Finding value in restricted free agency can be the difference between building a good roster and constructing a great one, especially in today's NHL cap world. While the spotlight often shines on blockbuster RFAs poised for big paydays, there's a secondary tier of players flying under the radar (or not) who could deliver strong on-ice contributions but at a lower cost. This list spotlights 10 such names, RFAs who may not break the bank but could be solid options. Not included here are higher-profile RFAs like Matthew Knies, JJ Peterka, or Dmitri Voronkov, who were already discussed in the Top 10 RFAs Ready for Big Pay Days. Let's get into it.

Enjoy!

10. Zac Jones – New York Rangers

This is a pick that may not jump off the page, but Zac Jones remains an intriguing name depending on how the Rangers handle K'Andre Miller and their blueline mix. Jones has yet to secure a full-time NHL role, but he has shown flashes of a capable puck-moving defenseman. He played a career-high 46 games this past season, posting 11 points while averaging 17:15 TOI, mostly in a third-pairing role. His size (5-foot-11) has likely worked against him in a physically demanding New York system, but his feet and first pass are both NHL-level assets. He projects as a low-cost, mobile puck-mover with some untapped upside, though the real variable is whether the Rangers can finally develop their young prospects. History says that remains an open question.

9. Jakub Dobes – Montreal Canadiens

Dobeš is coming off his two-year entry-level deal worth $922K AAV, and Montreal will need to sort out a new contract this offseason. With limited NHL reps but some strong early showings, a short-term bridge deal makes sense, something in the typical range for a young backup still proving himself. In his rookie season, Dobeš put up a 7–4–3 record with a .909 SV%, 2.74 GAA, and 6.81 GSAx across 16 starts. He came in hot with a 5–0 run and a .941 SV% but cooled off after January. He has settled into the backup role behind Montembeault for now, but if he continues to trend up, the door to a true tandem could open.

8. Connor Zary – Calgary Flames

Zary was one of the few silver linings in a transitional year for the Flames. After making the team out of camp in 2023–24, he returned this past season and carved out a consistent top-six role, bringing pace, edge, and flashes of real skill. He posted 13 goals and 27 points through 54 games before injuries derailed his season, first with a knee issue in January, then another setback in March. With those injuries now part of the picture, the structure of his next deal may shift, likely giving Calgary some short-term cost certainty while Zary continues to build on a promising NHL career.

7. Fabian Zetterlund – Ottawa Senators

Zetterlund found some footing in San Jose after bouncing between teams early in his NHL career. He stepped into a top-six role by necessity in San Jose and showed up on several breakout lists, including mine. Zetterlund brings edge, finishes his checks, and owns a quick release, a game that matched well with a rebuilding Sharks roster. He produced 35 points in 63 games before getting dealt to Ottawa, where he added just five points in 21 games. The adjustment to a new system, linemates, and environment often takes time. At 25, he fits the bridge contract window, but teams in need of cost-controlled scoring may come calling.

6. Luke Evangelista – Nashville Predators

Evangelista quietly put together a solid sophomore season, finishing with 16 goals and 37 points over 74 games. He settled into a steady top-nine role and earned power-play minutes. While he does not blow past defenders with speed, he reads the play well, finds soft spots in coverage, and competes along the boards. At 23, he looks like a long-term fit in Nashville's top-six as the team is trying to stay competitive while also leaning into somewhat of a youth movement. He still has a reasonable offensive ceiling given the opportunity and would be a decent cap hit. Nashville has every reason to keep him in the fold.

5. Mackie Samoskevich – Florida Panthers

Samoskevich made the most of his rookie season, posting 15 goals and 31 points over 72 games with Florida. He moved throughout the lineup but carved out a top-six role late in the year due to injuries to Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov. His speed and creativity made him a valuable piece, often lining up with Sam Bennett and Evan Rodrigues, and earning second power-play looks. Samoskevich projects as a 45–50-point forward as he continues to round out his game. He has yet to appear in the playoffs, with Brad Marchand's arrival pushing him out of the lineup. With Florida's forward depth and some uncertainty ahead, he looks like a middle-six fixture with top-six upside.

4. Joel Hofer – St. Louis Blues

Hofer quietly established himself as a dependable tandem option for the Blues, sharing the crease with Jordan Binnington. In 28 starts during the season, he posted a .912 save percentage and a 2.62 GAA, solid numbers for a 24-year-old who could eventually step into regular NHL duty. At a towering 6-foot-5, he brings the size, structure, and poise. His low cap hit and RFA status make him a strong internal piece as St. Louis finds their way to be a viable playoff contender. A two- or three-year deal with a modest raise seems likely.

3. Bowen Byram – Buffalo Sabres

Bowen Byram rebounded with a full NHL season in Buffalo, posting seven goals and 31 points while averaging over 22 minutes per game. His transition game, power-play work with Owen Power, and even-strength minutes alongside Rasmus Dahlin helped unlock more consistency. However, contract talks this summer could get tricky. The Sabres already have major long-term money tied to Dahlin and Power, limiting cap flexibility. More importantly, Byram has reportedly requested a trade. While he remains a high-upside, puck-moving defenseman – the type many teams covet – Buffalo holds two more years of control and may wait for the right return. His injury history also clouds his value, making him a classic high-risk, high-reward RFA bet.

2. Morgan Geekie – Boston Bruins

Morgan Geekie has seamlessly stepped into a steady top-six role in Boston. Geekie's ability to shift between center and wing brought much-needed stability. He finished the year with 57 points, a career high, while averaging nearly 17 minutes a night. His power-play role did not grow from last year, but the uptick in production came from consistent minutes next to David Pastrnak. At 26, Geekie's entering his prime. Per yesterday's Ramblings on potential contract numbers, both Geekie and Mason Lohrei could fetch $8M collectively,  which is decent compared to the top RFAs in the market. Based on Geekie's performance last season and how he has fit in, Boston will want to keep him in the mix.

1. K'Andre Miller – New York Rangers

K'Andre Miller has all the makings of a true top-two defender. At 6-foot-5 with standout mobility, he brings a rare mix of size, reach, and skating, making him effective in all three zones. His 27 points in 2024–25 does not tell the full story. Miller takes on the tough defensive matchups that allows Adam Fox to thrive offensively. He is leaned on heavily at even strength and the penalty kill, often tasked with shutting down top lines. With RFA status looming, his future in New York feels uncertain. Word out of the Combine was the Rangers were gauging trade interest, likely to avoid arbitration or an offer sheet. Definitely a name to watch going into the NHL Draft and this offseason.

Thanks for reading! See you next week! For more fantasy hockey content and analysis, follow me on X @Punters_hockey. If you have any questions about your team or a trade? My DMs are always open — happy to help!