Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has nine pending restricted free agents (RFAs) on his books this offseason. These players range from NHL stars to American Hockey League (AHL) depth players.
Here, we’ll take a look at all nine RFAs in need of new deals and their 2024-25 performances.
*Note: All players except Tyrel Bauer have arbitration rights.
NHL Roster
Morgan Barron
Barron was a rock-solid fourth-liner and penalty-kill stalwart for the Jets again this season.
The 6-foot-4 power forward, who the Jets know they can rely on to play an honest hard-working game every night, scored eight goals and added seven assists for 15 points in 74 games while dishing out 122 hits and blocking 38 shots. Impressively, he was only on the ice for 15even strength goals against all season in 10:23 of average ice time.
Barron was deployed on the wing for a lot of the season, but really excelled when shifted to centre down the stretch. He was able to use his size and speed effectively and also won 52.1 per cent of his faceoffs, up from his 46.3 per cent winning percentage last season. He added two assists in 13 playoff games.
The now 26-year-old is coming off a two-year deal he signed in 2023 with an average annual value (AAV) of $1.35 million.
Rasmus Kupari
Kupari signed a two-year contract with the Swiss National League’s HC Lugano in early June. If the Jets tender Kupari a qualifying offer before July 1, they will maintain his NHL rights.
The 20th-overall 2018 pick performed better this season after his 2023-24 campaign was a total write-off. Overall, the now 25-year-old Finn bounced back nicely after having just one assist in 28 games last season and missing a lot of time due to injury.
While his five goals and three assists for eight points in 59 games don’t jump off the page, he acted as an effective bottom-six forward when in the lineup, providing blistering speed and a strong forecheck. He was strong when deployed as a centre, winning 52.5 per cent of his draws.
Unfortunately, the concussion he sustained in early March derailed his season a bit and limited him to just one game between then and the end of the campaign. He was a healthy scratch for the entire playoffs.
Dylan Samberg
Samberg continued to blossom in 2024-25 and excelled in his expanded role.
Tapped by first-year head coach Scott Arniel for a…
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