Offer Sheets: 3 Restricted Free Agents to Keep an Eye On

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are into the second round and we've begun to shift some of our focus at NHLTR to the 2024 offseason. From trade rumors, trade proposals and free agents, we'll continue to keep you informed with what's expected to come this summer. This includes a few players who could be potentially in the market for an offer sheet.

Of course, if any team is looking to sign a team's restricted free agent, they need to have the necessary draft capital to be eligible, based on how lucrative the contract is. Here's three RFA's to keep an eye on:

Anton Lundell, Florida Panthers

One of the Panthers most defensively sound forwards, Lundell has burst onto the scene in the Sunshine State and continues to impress with his 200-foot game. At 22 years old, there's a lot to like. The Panthers have a number of pending free agents, many unrestricted and have some major decisions to make this upcoming offseason. Expect to see Lundell ask for around $3.5 million per season and with the Panthers only having $19.7 million in projected cap space and the likes of Sam Reinhart and Brandon Montour to keep around, things could get interesting.

Cole Perfetti, Winnipeg Jets

This season didn't end the way Perfetti or the Jets were hoping. The former 10th overall pick was a constant healthy scratch and couldn't find consistent minutes. Winnipeg has just $13.4 million to work with for cap space and Perfetti will be looking for roughly 25% of that. The 22-year-old finished the regular season with 19 goals and 38 points in 71 games. 

Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins

Fully expect the Bruins to match any offer sheet that comes their way as Swayman has proved he's among the league's elite these playoffs. Regardless, it only takes one bold GM to stir the pot, just ask the Carolina Hurricanes. Swayman will likely be around $5 million AAV on his next deal which would cost a team a first and third-round draft pick as compensation. Anything over $6.4 million per year is a first, second and third. The Bruins will try to move Linus Ullmark this summer after failing to do so before the trade deadline, and they also won't be letting Swayman go anywhere.

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