The Summer of Offer Sheets: A Rare Chance in the NHL

Last summer brought a surprising twist to the NHL when the St. Louis Blues took an unusual route by sending two offer sheets to the Edmonton Oilers. This bold move led them to acquire forward Dylan Holloway and defenseman Philip Broberg, a rarity in a league where such tactics are seldom seen. With a plethora of impact players facing restricted free agency this summer, teams could look to replicate this strategy. But with the coveted Gavin McKenna eyeing the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, would teams be willing to risk their first-round pick?

Noah Dobson: A Priority for Team Builders

At the forefront of potential targets is Noah Dobson. Most teams would eager to secure the Islanders’ star blue-liner, but New York is poised to keep him on board, potentially offering close to $9 million. With nearly $29 million in cap space reportedly available, they shouldn’t have issues locking in Dobson swiftly, making him less likely to be a target.

Evan Bouchard: The Oilers’ Hot Commodity

On the flip side, there’s Evan Bouchard from the Oilers, a defenseman whose future is clouded. Edmonton faces a cap challenge, projected to have only $13.5 million available with 18 players already signed. If Bouchard’s deal hits $10 million, the Oilers would be left with a meager $3.5 million to negotiate for four more players, making him an appealing target for competing teams.

Matthew Knies: Toronto's Potential Vulnerability

Shifting gears to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Matthew Knies stands out as an interesting proposition. Contract negotiations with bigger names like Mitch Marner and John Tavares take priority, leaving Knies in a precarious position. If a suitor offers him around $6.5 million, they not only secure his services but also leave Toronto scrambling to fill their roster.

K’Andre Miller: A Rising Star Worth Targeting

Keep an eye on K'Andre Miller of the New York Rangers. At just 24, this young defender combines size, skills, and offensive prowess, making him an ideal fit. However, the Rangers have limited cap space—only $9.67 million—and need to sign other RFAs. A bold team could potentially lure Miller away with a $6 million offer.

Will Cuylle: A Breakout Candidate

Another name to consider from the Rangers is Will Cuylle, who is enjoying a breakout season with an impressive 20 goals and 44 points. With New York in a salary cap bind, teams could see an opportunity to secure Cuylle for around $4 million, a savvy move requiring only a second-round pick.

JJ Peterka: The Wild Card of Offer Sheets

Lastly, there’s JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres, a player on the brink of stardom, nearing a point-per-game average this season. With an expected extension over $7 million, he’s an enticing prospect for other teams. If Buffalo fails to strike a deal soon, Peterka could command upwards of $8 million, forcing the Sabres to reconsider their strategy—either overpay or risk losing him to an offer sheet.

The Risk of Waiting

As teams navigate this summer’s restricted free agency, the stakes are higher than ever. The pressure mounts as franchises weigh their options between solidifying their roster or gambling on untested young talent. The results could shape the NHL landscape for years to come.