Four NHL Offer Sheet Candidates In 2026
Although NHL teams and players agreeing to offer sheets is a rare occurrence, it's an exciting concept.
In some cases, as with Shea Weber and Sebastian Aho, it allowed the players to earn more money on their contracts, likely far more than their teams were originally willing to offer.
In other cases, like with Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, it allows them to move away from an environment where they felt stagnant and into one where they can play more minutes. Those two and the St. Louis Blues have already benefited from those deals.
NHL Insider Reports Stars View Mavrik Bourque As Part Of Long-Term Plan
Rival clubs eyeing the breakout forward as a prime offer sheet target face a firm wall, as Dallas prepares to match any bid to secure their future.
Olen Zellweger, D, Anaheim Ducks
Olen Zellweger is an interesting case. The 22-year-old featured in 76 regular-season games, posting seven goals and 22 points. He thrived as a puck-moving defenseman, but when the playoffs rolled around, Zellweger saw his name removed from the lineup sheet.
Zellweger was a healthy scratch in the playoffs until the Anaheim Ducks' final three games, where he scored a goal and an assist.
Listed at just 5-foot-10, Zellweger's frame doesn't scream playoff hockey, but his skating and skill do.
The Ducks have no shortage of skilled left-handed defensemen, which may force the Ducks or Zellweger to make a move.
With today's game, puck-moving defensemen are a hot commodity, and that is Zellweger's game. Zellweger would be well worth the price.
Anaheim Ducks Could be Susceptible to Offer Sheets this Offseason
Tight cap space and tough negotiations could leave young blueliners like Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov vulnerable as rival GMs look to exploit Anaheim's roster construction and looming extension costs.
Cole Perfetti, LW, Winnipeg Jets
Few players in the NHL are in more dire need of a change of scenery than Cole Perfetti. The Winnipeg Jets left winger is stuck on a second line that lacks talent and ultimately doesn't allow him to excel.
The 2020 10th overall pick saw his average ice time remain under 16:00. As a result, he posted just 12 goals and 32 points in 68 games. An injury derailed his season a bit, but the lack of opportunity with Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Gabriel Vilardi, as well as limited power-play time, heavily factored into his difficult campaign.
Despite that, placed with the right players, Perfetti can succeed. His playmaking is incredible, and he's an immensely smart player. The dollar amount to pry Perfetti out of Winnipeg won't be as high as it is for the other players previously mentioned.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 2:13 PM.