Reliable source reveals that an offer sheet could potentially take place in the NHL shortly
As NHL training camps are about to begin, several players are still without a contract, including Dawson Mercer.
These restricted free agents (RFAs) have yet to come to terms with the team that holds their rights.
The list of unsigned RFAs is quite surprising. It includes Moritz Seider, Cole Perfetti, and Dawson Mercer.
Mercer is reportedly generating considerable interest across the league. According to a recent report by Martin Leclerc on BPM Sports, some teams are even starting to consider submitting an offer sheet.
Teams are inquiring about making an offer sheet for Dawson Mercer: a scoop from Martin Leclerc
Here is his exact statement:
Martin Leclerc
Clearly, there seems to be a contractual stalemate between Mercer and the Devils. It's thought that the organization would like to sign him long-term, similar to how the Canadiens signed Juraj Slafkovsky, but that's currently not feasible. Tom Fitzgerald only has $5.75M in cap space and is somewhat stuck.
At the moment, a bridge contract appears to be the most plausible option. Both sides could take inspiration from the deal recently signed by Shane Pinto, which gives him $3.75M per year for two seasons. But is this really what the Mercer camp wants?
This is why the option of an offer sheet is becoming increasingly intriguing, especially given the player's potential. Leclerc points out that the 22-year-old has never missed a game in his three seasons with his team, which is quite rare in the modern NHL. He has also produced at a pace few players have matched during their first three years in the league, recording 131 points, including 64 goals, in 246 games. What makes Mercer even more appealing is that 54 of his 64 goals have been scored at even strength.
What might hold back league GMs is that an offer sheet will definitely cost a first-round pick. This must be the team's own first-round pick, not one acquired via trade, and it cannot be protected.
From the Canadiens' perspective, as Anthony Desaulniers pointed out during Leclerc's segment, this would have cost them none other than Ivan Demidov last year. It's something to think about, especially for a team uncertain of where it will finish next season.
| POLL | ||
Would you submit an offer sheet to Dawson Mercer? | ||
| Yes, but under 5.5 million | 262 | 45.1 % |
| Yes, and I would go up to 7.5 million for 8 years | 65 | 11.2 % |
| No | 254 | 43.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
