So I've been thinking about some RFAs that might get non-tendered or traded that we might be able to pick up cheap like we did with Benoit last year, or Bunting previously. Some of the players are post-hype prospects, and some are guys that put up solid numbers in the AHL but haven't gotten an opportunity.
I've noticed that a lot of prospects have their breakouts much later on, between the ages 24-27 (i.e., close to the ends of their RFA status). Teams are thus forced to make hard decisions (pay or nay) and sometimes cut loose guys that end up breaking out with their new teams.
Examples:
Benoit (breakout at age 24)
Bunting (breakout at age 26)
Verhaege (breakout at age 25)
Bennett (breakout at age 25)
Forsling (breakout at age 25)
Marchment (breakout at age 26)
Zacha (breakout at age 25)
All these guys were either cut loose, not re-signed, or traded for very little.
Upcoming interesting RFAs that teams are going to make decisions on:
Lucas Carlsson, LD
Joseph Veleno, C
Akil Thomas, RW
Adam Boqvist, RD
Boris Katchouk, LW
Juuso Valimaki, LD
Lias Andersson, C
Kole Lind, RW
Jack McBain, C
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G
Phillip Broberg, LD