The NHL offseason is just around the corner, and with it comes the annual buzz surrounding potential offer sheets. While these rarely materialize, the situation brewing in Winnipeg around Cole Perfetti has the hockey world buzzing.
Here are three compelling reasons why the young forward could be the next target:
- A Change in Leadership: Rick Bowness’s recent retirement as the Jets’ head coach opens the door for a fresh start in Winnipeg. Perfetti, despite his talent and potential, found himself frequently benched towards the end of the regular season and playoffs. A new coach could mean a new opportunity for Perfetti to shine, but a change of scenery could benefit him.
- Salary Cap Constraints: The Jets are strapped for cash, with a mere $13 million in salary cap space to work with. Perfetti, coming off his entry-level contract, is due for a significant raise. A rival team could easily exploit this situation by offering a bridge deal with an average annual value of $5.5 million, a number the Jets would likely struggle to match.
- The Kotkaniemi Precedent: The Carolina Hurricanes’ successful offer sheet for Jesperi Kotkaniemi in 2021 has reignited interest in this often-overlooked mechanism. Though risky, the potential reward of acquiring a promising young talent like Perfetti could be too tempting for some GMs to resist.
While offer sheets are far from common, the unique circumstances surrounding Cole Perfetti make him a prime candidate this offseason. Will a rival team take the gamble? Only time will tell.
Stay Connected for the Latest Winnipeg Jets News
Find all the latest Winnipeg Jets news, trade rumors, and updates on where to watch the next game on TV at nhltraderumor.com. Don’t forget to add us to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below to stay informed!
When you look at the compensation that has to be awarded to the Jets if Cole were to sign an offer sheet, I don’t think there is a GM out there that would offer a contract that the Jets wouldn’t immediately match.
If Cole were to sign an offersheet over $4,290,125 the offering team would have to give up one first-round pick and one third-round pick. I don’t think many teams would give that up for what will likely be a bridge deal.
I think the Jets would be quick to match an offer below that amount.
I think the only way Cole leaves the Jets this off season is through a trade.
Here is how the compensation is structured for the 2023-2024 season:
Here is the compensation structure:
Less than $1,415,740: No compensation.
$1,415,740 to $2,145,061: One third-round pick.
$2,145,061 to $4,290,125: One second-round pick.
$4,290,125 to $6,435,186: One first-round pick and one third-round pick.
$6,435,186 to $8,580,250: One first-round pick, one second-round pick, and one third-round pick.
$8,580,250 to $10,725,314: Two first-round picks, one second-round pick, and one third-round pick.
$10,725,314 and above: Four first-round picks.