It could be an interesting summer in the NHL. Some big-name restricted free agents have not signed their extensions with their teams. It opens up the possibility of some big offer sheets, as the salary cap projects to rise substantially. The Montreal Canadiens have the draft capital and cap space to make a big move, and they could go that route to round out their roster. One name people like to circle for this summer is Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies, who would undoubtedly be an interesting player and team to try to steal from.
Elliotte Friedman reported the compensation terms for this summer's offer sheets.
Offer Sheet AAV | Compensation |
|---|---|
$1,544,424 or less | None |
Over $1,544,424 to $2,340,037 | Third-round pick |
Over $2,340,037 to $4,680,076 | Second-round pick |
Over $4,680,076 to $7,020,113 | First- and third-round picks |
Over $7,020,113 to $9,360,153 | First-, second-, and third-round picks |
Over $9,360,153 to $11,700,192 | Two firsts, one second and one third |
Over $11,700,192 | Four first-round picks |
Any team using draft picks to sign offer sheets will have to use their own picks, not ones they acquired in trades. However, it is possible to re-acquire your own picks you've already traded to make the terms work.
For a team to get Knies out of Toronto, they'll likely have to surpass the $9.3 million threshold. The Maple Leafs would match anything below that offer, and Knies might not bother signing anything that low. It'd be malpractice for the Leafs to let Knies walk and keep a player like Mitch Marner after seeing their past playoff performances. However, I'm not in charge of their front office, and they've committed to that core group before when most wanted them to move on.
The Canadiens have the draft capital to go into the threshold that gives up two first-round picks, a second-round pick, and a third-round pick. Will they be willing to do that to steal Knies or anyone else? Some other big names are Evan Bouchard, Noah Dobson, and Gabriel Vilardi. Considering the rest of their development, it could be something that accelerates the Canadiens from a budding contender to a bona fide Stanley Cup threat next season.