NHL Rumors: 8 Summer Offer Sheet Targets

Blues’ Offer Sheet Strategy Pays Off

The St. Louis Blues made waves last summer when they signed Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets. While neither player was an instant superstar, their impact this season has been undeniable. Holloway scored 26 goals, while Broberg proved to be a reliable top-four defenseman, helping the Blues secure a playoff spot.

This success hasn’t gone unnoticed around the NHL. Montreal Canadiens executive Jeff Gorton and New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald have both hinted that offer sheets could become more common in the league.

Who’s Next? Potential Offer Sheet Candidates

While a flood of offer sheets isn’t expected this offseason, the Blues’ success may encourage more teams to explore this strategy. Here are some players who could be targeted:

Evan Bouchard (Edmonton Oilers)

Bouchard is due for a significant raise from his current $3.9 million cap hit, with projections suggesting an eight-year deal worth $10.8 million per season. The Oilers, with limited cap space, may struggle to retain him. An offer sheet matching his projected salary would cost two first-round picks, a second, and a third—a steep but potentially worthwhile price for one of the league’s top offensive defensemen.

JJ Peterka & Jack Quinn (Buffalo Sabres)

Following the Blues’ model, teams may target middle-six players like Quinn and Peterka. Quinn, despite injury struggles, posted 15 goals and 39 points in 74 games. Peterka, meanwhile, broke out with 28 goals and 68 points, making him a prime trade or offer sheet candidate if he seeks a way out of Buffalo.

Marco Rossi (Minnesota Wild)

Rossi has been the subject of trade rumors for a while, and Wild GM Bill Guerin’s recent comments suggest uncertainty about his future. Coming off a 24-goal, 60-point season, Rossi is an emerging top-six center who could attract offer sheets if Minnesota doesn’t trade him first.

Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Knies had a strong season (29 goals, 58 points) and has been impactful in the playoffs. However, with limited cap space and big decisions looming on Mitch Marner and John Tavares, Toronto may struggle to afford him. If the Leafs prioritize veterans, Knies could become vulnerable to an offer sheet.

Gabriel Vilardi (Winnipeg Jets)

The Jets face cap constraints with UFAs like Nikolaj Ehlers and Dylan Samberg to re-sign. Vilardi’s projected $6.8 million cap hit could make him a target if Winnipeg prioritizes other players.

K’Andre Miller & Will Cuylle (New York Rangers)

Miller, despite a down year, has been a reliable top-four defenseman and may seek a change of scenery. Cuylle, while less likely, could also draw interest given the Rangers’ tight cap situation ($10.2 million in space).

Offer Sheets: Rare but Thrilling

Offer sheets remain rare in the NHL, but they can be thrilling when they happen. With a weak UFA class this summer, GMs might turn to offer sheets to bolster their rosters. Players like Rossi and Peterka are prime candidates—unless they’re traded first.

FAQs

What is an offer sheet?

An offer sheet is a contract offer made by one NHL team to a restricted free agent (RFA) who is currently under contract with another team.

What happens if a team accepts an offer sheet?

If the original team accepts the offer sheet, the player joins the new team. If they decline, the new team must compensate the original team with draft picks.

How common are offer sheets?

Offer sheets are quite rare in the NHL. Since the 2005 lockout, there have been only five accepted offer sheets.

Final Thoughts

While offer sheets remain rare, the Blues’ success with Holloway and Broberg could spark a new trend in the NHL. As teams look to bolster their rosters, we may see more offer sheets in the coming years. But for now, it’s a wait-and-see game, with plenty of intrigue and speculation to keep fans engaged.

Image – John E. Sokolowski-Imagn