NHL Rumors: 8 Players Likely To Be Targeted Via Offer Sheets This Summer
Last summer, the St. Louis Blues made waves by signing Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets. While neither player is a superstar, both played key roles in helping the Blues secure a playoff spot this season—Holloway as a 26-goal scorer and Broberg as a dependable top-four defenseman.
Their success has sparked discussion around the NHL, where trends often spread quickly. Montreal Canadiens executive Jeff Gorton and New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald both believe offer sheets could become more common.
While a flood of offer sheets isn’t expected this offseason, the Blues’ success may encourage more teams to explore the strategy. Of course, the player must be willing to sign, so nothing is guaranteed. But if offer sheets do increase, here are some potential candidates:
Evan Bouchard (Edmonton Oilers)
Bouchard is due for a major raise from his $3.9 million cap hit with projections suggesting am eight-year deal worth $10.8 million per season. This poses a challenge for the Oilers, who have roughly $9.125 million in cap space.
Even if Edmonton lets UFAs like Jeff Skinner and Kasperi Kapanen walk, retaining Vasily Podkolzin or Connor Brown would be difficult with Bouchard’s new deal. An offer sheet matching his projected salary would cost two first-round picks, a second, and a third—a steep but 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. But 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).
A Growing Trend?
Offer sheets remain rare but thrilling in the NHL. 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.
Image - John E. Sokolowski-Imagn
