The hockey world was rocked by the bold move made by St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, who recently tendered offer sheets to two players, making him a marked man in the eyes of many. This daring move has certainly stirred the pot in the NHL.
For the Blues, this move presents an opportunity to add some youthful talent to their roster at a reasonable price. Armstrong also has the necessary draft picks to compensate the Edmonton Oilers if needed. However, the big question looming is whether Armstrong will have to face the consequences for his controversial choice.
Looking back at recent history of offer sheets in the league, there is a pattern of retaliation brewing. In 2019, the Montreal Canadiens attempted to snag budding-star Sebastian Aho with an offer sheet, but the Carolina Hurricanes quickly matched the offer, ensuring Aho remained with them. However, the story did not end there. Fast forward two years, and the Hurricanes turned the tables by submitting an offer sheet for Jesperi Kotkaniemi, which the Canadiens did not match. Was this a form of revenge by the Hurricanes? The signing bonus of $20 to Kotkaniemi, who incidentally wears Aho’s number, sure raised some eyebrows.
If the Blues manage to secure either Broberg or Holloway with their offer sheets, it is possible that the Oilers’ general manager, Bowman, will be seeking ways to get back at Armstrong in the near future.
Bowman might not have to wait long for his chance for payback. At the end of this season, forward Jake Neighbours and goaltender Joel Hofer will become unrestricted free agents. Both players are coming off breakout seasons and have bright futures with the Blues. Neighbours could be a valuable piece for Connor McDavid, while having a goaltending duo of Stuart Skinner and Hofer would provide the Blues with a strong tandem.
The question on everyone’s mind now is whether Armstrong is doomed to repeat history. Would Bowman take a page out of Armstrong’s book and tender offer sheets for Neighbours and Hofer in return? The potential gains could outweigh the risks, as both Neighbours and Hofer are in better positions in their careers compared to Broberg and Holloway. While it may cost more money and higher draft picks, it could be a price worth paying for many teams in the NHL.
Many experts argue that it is in the best interest of the Blues to extend contracts for Neighbours and Hofer even before this situation arose. Locking in Neighbours would help solidify the team’s core, while having Hofer under contract could secure a solid goaltending situation for the Blues moving forward. The case for extensions was already strong, but with the recent offer sheet drama, it has only become more urgent.
In the high-stakes world of NHL offer sheets and player acquisitions, it seems that Armstrong’s bold move has set off a chain reaction that could have lasting implications for the Blues and the Oilers. Only time will tell how this story unfolds.
