In a recent episode of 32 Thoughts the Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed who he believes could be a sneaky target for an offer sheet.
He thinks Utah Mammoth forward Jack McBain might be a name to watch. No, he’s not the flashiest option, but he’d be relatively inexpensive to sign and the compensation required wouldn’t scare off a good chunk of the league.
Friedman broke down why McBain could be a name to watch.
“McBain’s a center, and he’s a bigger guy. He’s 25 years old, a 6'4" center, and teams are always looking for those kinds of players. Big centers are hard to find. I think the Mammoth really like him, and I think they’re trying to sign him. But that’s an under-the-radar type that could get (an offer sheet).”
The reasoning checks out. There are probably 20 teams across the league that could use a player like McBain. As mentioned in a recent article, I think playoff and Stanley Cup contenders are going to be all over him. Teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and a few others wouldn’t hesitate to add a player like him.
Because he’s a restricted free agent, Utah would have the right to match any offer sheet he signs. Unless the offer is outrageous, you’d think they’d match without too much hesitation. If not, they’d at least get a pick in return.
That said, from now until July 1 at 12:00 a.m., the Mammoth can continue negotiating to try and get a deal done before free agency begins. If it doesn’t happen before then, they still own his rights, but he would be allowed to speak with other teams.
It’s not considered an urgent situation at the moment, but if you’re the Mammoth, this is probably something they'd like to get figured out before the market opens.
