modified":"2025-08-14T09:11:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T09:11:11","slug":"latest-on-the-big-four-nhl-restricted-free-agents-without-deals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/68637\/","title":{"rendered":"Latest on the Big Four NHL Restricted Free Agents Without Deals"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Image<\/a>Rossi, Zary, McTavish, Hughes: What’s the Holdup?<\/p>\n

When the hockey world talks about players without contracts in mid-August, the spotlight often lands on stars like Connor McDavid\u2019s looming extension<\/a>. <\/p>\n

But there\u2019s another storyline heating up \u2014 the \u201cBig Four\u201d restricted free agents who still need deals just to step on the ice this fall: Luke Hughes<\/a>, Marco Rossi<\/a>, Mason McTavish<\/a>, and Connor Zary<\/a>. Each negotiation comes with its own twist, and some are already causing anxiety for fans and front offices alike.<\/p>\n

Luke Hughes \u2013 New Jersey Devils<\/p>\n

GM Tom Fitzgerald has called Hughes his top offseason priority, yet there\u2019s still no deal in place. With AFP Analytics projecting 6 years x $8.4M<\/a>, New Jersey faces the delicate balance of locking up an elite blueliner without repeating what happened to brother Jack \u2014 whose deal now looks like a steal after his 100-point season. Hughes may aim for a shorter or mid-term contract to cash in bigger later.<\/p>\n

Marco Rossi \u2013 Minnesota Wild<\/p>\n

Projected at 7 years x $7.4M, Rossi\u2019s deal is tricky. He\u2019s been a trade rumor fixture<\/a> and remains a skilled yet undersized center who slid down the lineup in key moments. The Wild seem more likely to offer a 2-year bridge at ~$6M AAV, giving both sides time to reassess.<\/p>\n

Mason McTavish \u2013 Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n

Viewed as a future franchise cornerstone, McTavish\u2019s projection is 6 years x $6.7M. His two-way game and Ryan O\u2019Reilly<\/a>-like style make him invaluable, but Ducks GM Pat Verbeek has a history of letting talks stretch into camp. This one could go down to the wire.<\/p>\n

Connor Zary \u2013 Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

Zary\u2019s emerging offensive skill is clear, but so are the concerns over knee injuries. The Flames may be hesitant to commit long term until durability questions are answered. A shorter prove-it deal seems the most likely outcome.<\/p>\n

Find the Latest NHL News and Fantasy Hockey Insights<\/p>\n

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