2016 NHL Free Agency: Top 10 restricted free agents

Apr 19, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck defended by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey (27) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Tampa won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Mark Scheifele

The Winnipeg Jets have one of the most underrated players in the league in center Mark Scheifele. His numbers compare favorably with some of the league’s best centers and he has been doing it despite not being on a good team.

Scheifele will be a restricted free agent for the first time and much like MacKinnon, this could be a situation where the team would love to sign him long-term, but the player might benefit more from a short-term deal (though there is more risk involved with a short-term deal).

Why wouldn’t Scheifele want to sign a long-term deal? Well, the Jets own the second overall pick. Regardless of which of the two talented wings from Finland that they draft, whether it be Patrik Laine or Jesse Puljujarvi, they’ll be getting a heck of a talent. Scheifele will likely center whoever they choose. That could lead to an increase in production as soon as next season.

If the Jets want to keep him long-term, it will likely cost them at least $5.5 million per season. For a bridge contract, say two or three years, once again, the Ryan Johansen contract ($4 million a year) seems about right. The Jets have a keeper in Scheifele. It’s only a matter of time before he stops being underrated because everyone will realize how good he is.

Next: 7. Mike Hoffman

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