NHL Rumors: Several Offer Sheet Candidates For Utah Mammoth

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
New York Rangers forward Will Cullye skates in 2025 game.

The Utah Mammoth have been one of the more intriguing teams to watch as the NHL offseason heats up—and not just because of the Mitch Marner rumors. 

According to multiple reports, general manager Bill Armstrong may be open to exploring offer sheets as a way to inject talent into his roster. Though rare and politically charged, offer sheets could present a clever workaround for Utah to land a restricted free agent (RFA) if they’re willing to pay the price.

Offer sheets allow teams to sign RFAs from other clubs, forcing their current team to either match the deal or accept draft pick compensation. Armstrong acknowledged the risks, saying in April, “People have to realize that when you put an offer sheet in, it has to work, it has to make sense. It just can’t aggravate the other team because they’re going to come after you at some point in time and run up your salaries.” Still, with cap space and a full stockpile of picks (minus their seventh-rounder), Utah has the flexibility to make such a move.

Targets and Strategy If Utah Goes All-In

The most ambitious target floating around is Matthew Knies. The 22-year-old Leafs winger just wrapped up a breakout season with 58 points and five playoff goals. Luring Knies would require a bold overpay—likely over $9 million annually—and cost Utah a first-, second-, and third-round pick. It would also put Armstrong toe-to-toe with one of the league’s power franchises in Toronto. “If you’re going to offer sheet someone, you better be ready for the consequences,” Armstrong said, pointing to the way offer sheet wars can escalate. Still, a reunion with former University of Minnesota linemate Logan Cooley could be tantalizing.

But Utah may also play it smart and target the second tier of RFAs, such as Tyson Foerster, Will Cuylle, or Marco Rossi—all young, emerging talents who could be acquired for more modest compensation. Foerster, for example, would only cost a second-rounder if the Mammoth offered him a deal in the $3 million range. Others, like Gabriel Vilardi or Bowen Byram, would require a first and third but bring immediate top-six or top-four help.

Learning from St. Louis—and a Familiar Mentor

Last summer, the St. Louis Blues stunned the league by offer-sheeting both Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway away from the cap-strapped Edmonton Oilers. The gamble paid off, with both players becoming key contributors in a surprise playoff run. Interestingly, Armstrong’s former mentor, Doug Armstrong (no relation), was the GM behind that move. Bill spent 16 years in the Blues’ front office, including as assistant GM under Doug—so if anyone understands how to make an offer sheet work, it’s him.

Whether Utah pulls the trigger remains to be seen, but the groundwork is there. And with the RFAs eligible for offer sheets starting July 1, the Mammoth could be one of the teams to watch.

Photo Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | MLB Rumors