Several restricted free agents are still unsigned as training camps begin to open around the NHL, and some of their situations appear much closer to being resolved than others.
With that in mind, here's a look at each of the three remaining RFA contract quarrels - ordered from the most to least likely to drag on deep into camp:
Andreas Athanasiou
The speedy Detroit Red Wings forward has been mulling a one-year KHL offer since at least last month, and his agent said a couple of weeks ago there was a considerable difference between the proposals he's considering from Detroit and Russia.
Whether or not the offer from overseas is being propped up as leverage by his camp, it's clear the decision is now up to the 23-year-old.
Meanwhile, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland is sticking to his guns.
Wings GM Ken Holland to Free Press re: RFA Andreas Athanasiou: "We’ve had lots of conversations ....I am not negotiating against the KHL."
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) September 12, 2017
Considering the Red Wings' lack of cap flexibility - and that there's been no real indication the team and player are making progress toward an agreement - there isn't much to suggest Athanasiou's dispute will be resolved anytime soon.
Josh Anderson
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
The Columbus Blue Jackets went through this a few summers ago with Ryan Johansen, and while Anderson may or may not be of the same caliber, he's certainly a player the club needs to get under contract.
However, like Athanasiou and the Red Wings, neither Anderson nor the Blue Jackets have given much indication that a deal is close to being consummated.
Perhaps it's no coincidence that the two players are represented by the same agent, Darren Ferris, who earlier this week claimed the Blue Jackets haven't "really moved much" on a potential deal with Anderson, adding there's "no point in attending a camp without having a contract."
Nothing had changed as of Wednesday evening, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline, and the Blue Jackets open camp Friday, so it doesn't sound like a deal is imminent for the winger, who posted exceptional per-60-minute numbers in limited ice time last season.
Nikita Zadorov
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Zadorov doesn't have much leverage in his talks with the Colorado Avalanche, and that might explain why GM Joe Sakic told Mike Chambers of the Denver Post on Wednesday that the two sides are "close enough that he should be here."
The 22-year-old defenseman has reportedly threatened to play in the KHL this season, and while returning to his native Russia might be tempting, it seems as though his discussions with the Avalanche are heading in a more positive direction than some of the other RFAs.
