There is a large belief that this could be the summer of offer sheets (subscription required). With the recent success in plucking talent from other teams and a dramatically rising cap, teams may be more poised to weaponize the strategy.
Previously considered a taboo subject, Blues GM Doug Armstrong decided to take the league by storm and offer Dylan Holloway and Phillip Broberg contracts. Knowing the Oilers were strapped for cash, Armstrong was able to snag both players, who have excelled on their new team.
This has likely gotten other teams thinking they might be able to do the same. A large amount of talent will be available this summer. A total of 88 skaters and six goaltenders will be eligible for an offer sheet this summer. Not all of them are notable names, and the vast majority will go unnoticed around the league.
J.J. Peterka, Matthew Knies, Marco Rossi, and Gabe Vilardi are some of the more interesting names. The Flyers, considered a team that could be the one to watch regarding offer sheets, have a few players on the list.
Flyers eligible to sign offer sheet this summer
Four Flyers will hit restricted free agency this summer, giving them the chance to sign an offer sheet.
Tyson Foerster
It was a tale of two seasons for Foerster. While he finished with new career highs in goals and points, he was expected to improve in his sophomore season. Before Foerster's late-season surge after the firing of John Tortorella, there was no guarantee he'd hit the 20-goal mark.
He was a part of the Flyers' most consistent line with Noah Cates, more on him in a minute, and Bobby Brink. At times, they provided a vast majority of the team's offense. But after a strong finish to his rookie season, it felt like this was the time for Foerster to prove himself. The numbers look good, but they could've been better.
He certainly earned himself more money on his next contract with the late push and should be a key part of the team's future. He'll earn a substantial raise from the 863K he was making on his entry-level deal. A team could take a flyer on him if he makes it to free agency, but it would be a shock if the Flyers don't lock him up before then.
Noah Cates
Like Foerster, Cates is an important piece to the puzzle. He is a versatile player and can be used in a variety of situations. The offense is sporadic at times, but he still put up a new high in goals in four fewer games. He was two points away from a new high in that category. So as it looks, it was still a productive season.
His chemistry with Foerster and Brink was undeniable. The three clicked and provided the Flyers with a ton of positive minutes. He was also finding himself off the ice as well. After losing a beloved player like Scott Laughton, Cates found himself with more of a leadership role in the room. Cates won't be the star on an NHL roster, but he is one of those players that you'd hate to lose.
He should get a moderate bump in salary, and there doesn't seem to be a concern that the deal won't get done. With this being his last contract as an RFA, the Flyers could try to lock him up for a while. It wouldn't be a surprise if there's interest around the league, but the Flyers aren't likely to let him get that far.
Jakob Pelletier
Pelletier is a different story as he doesn't have a large sample size with the Flyers. It took him a bit to get going, though that may have been the large break before playing. His usage in the beginning certainly didn't help. As he became more comfortable and was given more of a chance on a different line, Pelletier came into his own. Three goals and eight points in 25 games isn't blowing anyone away, but you have to take his linemates into consideration.
Playing on the fourth line with Nic Deslauriers and Rodrigo Abols wasn't putting Pelletier in a position to succeed. But when he was moved up to play with Owen Tippett and Ryan Poehling, you could see what he was capable of doing. He finished the season with six points in the final eight games. It's a wonder what can happen when a player is put into the right situation.
Considering Pelletier still does not have a large track record in the NHL, he should be one of the players who isn't noticed much by other teams. With bigger names around and Pelletier's limited success, the Flyers should be able to keep him in town for at least a full season in Philadelphia. A bridge deal is almost certaintly the outcome.
Cam York
This is where things could get interesting for the Flyers. It's fair to say this was a disappointing season for York. His offense stagnated, recording just four goals and 17 points in 66 games. He was benched and healthy scratched multiple times and was even suspended for a game due to the incident with Tortorella. Regardless of what happened, that doesn't reflect well on a player.
York started the season off well and was easily one of the Flyers' best defensemen at the time. That came after doing the same in the latter half of last season. His injury led the club to wonder if they'd be able to replace him while he was out. But then something changed after he returned.
It all depends on how the Flyers feel about York and if they still believe he can improve. There were reported contract talks in November, but nothing came. A lot has changed since then. Their thoughts on Emil Andrae and some of the other upcoming defensive prospects may change their mind as well. If the Flyers don't have a deal done before an offer sheet can happen, they may be willing to listen.