While 16 teams are fighting for a chance to lift the Stanley Cup, the rest of the league is getting a jumpstart on their offseason plans. And there's been one topic that is sure to continue making headlines around the league. And that's offer sheets.
94 total players are eligible for an offer sheet this summer. But the vast majority of those players will either hit free agency or re-sign with their current team. The real number isn't as large as it appears. The Flyers have four players who will be eligible this summer, but only one of them may face a real chance of being available.
While Philadelphia will have its players to worry about, the organization should have its eyes on another Eastern Conference team that could run into trouble. And that is the Toronto Maple Leafs
Flyers should look to Maple Leafs as offer sheet candidates
The Leafs are expected to have just under 27M in cap space this summer. While that sounds like a lot, they have two players to worry about: Mitch Marner and John Tavares. The focus will be on them, and they could take up a large chunk of that cap. That could leave two other Leafs forwards available for the taking.
Matthew Knies
The real prize of this strategy would be Matthew Knies. The 22-year-old has broken out this season and is becoming a key part of the Leafs' offense. He's turned himself into a solid top-six forward, was nearly a 30-goal scorer, and broke every offensive career high. Knies also has three goals in four playoff games thus far. So why would the Leafs take a chance at him getting an offer sheet?
Well, that's where Marner and Tavares come in. Marner is coming off a deal that paid him just under 11M, and his next contract will certainly exceed that. Tavares was already making 11M and will likely garner more with the rising salary cap. Both are expected to be a priority for the Leafs.
This is where another team could swing in. Knies will get a hefty raise from the 925K he was making on his rookie deal. He could turn into a top-line player if he continues to progress the way he has. But how much would be too much for the Leafs to match? How desperate are they to keep him in Toronto? Marner and Tavares could combine for over 20M alone, not leaving them with a ton of space.
Knies wouldn't solve the Flyers issues at center, but when would you turn down a potential 70-80 point player if you had a chance to grab him?
Nicholas Robertson
If the Flyers can't snag Knies or he becomes too rich for them, they could take a look at Nicholas Robertson. He would be a downgrade from Knies, but could be someone who needs a change of scenery. He wanted out before the season and was reportedly dangled at the trade deadline. Robertson has appeared to fall out of favor in Toronto, appearing in 69 games. He's played in two of the Leafs' four playoff games.
Robertson still managed to set a new high with 15 goals despite having the second-lowest ice time among forwards. He averaged just over 10 minutes during the regular season. Robertson has also found a way to respond to being a healthy scratch, often scoring upon his return. Sound familiar, Flyers fans? Okay no, he's not Matvei Michkov. But the ability to respond at a young age is still impressive.
He shouldn't command a ton via an offer sheet because of his inexperience. The Leafs might be more willing to let him go as they have other players who have taken his spot. The ice time isn't there, and he may want to go to a situation where he has a better chance to play.
The Flyers could also offer sheet both in hopes of landing one of Knies or Robertson. They probably won't get as lucky as the Blues did when they got Dylan Holloway and Phillip Broberg. But it worked once before, why not give it a shot? The worst that can happen is the Leafs match, and you end the day with the same roster as before