Carolina played hardball with 2 teams using offer sheet threats on star players

Even though no offer sheets were ultimately made this offseason, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the threat was very real.

According to Friedman, one team in particular used the possibility of an offer sheet as leverage, signaling to the league and its players that aggressive moves were on the table. While no contracts were signed via this route, the mere presence of the threat demonstrates how teams are willing to push the boundaries to secure key talent.

Carolina, specifically, found itself in the crosshairs of this tactic. With their young defensemen, Evan Bouchard and K’Andre Miller, teams were considering using offer sheets to disrupt roster plans. Offer sheets are rare in the NHL, partly because they can spark tension between general managers and create a financial ripple effect, but Friedman’s comments show that the threat alone can influence negotiations.

“The offer sheets, even though it didn’t happen, they were out there; Carolina, they threatened to offer sheet Evan Bouchard; they threatened to offer sheet K’Andre Miller; the offer sheet threat was there; it was from kinda one team.”

First, to Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard: the threat forced the Oilers to accelerate negotiations with their star blueliner, ultimately reaching an agreement on a four-year contract worth $10.5 million per season.

Then, Tulsky threatened the New York Rangers with an offer sheet for their defenseman K’Andre Miller. This time, the strategy paid off. Unable to come to terms with his defenseman on a new contract, GM Chris Drury ultimately decided to trade Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Friedman’s revelation also highlights how teams quietly play the chess game behind the scenes. Not all moves are visible to fans, but the strategy shapes the offseason landscape and sets the tone for trades and signings in the months ahead.

While no blockbuster offer sheets landed this summer, the league can expect more maneuvering like this in the future, especially as teams vie for top-tier young talent and look for creative ways to challenge competitors without breaking league norms.

And I bet after this report, the entire NHL will keep a close eye on the Hurricanes and how their approach has forced the hands of other GMs in the league.