The 2024-25 season is lower than two months away, but there are nonetheless many gamers who’ve true star potential that stay restricted free brokers (RFAs). Usually, this wouldn’t imply an entire lot, as RFAs usually take a while earlier than agreeing to phrases on a brand new deal. Whereas provide sheets are all the time a risk, they’re so uncommon that groups don’t appear to concern the chance of coping with one. That’s now modified.
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The St. Louis Blues made big waves throughout the hockey neighborhood this previous week once they signed Edmonton Oilers RFAs Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to two-year offers. This was a chance the Calgary Flames missed out on, as each are nicely on their method to changing into good NHL gamers. It is going to hopefully present basic supervisor Craig Conroy simply how priceless provide sheets could be, and will even get him to have a look at sending one himself earlier than the 2024-25 season begins. Ought to he think about doing so, these 4 are ones price contemplating.
Matty Beniers, C
Matty Beniers isn’t simply the finest remaining RFA obtainable, he’s additionally probably the greatest younger abilities within the recreation. The second general choose from the 2021 Draft has all types of star potential, and in 2022-23 scored 24 objectives and 57 factors in what was a formidable rookie season.
Although Beniers’ numbers regressed barely in 2023-24, he’s simply 21 years outdated, and can undoubtedly get issues again on monitor. He would instantly develop into the face of the Flames future, and whereas the Seattle Kraken will need to do the whole lot they will to maintain him round, their arms could possibly be tied relying on what the provide is available in at, as they solely have roughly $5.5 million in cap area.
Dawson Mercer, C
Yet one more RFA who performs a place the Flames might use assist in is Dawson Mercer. Although Mercer doesn’t have as excessive of a ceiling as Beniers, he’s an distinctive younger expertise in his personal proper. He’s hit the 20-goal mark twice in his three NHL seasons, and had a career-high 56 factors in 2022-23.
The New Jersey Devils wouldn’t be too eager on shedding Mercer, who they took 18th general in 2020. They too might discover themselves hard-pressed to match a deal, nonetheless, as they’ve simply over $5.7 million in cap area. Given Mercer’s spectacular exhibiting early in his profession, giving him a contract with a wage bigger than that wouldn’t be the worst resolution for an additional staff, such because the Flames, to make.
Nick Robertson, LW
Although not the identical calibre participant as Beniers or Mercer, a less expensive possibility the Flames might think about is Nick Robertson. The 22-year-old doesn’t appear all too prepared to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs after requesting a commerce following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
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Robertson scored 14 objectives and 27 factors in 56 video games final season, stable totals provided that he acquired little enjoying time. He has confirmed he can produce within the American Hockey League (AHL) and is definitely price contemplating. The Maple Leafs even have lower than $1 million in cap area, which suggests he could possibly be had for a less expensive value than the 2 talked about above.
Thomas Harley, D
Except for Moritz Seider, probably the most intriguing RFA defenceman is Thomas Harley. The 22-year-old actually burst onto the scene this previous season, registering a formidable 15 objectives and 47 factors in 79 video games. That seems to solely be the start for the younger defenceman, who was chosen 18th general in 2019.
On high of his nice offensive instincts, Harley additionally brings loads of dimension at 6-foot-4, 206 kilos. That dimension, alongside along with his top-notch skating capability, permits for him to be regular defensively as nicely. The Flames have already got some blue line prospects which have loads of offensive potential, however including one which has confirmed he can produce on the NHL stage is one thing price contemplating.
Supply Sheets Definitely worth the Threat
The thought amongst followers is that supply sheets usually don’t happen as entrance places of work don’t need to irritate each other. Whereas it could possibly definitely do this, the reward outweighs the potential danger. The Blues determined to take that danger, and will quickly find yourself with two excellent younger gamers on their roster because of this. The Flames ought to pay attention to that and think about the provide sheet method transferring ahead, whether or not this offseason or within the years to return.
