As the NHL preseason gains momentum, several teams are facing critical impasses with their restricted free agents (RFAs). Contract negotiations have stalled for Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks, Luke Evangelista of the Nashville Predators, and Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils, raising concerns as training camps get underway.

Mason McTavish (Anaheim Ducks)

The Anaheim Ducks and Mason McTavish are at odds regarding the terms of a new contract. McTavish, a key component of the Ducks' young core, is seeking a bridge deal, while the Ducks reportedly prefer a long-term commitment. This difference in vision has led to a stalemate, with McTavish currently skating with the OHL's Ottawa 67s instead of attending the Ducks' training camp.

McTavish's absence is a significant concern for Anaheim, especially with a new head coach, Joel Quenneville, implementing new systems. General Manager Pat Verbeek acknowledged progress in negotiations but emphasized that an agreement is still out of reach. Verbeek also stated that the Ducks are not considering trade offers for McTavish, despite reported interest from other teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Reports indicate that McTavish is seeking a long-term deal worth between $7 and $8 million annually, while the Ducks have offered a five-year contract at $5.5 million per season. McTavish is coming off a strong season where he scored 22 goals and 30 assists in 76 games.

Luke Evangelista (Nashville Predators)

The Nashville Predators and Luke Evangelista have yet to reach an agreement, casting a shadow over the team's training camp. The primary sticking point appears to be the contract's length, with Evangelista's camp favoring a shorter bridge deal and the Predators pushing for a longer-term commitment.

Evangelista, viewed by General Manager Barry Trotz as a future cornerstone of the franchise, is reportedly frustrated with the negotiation process. He has left Nashville to train in Canada while negotiations continue. The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly monitoring the situation, potentially looking to acquire the Toronto native.

Last season, Evangelista scored 10 goals and 22 assists in 68 games for the Predators. Some reports suggest the Predators may offer Evangelista a one-year deal for under $1 million to defer more comprehensive negotiations until next summer if talks continue to stall. Recent comparable contracts for young forwards, such as J.J. Peterka's deal with Utah and Matthew Knies' contract with Toronto, could influence negotiations.

Luke Hughes (New Jersey Devils)

Luke Hughes, a promising defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, remains unsigned as training camp commences. The Devils are expected to re-sign Hughes to a long-term contract, but the financial implications could force them to make other moves.

While there seems to be optimism surrounding Hughes' situation, the Devils have limited cap space. Some reports suggest that Hughes is seeking a five-year deal to align with his brother Jack's contract, while the Devils prefer either a shorter bridge deal or a max-term eight-year extension.

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun suggests that signing Hughes could lead to the departure of Dougie Hamilton to create cap space. Luke Hughes is part of a bigger picture hockey problem as the league grapples with a rising salary cap.

These contract stalemates highlight the challenges teams face in managing their young talent while adhering to salary cap constraints. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these teams can reach agreements with their RFAs and avoid further disruption to their preseason preparations.