7 Restricted Free Agents Who Have Earned Pay Raises

A few RFAs have stepped up their game in the 2024-25 NHL season.

Whether it’s extra motivation or mere coincidence, there are a lot of players who play their best when their contract is about to expire. That’s been the case for these seven athletes, who will be restricted free agents in the 2025 offseason. Why and how have they all earned pay raises?

Stats accurate through March 15, 2025.

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Alex Laferriere, Los Angeles Kings

Alex Laferriere has been a nice revelation for the Los Angeles Kings this season. From a depth contributor last season to a second-line fixture this time around, he’s put up solid numbers for a 23-year-old NHL sophomore. He should be able to demand a bit more on his next contract.

Laferriere may not have a star’s trajectory, but he is someone worth keeping around. With 5.92 hits per 60 minutes, nobody aside from the Kings’ depth players lays the boom on a more frequent basis. Additionally, he’s fourth on the team in both goals and primary assists scored per 60 minutes, making him a fairly productive player. At 5-on-5 play, he’s been on the ice for 42 goals and allowed just 26.

Dawson Mercer and Jake Neighbours were members of Laferriere’s 2020 draft class. Here’s how they all compare in NHL scoring by age:

Mercer signed a three-year deal worth $4 million annually last September. Neighbours signed a two-year deal worth $3.75 million annually last October. Seeing as Laferriere is objectively the best all-around player of the three this season, he at least deserves that much.

It didn’t seem realistic a calendar year ago, but Laferriere should make semi-decent money on his new deal. While likely a bridge contract, the Kings may opt for a long-term move.

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Alexander Romanov, New York Islanders

The New York Islanders’ Alexander Romanov has seen first-pairing usage since the 2025 calendar year began. Historically a second-pairing player, this increase in ice time suggests a payday could be on the horizon.

Since Jan. 1, Romanov has been a particularly reliable blue-liner. Despite being first in average ice time among Islander defenders, meaning tougher competition, he’s second in points scored per 60 minutes (1.26) and tied for second in 5-on-5 goal differential (plus-4).

It’s tough to say if Romanov can handle big minutes long-term. But for a 25-year-old being put in the spotlight, he’s held up well. After signing a bridge contract in the 2022 offseason upon arrival to the Islanders, it’s likely he’s looking for something more. His best season yet, Romanov has some leverage.

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Bowen Byram, Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres’ management hasn’t been terrific over the past decade and a half. But they hit it out of the park with their swap of Casey Mittelstadt for Bowen Byram, seeing as the former was more or less a cap dump at the deadline while the latter is thriving in Buffalo.