The 2026 NHL offseason is shaping up to be an intriguing one, with several players potentially becoming offer sheet candidates. Here's a breakdown of some key players and their potential value as offer sheet targets, along with personal commentary and analysis.
Zachary Bolduc, RW, Montreal Canadiens
Bolduc showed promise in his rookie season with the Blues, but his role in Montreal has been limited. With only $10.98 million in cap space and a need for a No. 2 center, the Canadiens could be vulnerable to an offer sheet for Bolduc. His established upside, potential for increased playing time, and modest 2025-26 campaign make him a realistic target. I think the Canadiens might be willing to part with him if the right offer comes along.
Mavrik Bourque, RW, Dallas Stars
Dallas faces a challenge with Robertson's contract, and Bourque could be a bridge deal option. With $10.14 million in cap space, the Stars might struggle to afford Robertson's next AAV. Bourque, the 2023-24 AHL scoring champion, has shown enough upside to be worth a mid-range commitment. I believe the Stars could be willing to offer him an offer sheet to bridge the gap, despite the potential cost on his next deal.
Pavel Dorofeyev, RW, Vegas Golden Knights
Dorofeyev's performance has earned him a higher position on the offer sheet compensation scale. With 35+ goals in the past two seasons and a strong postseason, he's a valuable asset. The Golden Knights, however, have limited cap space and must make tough decisions to retain key players. I think a rival team might be willing to eat the compensation cost to target Dorofeyev, making him a prime offer sheet candidate.
Jack Drury, C, Colorado Avalanche
Drury's defensive skills and bottom-six role make him a valuable player. The Avalanche, with limited cap space, might need to accept draft picks and cap space in exchange for Drury. I think another team could value Drury higher than the Avs, forcing GM Joe Sakic to make a difficult decision.
Peyton Krebs, LW, Buffalo Sabres
Krebs, a post-hype breakout player, has shown potential as a first-liner. With $11.95 million in cap space, the Sabres have priorities like Tuch and Benson. Krebs' first-round pedigree and limited cap space make him a potential offer sheet target, but the Sabres might match any offer to keep him.
Pavel Mintyukov & Olen Zellweger, D, Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks have a busy offseason with multiple RFAs to re-sign. Mintyukov and Zellweger, both with potential as puck-movers, could be offer sheet targets. GM Pat Verbeek might be distracted by other free agents, making them vulnerable to an offer sheet.
Cole Perfetti, RW, Winnipeg Jets
Perfetti is a gifted playmaker but hasn't secured a top-six role. The Jets have the cap space to extend him, but they might need to make high-profile additions to appease their core. I think another team could project a long-awaited breakout, similar to Broberg's situation, and pry him away from the Jets.
Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Florida Panthers
Samoskevich, a talented 23-year-old, has shown potential with the Panthers. With ambitious goals and limited cap space, the Panthers might prioritize options to dominate in the present. I believe a sweet-spot AAV on an offer sheet could price him out of Florida, making him a potential target.
These players, with their unique circumstances and potential value, could become offer sheet candidates in the 2026 NHL offseason. The dynamics of the salary cap era and the desire to poach elite players make offer sheets a fascinating aspect of NHL transactions. As an expert, I find it intriguing to analyze these scenarios and their potential outcomes.
