2 Top RFAs "Not Close" To New Contracts With Red Wings & Devils

There are still some high-end RFAs who have yet to sign new deals as training camp quickly approaches. Some seem closer to getting deals done than others. The teams that are not close to new contracts with their talented players have something to worry about.

On one hand, negotiations could seem very far apart, but both sides don't want to miss any time during the season and something will likely get done. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period revealed the status of a number of the top RFAs without new contracts, noting that Lucas Raymond and the Detroit Red Wings are not close and Dawson Mercer and the New Jersey Devils aren't close either.

These two are in a bit of a different situation as Raymond is coming off a great season and Mercer struggled to produce like he is capable of. Detroit has over $17 million in cap space, but have to worry about contracts for Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Jonatan Berggren. At least it seems like Berggren is almost signed, so the focus will be down to just two in Detroit.

Ideally, the Red Wings would like to lock Raymond up on an eight-year deal after he scored 31 goals and 72 points in his third season at age 21. This next deal will probably take him through the prime years of his career and Detroit can really benefit by keeping the cost down a little bit. The team is also trying to finally get back into the playoffs and Raymond is a key part of that.

The Devils have a more clear picture of the number they have to sign Mercer for. The team has $5 million is cap space this season with nobody else to sign and a full roster. If the Devils want to roster 13 forwards, 7 defense, and two goalies, it could add another $775,000 for the team to work with in negotiations.

The only contracts to worry about next year are some depth forwards and Luke Hughes, who is in line for a big raise as well. Ideally, Mercer's contract is longer to keep the price down, but after scoring seven fewer goals and 23 fewer points than the season prior, a bridge deal may be in order. The next month is going to be interesting to see how much the remaining RFAs get on their next contracts and for how long.