As your fantasy playoffs wind down, many leagues are already turning their attention to the offseason. In cap leagues, this becomes especially important. Players who were once on cap friendly deals are now getting large raises potentially pushing you well over the salary cap, forcing you into trades where you end up on the losing side. General Managers should keep a close eye on their teams and potential salary implications. With that, below is a list of the top 10 restricted free agents (RFAs) and while some may not secure the highest salaries, their unique situations could make them challenging to manage within a budget.

Enjoy!

10. Dimitri Voronkov – Columbus Blue Jackets

Dimitri Voronkov was not on my radar at the start of the season as a top RFA, but he has had a highly productive sophomore campaign with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The fourth-round pick has made an impressive transition from the KHL, recording 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points in 67 games this season. His line with Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko has been one of the best in the NHL, and even when Monahan was injured, Adam Fantilli stepped in, and the transition was seamless. Columbus has ample cap space and with Voronkov positioned to grow with their young core, a long-term extension seems likely.

9. Mason McTavish – Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks have faced another tough season in their quest to contend, but their young core continues to develop. Mason McTavish, in his third season, is on pace for his best point total yet, showing steady improvement with 44, 54, and now 57 points paces over the last three years. The $7 million AAV for Troy Terry serves as a benchmark for McTavish's contract, though GM Pat Verbeek is known for tough negotiations, just ask Trevor Zegras. While McTavish may not reach Terry's contract value, he is poised for a significant payday as a key piece and top-six forward for the Ducks moving forward.

8. Gabriel Vilardi – Winnipeg Jets

Gabriel Vilardi picked the perfect time to break out, right before hitting RFA status. He has been a major piece on the Jets' top line and power play, putting up 27 goals and 34 assists alongside Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. The skill has always been there, and this season he finally delivered. A well-earned payday is on the way, but his injury history still hangs over everything. This was his first season in six years where he played more than 65 games (71 total), but he is back on the shelf and listed week-to-week. The talent is clear, but durability will be a major talking point in negotiations.

7. Luke Hughes – New Jersey Devils

Luke Hughes has quickly solidified his importance as a foundational piece on the Devils' blue line. After a 47-point rookie season, he has nearly matched that output this year in fewer games. With elite pedigree and big-game experience, Hughes is due for a big RFA deal. It is no surprise GM Tom Fitzgerald wants to lock him up long-term, just like he did with his brother Jack. A bridge deal might save cap space now, but that could come back to bite as the cap climbs. The good news for Jersey? Hughes is not eligible for an offer sheet (shoutout PuckPedia), so there's no pressure from outside teams. It is just a matter of getting the number and term right.

6. JJ Peterka – Buffalo Sabres

JJ Peterka has emerged as one of Buffalo's most valuable young assets, posting back-to-back 20+ goal seasons and topping 60 points on a team still finding its offensive rhythm. As an RFA, he is due for a new deal, and Buffalo management has a history of locking up its young talent early, sometimes at a higher cost than expected. If Adams decides to buy into Peterka's UFA years, his payday could be more than anticipated. While a bridge deal is always the easier choice, Buffalo likely will not go down the road. They have cap space to spare and a clear desire to commit, expect the Sabres to push for a long-term deal.

5. Noah Dobson – New York Islanders

Noah Dobson dealt with injuries this season, but his upside remains crystal clear. After reaching the 70-point mark last year, he showed he can be one of the league's top-producing defensemen. The one challenge? He plays for the Islanders, a team not exactly known for offensive flair, plus they have Lou Lamoriello – enough said. Dobson though, holds all the leverage. No one else on that blue line comes close to matching his skillset. Tony DeAngelo was brought in on a low-cost deal, who knows where he ends up after this season. Dobson is the engine on the Isles' back end, and he will be a key piece in shaping their future.

4. Marco Rossi – Minnesota Wild

Marco Rossi is a key RFA for the Minnesota Wild this offseason, but his raise may be tricky. The Wild are still dealing with the Ryan Suter and Zach Parise buyouts, leaving cap space tight. Once they clear that hurdle, they can focus on locking up their emerging stars. Rossi has posted 58 points in 78 games this season, on pace for a career-high 61, and will likely seek a significant raise. A bridge or short-term deal could be the best option as the Wild manage their cap. It is not ideal, but they may not have much choice. Rossi wants to stay, but timing and cap flexibility will be the deciding factors.

3. Lukas Dostal – Anaheim Ducks

Lukas Dostal has firmly established himself as Anaheim's No. 1 goalie, even behind a less-than-ideal roster. With John Gibson sidelined by an early-season appendectomy and other injuries, Dostal has stepped up, showcasing himself among the league's elite. His impressive GSAx of 13.38 over 50 games rivals the top goaltenders in the league on much stronger teams.  It puts Dostal in line for a pay increase. GM Pat Verbeek is known for being cautious with mid-season RFA extensions, and while he held off, Dostal's stock has only risen as the season progressed. Gibson's contract runs for two more seasons, but the Ducks are now positioned to make a major commitment to Dostal as their future in net.

2. Matthew Knies – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs have a lot to figure out this summer, but before the Marner and Tavares UFA situations take center stage, they need to get Matthew Knies signed. He has fit in seamlessly on the top line with Matthews and Marner, putting up 26 goals and 52 points in 72 games played. For a 21-year-old in his second full year in the NHL, that is impressive. With cap space tightening and several big decisions on the horizon, Knies needs to be a top priority. How the Leafs handle his extension could shape the rest of their offseason strategy.

1. Evan Bouchard – Edmonton Oilers

Say what you will about Evan Bouchard's defensive game, but his offensive value is undeniable. His heavy shot and ability to mesh with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have made him a fixture on the Oilers' top unit. Not every player can keep up with those two, but Bouchard clearly can. He is in line for a significant pay bump, whether it is with Edmonton or not. He posted 82 points last year and has a modest 62 points so far this season. If talks go sideways, it could cause tension in the room, especially with Draisaitl locked in long-term and McDavid's deal nearing its end. The Oilers are in win-now mode. It is almost as if Bouchard has all the leverage in this instance.

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey