Opportunity based path computation systems and methods in constraint-based routing

A method, a controller, and a network include determining an opportunity cost metric for each of a plurality of links in a network including a plurality of nodes, wherein the opportunity cost metric comprises a future constraint reflecting expectations for growth on currently established connections on each link of the plurality of links; receiving a request for a new connection between two nodes of the plurality of nodes in the network; and utilizing a constraint-based routing algorithm to determine a path for the new connection between the two nodes, wherein the constraint-based routing algorithm determines the path through the plurality of nodes via the plurality of links based on a plurality of constraints including the opportunity cost metric.