Top 3 RFAs Likely To Receive Massive Offer Sheets This Summer
Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting that NHL agents and team executives expect a rise in offer sheets during the upcoming off-season. This trend is largely driven by the increasing salary cap, giving teams more flexibility to pursue young, elite talent on expiring entry-level contracts.
The St. Louis Blues made headlines last year by successfully signing Edmonton Oilers’ restricted free agents Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets, acquiring two key pieces from the defending Western Conference champions.
Holloway enjoyed a breakout season, posting a career-high 63 points, while Broberg established himself as a dependable defensive presence with a +21 rating.
The Blues’ aggressive move paid off, transforming them into a playoff contender. Their success has reportedly inspired other teams to consider pursuing high-upside RFAs in hopes of landing franchise cornerstones, much like St. Louis did with Holloway and Broberg.
Here are some of the most sought-after RFAs this summer:
Matthew Knies, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs
Amid the ongoing speculation about Mitch Marner’s future, Knies has quietly emerged as a breakout star for the Leafs. The 22-year-old power forward tallied 26 goals and 25 assists in 71 games, solidifying himself as the physical presence Toronto has long needed. His play has drawn comparisons to Florida’s Sam Bennett, top prospect Macklin Celebrini, and even Patrick Kane.
Given his value, rival GMs may be willing to part with significant draft capital to pry him away. While Toronto will likely prioritize re-signing him, their crowded list of pending free agents—including Marner, John Tavares, Nick Robertson, and Pontus Holmberg—could leave an opening for another team to swoop in with an unmatchable offer.
Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers
After losing Holloway and Broberg last summer, the Oilers could face another offer-sheet threat—this time targeting their top defenseman. Bouchard, who ranked fourth among blueliners with 82 points last season, has dipped slightly to 62 points this year but remains a crucial part of Edmonton’s core.
The 25-year-old was instrumental in the Oilers’ run to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, averaging 25 minutes per game and notching 32 points in 25 playoff contests. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl commanding a combined $26.5 million in cap space next season, a rival team could exploit Edmonton’s financial constraints to make a serious push for Bouchard.
K’Andre Miller, D, New York Rangers
Miller’s situation in New York appears particularly vulnerable. After a sluggish start (-9 rating, just six points in his first 30 games), trade rumors swirled around the 25-year-old defenseman at the deadline. Though his play has improved lately, the Rangers’ front office—which already moved Jacob Trouba and Filip Chytil this season—may be hesitant to match a substantial offer sheet.
Once a highly regarded prospect, Miller has shown flashes of elite potential, including a 43-point campaign in 2023. A team betting on his upside could see this as an opportunity to acquire a difference-maker at a reasonable cost.
Image - Sergei Belski-Imagn
