Tricky, Yet Enticing Offer Sheet Could Round Out Devils Roster

General Manager Tom Fitzgerald was undoubtedly aggressive in retooling his roster this summer in order to prevent underperforming again next season. Just how far is Fitzgerald willing to go to ice the best team possible in 2024-25? The Devils’ GM addressed what he wanted to do in goal and on the blue line. Yet, although he explained he’s done shopping this summer, one item on the checklist remains unchecked. Fitzgerald can fill the need for a top-six forward via an offer sheet.

Young NHLers want to know they’re valued with the organization they’re with. Perhaps, Winnipeg Jets forward prospect Rutger McGroarty has received the message that he is valued less than he’d like, thus the 20-year-old forward has requested a trade.

However, we’re not here to talk about McGroarty.

There’s another young stud on the Jets who might feel he’s not being utilized to his potential. That player is forward Cole Perfetti.

Perfetti was issued a qualifying offer by the Jets and remains a restricted free agent with no arbitration rights.

Last season, the young Jets forward was seemingly under-utilized despite some pretty impressive statistics that suggest he should have received more ice time. First and foremost, Perfetti finished the 2023-24 season scoring 19 goals and 38 points in 71 games averaging 13:35 of time on ice. That’s over a full minute less on average than 2022-23 when Perfetti seemingly had more competition to cut through.

Peretti’s analytics propose he’s a high quality playmaker who can also finish and has an excellent impact on the defensive side of the puck. Although he’s not completely polished at the ripe age of 22 years old, he’s the total package in terms of top-six forwards.

If the former 10th overall selection in 2020 really wanted to try to force Winnipeg’s hand, he could sign an offer sheet.

Enter Tom Fitzgerald.

The Devils GM showed reported interest in Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas before the 2024 NHL Draft. That never came to fruition, and Fitzgerald’s answer for a top-six forward is seemingly Tomas Tatar. The Devils don’t have the compensation to offer sheet Necas after moving their 2025 first round pick to the Calgary Flames in a package for Jacob Markstrom. But, they could have the means to make an offer sheet work with Perfetti.

Despite his claim that he’s done in the open market, it’s an avenue for Fitzgerald to round out his top six.

According to AFP Analytics, Perfetti is projected to earn $3,065,333 in average annual value (AAV) on a two-year bridge contract.

That works within the realm of the Devils’ needs, as the New Jersey could offer up to $4,580,917 to Perfetti and only owe the Jets a 2025 second-round pick in compensation if they choose to not match the offer. Perhaps adding a third-year of term at the nearly $4.5 million would scare Winnipeg — who have $5,801,309 in cap space — away from matching the offer as big names such as Nikolaj Ehlers, Alex Iafallo, Gabriel Vilardi, and Neil Pionk will all have their contracts expire next season and committing that money to Perfetti could be problematic in the Jets’ situation.

Certainly, the glaring issue is that Dawson Mercer — who is projected to earn a $3,793,680 AAV on a two-year term — needs a contract, and they don’t seem keen on trading the 22-year-old.

The Devils currently have $4,976,103 in total cap space. In addition to Mercer, they have Nico Daws, Nolan Foote, and Santeri Hatakka’s contracts to address. In terms of cap casualties, Nathan Bastian certainly seems like he could be the odd-man out at $1.35 million. That part shouldn’t be too difficult. However, that wouldn’t be enough to fit both Perfetti and Mercer under the cap.

This is where it gets tricky.  Would Ondrej Palat be willing to waive his full no-move clause? Is Jonas Siegenthaler replaceable with the Devils’ depth now that new blueliners such as Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon are in the fold?

Offer sheets are one of the rarest things in the NHL. However, if Fitzgerald can make it happen, Perfetti’s a fit in the Devils’ top-six. It’s a matter of making the money work, but the Devils have the compensation up to a $4,580,917 AAV to send Perfetti an offer sheet.

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