Big opportunity arises for Kent Hughes to add a top 6 forward via offer sheet and the price is revealed

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Elias Adaime
September 11, 2024 (1:41 PM)

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The name Dawson Mercer could quickly become very interesting for Montreal Canadiens fans.

We are talking about a very promising forward, already established in the NHL, who also played in the QMJHL.

Why are we talking about Mercer here?

Simply because the subject was brought up this morning, on BPM Sports, by the excellent Martin Leclerc.

Dawson Mercer is still without a contract for the upcoming season. He is a restricted free agent (RFA), and the possibility of an offer sheet is increasingly being discussed in his case.

It wouldn't be surprising if he skips the Devils' training camp due to his contract impasse.

An offer sheet for Dawson Mercer as an option for the Montreal Canadiens?

That could quickly become very intriguing.

«All this to say that right now, in the NHL, there are certainly teams looking at this situation and thinking that a player with such potential could be appealing. Martin Leclerc mentioned this on the radio. And one way to get him out is through an offer sheet.»

- Charles-Alexis Brisebois

We saw this twice a few weeks ago with Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, and don't be surprised if we see it again with Mercer.

After all, we've already been warned that things will heat up in the coming weeks (and keep an eye on Justin Barron).

Here's the compensation chart in the event of an offer sheet.

A price was actually suggested by Brisebois.

In his opinion, the Montreal Canadiens, who could have the necessary cap space and are looking for young forwards ready to break out, should be willing to pay around $6 million per year to try their luck with Mercer via an offer sheet.

This would mean that $6 million also involves giving up unprotected 1st and 3rd-round picks as compensation.

However, $6 million would also make the Devils work, as they currently don't have the cap space to match the offer.

For Kent Hughes, this would be a huge gamble because, as Anthony Desaulniers wisely pointed out on BPM Sports, if the Canadiens had done this last year, it would have cost them Ivan Demidov. (In 2023, it would have cost David Reinbacher)

Gilbert Delorme, on the other hand, is still in favor and likes the idea, probably because he believes the Canadiens won't draft as high this year, especially if Mercer is hypothetically added to the lineup.

At the same time, as we've seen in recent years, we're never really safe from injuries and disasters.

Just ask the Ottawa Senators.

In short, it's a situation to keep an eye on.

Do you think this would interest Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton? Do you think they want to accelerate the rebuild to that extent?

Personally, I love Mercer and I really think he's an intriguing target, but I would prioritize a trade over an offer sheet if things go sour between the young player and the Devils.

Dawson Mercer, 22 years old, has tallied 33 points, 56 points, and 42 points in his first three NHL seasons. (82 games played each season)

Source: DanslesCoulisses
Le Canadien et les risques d'une offre hostile à Dawson Mercer