This summer, NHL teams are expected to explore the offer sheet option, a tactic that has gained traction following the success of the St. Louis Blues last year. Matthew Knies, a promising player from the Toronto Maple Leafs, is a potential target for an offer sheet. Analysts predict that as the cap increases, offer sheets could become more common, especially later in the summer when teams may find themselves in cap constraints. Dave Pagnotta highlighted the strategic approach necessary for teams to use offer sheets effectively, suggesting that the unwritten rules preventing teams from pursuing players directly might soon be disregarded.

Pagnotta noted that teams might hold off on offer sheets initially due to the extra cap space available at the start of July but could seize opportunities as the offseason progresses. The Blues' recent successes with offer sheets have prompted a reevaluation of these tactics across the league.