Offer Sheet Shockers? Rangers’ Cuylle, Leafs’ Knies Lead 5 Surprise Targets for 2025…Read More…
In the high-stakes chess match that is NHL free agency, the offer sheet remains one of the most dangerous and controversial moves a general manager can make. Rarely used but often whispered about behind closed doors, offer sheets have the power to fracture franchises, unsettle locker rooms, and, occasionally, rewrite the league’s balance of power. With the 2025 offseason fast approaching, chatter around a handful of breakout RFAs (restricted free agents) is reaching a fever pitch — and the names being floated may surprise you.
Leading the speculation are two emerging stars: Will Cuylle of the New York Rangers and Matthew Knies of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both have emerged as key contributors for their respective clubs, but both now find themselves in complicated contract situations that could invite aggressive moves from rival GMs eager to steal a rising asset. Add in three other under-the-radar names, and the 2025 offseason could feature more fireworks than July 1st usually promises.
Will Cuylle: The Power Forward on the Rise
The New York Rangers knew they had something special in Will Cuylle, but few expected the 22-year-old to make such a profound impact this early. In 2024–25, Cuylle posted a career-high 23 goals and 18 assists, while playing a punishing, north-south game that made life miserable for opposing defensemen. His physical edge, combined with an underrated scoring touch, made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden — but also a prime target for poachers.
The Rangers are tight against the salary cap, having committed major dollars to the likes of Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, and Igor Shesterkin. General Manager Chris Drury has made re-signing Cuylle a top priority, but rival teams are watching closely. Cuylle’s mix of grit and scoring — a rare commodity in today’s game — makes him an ideal candidate for a bold offer sheet in the $4–5 million range, which could challenge the Rangers’ cap flexibility without triggering high draft pick compensation.
One Western Conference executive, speaking anonymously, noted: “Cuylle plays a playoff brand of hockey, and he’s just scratching the surface. If you can get him for a second-round compensation price, that’s a steal.”
Matthew Knies: Toronto’s Dilemma
If Cuylle is the rising power forward, Matthew Knies is the polished top-six winger who has become a staple in Toronto’s transition game. The former University of Minnesota standout solidified his role this past season with 21 goals and 26 assists, playing heavy minutes alongside Auston Matthews and William Nylander.
The Leafs, however, are once again facing a cap crunch. With their core locked into lucrative deals, the money left over for depth players — or even quality RFAs like Knies — is limited. New GM Eric Tulsky has made analytics-driven moves since taking over in January, but Knies represents an old-school, tangible asset that’s difficult to measure purely in data: a 6’3” winger who can forecheck, score, and hold his own physically.
The question is whether the Leafs can match an aggressive offer without gutting their depth. If a team swoops in with a $5 million offer over four years — the kind that forces a hard decision — Toronto might be stuck between loyalty and logic.
“It’s not about whether Knies is worth the money,” said a former NHL capologist. “It’s about whether Toronto can afford to keep him and ice a competitive bottom six. That’s where it gets murky.”
Other Offer Sheet Sleepers
While Cuylle and Knies steal most of the spotlight, three other RFAs are quietly generating buzz as potential targets:
1. Dylan Holloway – Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers have a superstar-laden payroll and little wiggle room, and Holloway’s late-season surge has caught attention. With a blend of speed and tenacity, Holloway could thrive in a top-six role on a new team. Edmonton may be forced to choose between depth and development — and a $3.5M offer could test their resolve.
2. Jake Neighbours – St. Louis Blues
Neighbours flew under the radar in St. Louis but logged significant minutes and posted 16 goals while excelling on the penalty kill. His all-situations value makes him a compelling offer sheet candidate, especially for cap-rich teams looking to add youth and versatility.
3. Bobby Brink – Philadelphia Flyers
Once seen as a potential top-line winger, Brink had a solid — if unspectacular — season with 14 goals and 29 points. With John Tortorella’s defense-first system limiting his offensive ceiling, a team with a more freewheeling approach could offer Brink a fresh start and more prominent role. A creative offer sheet here could fly under the radar until it’s too late.
A Quiet Threat, Now Louder Than Ever
Offer sheets are rare, but not unprecedented. Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s move from Montreal to Carolina in 2021 was the last major one — and its ripple effects are still felt. GMs are reluctant to use them because of the political fallout; no one wants to start a war of retaliation. But the flat cap era is fading, and with league revenues rebounding, some teams are feeling emboldened.
“There’s no gentleman’s agreement anymore,” said a veteran agent. “If you think you can steal a top-six player and only give up a second-rounder? That’s just good business.”
Cuylle and Knies might not be the stars of today, but the smart teams are thinking about the stars of tomorrow — and if they can pry one away now, they might be laying the foundation for a dynasty.
As July 1st nears, eyes will be on the usual free agent frenzy — but don’t be surprised if one or two of these young RFAs become the center of the league’s next major drama.
Because in 2025, the offer sheet isn’t just a rumor.
It’s a weapon.
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