Pavel Dorofeyev
Pavel Dorofeyev established himself as one of the league’s top young forwards in terms of shooting this season. His 37 goals and 64 points during the 2024-25 regular season, followed by 12 more in the Stanley Cup Final with the Vegas Golden Knights, underscore his offensive potency. With his scoring ability and the rising salary cap, Darofeyev is poised for a significant contract increase.
Evolving Hockey projects Dorofeyev for an eight-year deal with a $9.135 million cap hit. While this may not reach eight figures, it reflects his market value. The Golden Knights, aware of his skill set—complementary rather than playmaking—must decide if they can afford his next contract. Given their recent cap constraints, Dorofeyev remains a prime candidate for an offer sheet.
Mavrik Bourque
Mavrik Bourque emerged as a key performer for the Dallas Stars, posting 20 goals and 41 points in 81 games. His 54.74% expected goals share (xG%) ranks among the team’s skaters, highlighting his five-on-five impact. With the Stars holding limited cap space ($11.06 million) and facing potential demands from Jason Robertson, Bourque could become an offer-sheet target if the team seeks defenseman reinforcements.
Projection models suggest a two-year contract at $3.556 million annually, but this could change if cap flexibility is compromised by Jason Robertson’s impending deal. Until trade options for Tyler Seguin materialize, the Stars may prioritize protecting their roster over pursuing Bourque via an offer sheet.
Zachary Bolduc
Zachary Bolduc delivered a promising rookie season in Montreal, netting 12 goals and 30 points across 78 games. His 51.16% xG% and 1.5 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five demonstrate consistent two-way play. The Canadiens, while poised to clear Brendan Gallagher’s contract, still face cap challenges as Kirby Dach heads to free agency. With the center position in free agency being pinched, Bolduc’s scoring upside could make him an attractive offer-sheet candidate.
Peyton Krebs
Peyton Krebs showcased scoring potential as a middle-six forward for the Buffalo Sabres, tallying 12 goals and 39 points in 80 games. His ability to play center or wing, combined with playmaking skills and strong skating, positions him as a tradeable asset or a candidate for an offer sheet if teams seek cost-effective depth.
Projected for a three-year, $3.757 million-cap deal, Krebs’ value may not meet expectations in free agency. However, with the center market being scarce, a motivated team could pursue him to bolster their forward lines at a lower cost than top-tier centers.
Cole Sillinger
Cole Sillinger offers defensive reliability and physicality despite modest offensive output (8 goals, 33 points). His forechecking prowess and transition play could appeal to teams needing a gritty two-way forward. With the Columbus Blue Jackets facing cap decisions around Adam Fantilli and Jet Greaves, Sillinger might find an offer sheet if teams perceive offensive upside.
Brandt Clarke
Brandt Clarke has thrived in a supportive system, combining elite shooting, passing, and defensive skills. Projected for a $7.379 million-cap hit over six years, the Los Angeles Kings may hesitate to commit. However, Clarke’s potential to evolve into a top-tier defender could attract teams seeking a high-end blueliner via an offer sheet.
Olen Zellweger
Olen Zellweger, despite halting mid-season with coach Joel Quenneville, remains a skilled shot-creator and passer. His mobility and transition play make him a two-way threat. The Anaheim Ducks, facing impending cap demands from Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson, might trade him or consider an offer sheet if teams target his potential as a top-4 defenseman.