Signing a player to an offer sheet is a risky, flawed endeavor. For one thing, the opposing team could match the offer sheet, like the Chicago Blackhawks did when the San Jose Sharks went after defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson. It can be a mistake even if a team lands the player, as the more money you hand out, the more draft picks your team loses. So, it makes sense that offer sheets are a rare occurrence in the NHL.
Still, there’s so much talent out there – and so many cash-strapped teams – that I’m surprised general managers don’t roll the dice with offer sheets more often. With that thought in mind, I thought I’d take a look at the best possible options for potential poachers. Keep in mind that being a restricted free agent doesn’t guarantee that a player is susceptible to offer sheets; players like Antti Niemi who filed for salary arbitration aren’t available for such deals.
This isn’t a comprehensive list of restricted free agents (click here for that), either. Instead, it’s a list of the players I think could be worth a try, offer sheet-wise. I’ll provide a blurb for each player, but we might expand on some of the bigger names and/or most interesting options.
Forwards
Bobby Ryan – The Ducks are shooting down rumors of Ryan being traded for a reason; he’s a crucial player for Anaheim.
Bryan Little – He’d have more bargaining power if he scored 31 goals in 09-10, but instead he did so in 08-09.
Peter Mueller – Concussion issues cut his nice run in Colorado short, but Mueller showed some of the potential people were waiting for during his struggles with the Coyotes.
Chris Stewart – The budding power forward had a breakthrough sophomore season, with 28 goals and 64 points overall.
James Neal – He already has two 20-plus seasons in two NHL seasons so far. With the Stars’ money troubles, Neal could be an interesting target for opportunistic teams.
Justin Abdelkader – The man known as “Afrogator” doesn’t put up big numbers, but could be interesting.
Darren Helm – Helm is a classic hard-worker with questionable finishing ability. At the right price he could be a very useful player.
Sam Gagner – He’s fallen a bit short of his potential so far, but Gagner has loads of offensive talent.
Patric Hornqvist – Scored 30 goals under the radar in Nashville last season. He might be the league’s most underrated scorer.
Nick Foligno – He’s a lot like Abdelkader: a nice player without big numbers.
Darroll Powe – Another solid, scrappy player.
Martin Hanzal – While his career-high 35 points is far from amazing, his 6-5 frame impresses many.
Devin Setoguchi – A lot like Little, Setoguchi saw a big drop from 08-09 (65 points) to 09-10 (36).
David Perron – His career is coming along nicely, putting up 50 and 47 points the last two years.
Steve Downie – Bonehead or not, he proved to be more than a cheap shot artist with a 24 goal output in 09-10.
Defensemen
Nicklas Grossman – He’s far from flashy, but Grossman is a solid, rugged blueliner.
Marc Staal – The Rangers are really struggling to sign the defensively sound member of the Staal clan.
Paul Ranger – Is he in Steve Yzerman’s plans? If not he could be a decent offensive defenseman somewhere else.Erik Johnson – The No. 1 pick of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft has had his highs and lows, but he’s clearly a promising (and gifted) young defenseman. Edit: Ol Goaler states that Johnson won’t qualify for an offer sheet thanks to his golf cart injury-related lost season.
Cody Franson – He’s a bit before his prime, but Franson has some definite promise.
Goalies
Ondrej Pavelec – He had a decent mini-run this season, but my guess is demand will be low for him.
Josh Harding – One of the best backup goalies in the league, Harding would probably get more attention if it wasn’t such a horrible market for goalies this summer.
Carey Price – The Habs seem more or less forced to sign him, but you never know with that odd Montreal franchise.
