NHL Free Agency: A look at the top three restricted free agents this summer

NHL Free Agency is one of the most exciting periods of the year for many hockey fans, with unrestricted and restricted free agents finding themselves on the move. Notable restricted free-agent moves are not as common, but when they occur, a talented young player usually moves elsewhere, with draft pick compensation returning to the player's former team.

"Interesting dilemma for the Carolina Hurricanes with 1.8M cap space and RFA Martin Necas unsigned. Teams with cap space and believe in this player should offer sheet. He is definitely worth the 2nd second pick compensation and he would be willing to accept the term and $. #NHL" - CP Hockey

While older players such as Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko will headline the unrestricted class of free agents, several high-end players are expected to hit the market as restricted free agents. Here is a deeper look at the top three RFAs that may hit the market.

Alex DeBrincat of the Ottawa Senators will be one of the top restricted free agents this summer

While a team would likely have to pay a hefty price for not only draft pick compensation but salary, Alex DeBrincat has been an excellent source of goal-scoring throughout his career. So far this season with the Ottawa Senators, the 25-year-old forward has posted 19 goals and 30 assists in 58 games.

"Blackhawks play against Alex Debrincat and the Ottawa Senators tonight. There have been rumors that Debrincat isn’t happy in Ottawa and might not sign a new contract there. Considering he liked his time in Chicago, could he resign with the Blackhawks in the summer?" - Mike Prieto

DeBrincat will be an intriguing RFA for a team not concerned with salary or losing draft picks. Through 426 games, Alex DeBrincat has recorded 179 goals and 177 assists, scoring over 40 goals twice in his career.

Timo Meier's market may continue to grow

After being one of the most sought-after players on the trade market, Timo Meier finds himself a member of the New Jersey Devils. However, the 26-year-old forward made the jump without signing an extension with the San Jose Sharks before being traded.

If he and the New Jersey Devils cannot agree on an extension, the list of teams interested in Meier may continue to grow. On the other hand, the Devils were comfortable making the trade without an extension in place, meaning they are probably confident in their ability to re-sign Timo Meier.

"#NJDevils Jesper Bratt and Damon Severson were on a double date as Meier mania went down. At the restaurant, Severson had a thought: “(Bratt) is an RFA and Timo is an RFA... I don’t want to see (Bratt) get slighted." Here's how Timo impacts Bratt talks:" - Ryan Novozinsky

Jesper Bratt, another one of the Devils' restricted free agents

The New Jersey Devils will have a busy summer as Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt enter the season as restricted free agents. Bratt has enjoyed a strong season for the club, posting 24 goals and 32 assists in 59 games with the Devils.

New Jersey will likely need to pay up to keep players on the roster, and while that might be the case, teams may see an opportunity to force the Devils' hand. The pending restricted free agents will both likely see a raise, making the Devils one of the most intriguing teams this summer.