The RFA Deadline Dance: Teams Lock in Their Restricted Free Agents

Every June 29th, NHL general managers face a critical decision that shapes their roster for years to come. Teams must extend qualifying offers to their restricted free agents or risk losing them to free agency, and this year's deadline carries the usual mix of drama and financial chess. Some GMs will overpay to keep their guys, others will let promising players walk, and a few will use this moment as leverage in bigger trade negotiations.