JJ Peterka (David Kirouac-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/23131561-36b2-48ce-a3c0-4b816dbf751d.jpeg] JJ Peterka (David Kirouac-Imagn Images) The anticipated rise in the NHL’s salary cap to $95.5 million for next season might encourage some teams to pursue a rival club's leading RFA with an offer sheet. A GM might draw inspiration from the St. Louis Blues' bold signings of Dylan Holloway [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues/latest-news/blues-dylan-holloway-nearing-impressive-milestone] and Philip Broberg [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues/latest-news/blues-made-outstanding-move-signing-defenseman] last summer from the Edmonton Oilers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/edmonton-oilers]. Both players have been key contributors to the Blues' second-half surge into a Western Conference wild-card spot. Buffalo Sabres [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres] left winger JJ Peterka could an RFA to watch. The 23-year-old is completing his entry-level contract and has reached a career-best 60 points in 69 games. This summer could see more NHL teams signing RFAs to offer sheets. Will JJ Peterka be involved? The Hockey News’ Michael Augello [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/is-peterka-in-prime-position-for-big-payday] wrote that Peterka often plays with Tage Thompson on the top line, but he’s been eligible for a contract extension since last July, and his name even surfaced in trade speculation around the deadline. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli and Carter Hutton believe Peterka could be a prime offer-sheet candidate [https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/predictions-nhl-offer-sheet-picks-2025-offseason-jj-peterka-buffalo-sabres]. The Sabres have a projected cap space [https://puckpedia.com/team/buffalo-sabres] of $23.2 million with 16 active roster players under contract for next season. They have plenty of room to match an offer for Peterka, but they must also ensure they have sufficient cap room to re-sign other RFAs, such as Bowen Byram, Jack Quinn, Ryan McLeod and Jacob Bernard-Docker. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers] firing of coach John Tortorella last week prompted some observers to speculate about Peter Laviolette's future as the New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers]' bench boss. After guiding the Blueshirts to the Presidents' Trophy last season, Laviolette has struggled to keep his club in the playoff race in a season of uncertainty amid frequent roster shakeups. The Hockey News’ Stan Fischler [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/latest-news/the-rangers-should-bring-john-tortorella-back-now] believes the Rangers should replace Laviolette with Tortorella immediately to wake up the underachievers. Arthur Staple of The Athletic recently examined [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6232668/2025/03/27/rangers-peter-laviolette-coach-drury/] the pros and cons of replacing Laviolette. If management decides to make a coaching change, they're unlikely to bring in someone lacking NHL experience, like Denver University's David Carle or Cam Abbott of the AHL's Chicago Wolves. Staple observed that Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins] was on their shortlist of coaching candidates two years ago. However, Sullivan doesn't appear interested in leaving Pittsburgh, and the Penguins wouldn't want to risk him being hired by a division rival. NHL Rumor Roundup: What Will The New York Rangers Do This Summer? [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d031966e-e461-494c-9e0f-e7833b84a8d8.jpeg] NHL Rumor Roundup: What Will The New York Rangers Do This Summer? The New York Rangers continue to jockey for the final Eastern Conference wild-card berth. Nevertheless, their off-season plans remain the subject of media speculation. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-rumor-roundup-what-will-the-new-york-rangers-do-this-summer] Turning to the Seattle Kraken [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken], Kate Shefte of The Seattle Times believes they'll be busy during the off-season [https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/kraken/seattle-kraken-will-miss-nhl-playoffs-again-whats-next-analysis/] attempting to bolster their roster following another disappointing campaign. Shefte observed the Kraken's offense has improved this season, but their goals-against increased while their special teams were among the league's bottom third. She noted they're set to land a top-five first-round draft pick and have the cap space and trade bait to add to their lineup this summer. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
