NHL Rumors: 3 Offer Sheet Candidates Linked To Blackhawks This Summer

6 days ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors

The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to be aggressive this offseason, with GM Kyle Davidson reportedly ready to add talent around Connor Bedard. While free agents like Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner have been linked to Chicago, The Athletic reports that the team could also consider offer sheets for three young restricted free agents: Wyatt Johnston (Dallas Stars), Marco Rossi (Minnesota Wild), and Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs). With nearly $27 million in cap space and no major internal salary constraints, the Blackhawks have the financial flexibility to make a big move. “Chicago has only about $60 million on the books for next season,” wrote Scott Powers and Mark Lazerus, suggesting the team could take advantage of cap-strapped clubs.WYATT JOHNSTON 🤩 His third goal of the night is also your @Energizer OT winner! pic.twitter.com/lnYy0MgyYo— NHL (@NHL) January 29, 2025 Johnston, Rossi, and Knies are all viewed as key pieces for their teams, but financial pressures could make them vulnerable. Toronto and Minnesota are focused on extending Marner and Kirill Kaprizov, which could make it difficult to match an expensive offer for Knies or Rossi. Dallas faces its own cap problems, with upcoming extensions for some key players looming. The Blackhawks also recently reacquired their third-round pick in the Rantanen trade, giving them the necessary draft compensation to submit an offer sheet. “Davidson can even take a page out of St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong’s book and attempt to offer sheet a pending restricted free agent,” wrote Powers and Lazerus.MATTHEW. KNIES. WHAT A GOAL!! 🤯 📺: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/Z5qr2sautP— NHL (@NHL) January 5, 2025 Chicago’s offseason plans are expected to be aggressive, whether through free agency, offer sheets, or trades. “They’re expected to be in on every player they can this offseason in an attempt to quickly build a contender around young star Connor Bedard,” wrote Greg Wyshynski of ESPN. If any of Johnston, Rossi, or Knies remain unsigned by July 1, the Blackhawks could test their respective teams' willingness to match a lucrative offer.Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images...

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