The deadline to extend a qualifying offer to a restricted free agent is June 25 by 5:00 PM EDT. Marc Bergevin will have to make a decision on 11 players with expiring contracts who fit that category if he wants to retain their rights, otherwise they become unrestricted free agents and likely depart the organization.
During Bergevin’s tenure, he hasn’t been shy to let a restricted prospect walk without qualifying him if he feels that the player does not have a future in the NHL. He won’t re-sign a player simply to have them stagnate in the AHL or fail to contribute to the Canadiens.