Buffalo Sabres right winger JJ Peterka has been suggested as a possible offer-sheet target this summer. The 23-year-old is completing his entry-level contract and will be an RFA without arbitration rights.
Lance Lysowski of the Buffalo News believes an offer sheet for Peterka is possible but unlikely. He points out the Sabres have plenty of salary-cap space to match any offer. They're also not keen to lose him from draft picks as compensation.
Peterka had a breakout performance this season, sitting tied for second among Sabres scorers with 68 points. Lysowski speculates he could get a short- or long-term deal, with the latter possibly being a six-year contract with an average annual value of $6.6 million.
Turning to the Columbus Blue Jackets, they could shake up their goaltending in the off-season. Starter Elvis Merzlikins improved this season, but not enough to backstop the Jackets into the post-season.
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic thinks Merzlikins could be bought out of the final two years of his contract because his performance has made him untradeable. He also indicated that Jackets coach Dean Evason has lost confidence in backup Daniil Tarasov.
Jet Greaves played well over the final weeks of this season and could earn a full-time spot for 2025-26. However, Portzline felt they must add an experienced netminder through a trade or free agency.
Pickings are slim in both markets this summer. The best free-agent options could be Jake Allen of the New Jersey Devils and Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes. John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks might be the best trade possibility, provided the Jackets aren't on his 10-team no-trade list.
Meanwhile, Montreal Canadiens fans are overjoyed as their club exceeded expectations this season to qualify for the playoffs.
That unexpected success for the rebuilding Canadiens could work in their favor in this summer's trade and free-agent markets. Despite their improvement, the Canadiens must bolster their blueline and find a suitable second-line center.
TSN's Darren Dreger suggested the Canadiens' improvement and their recent addition of promising right winger Ivan Demidov could be a selling point for management as they attempt to entice free agents or players with no-trade protection.
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.