Here’s why the Canadiens don’t have to worry too much about hostile offer sheets

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated May 13, 2025 4:32 PM ET

Talk about hostile offer sheets.

When Marc Bergevin tabled a hostile offer sheet for Sebastian Aho in 2019, he saw the Hurricanes retaliate by stealing Jesperi Kotkaniemi from the Canadiens a few seasons later.

It was a revenge of sorts, then.

The question I’m asking myself, then, is whether, in 2025, there are still executives who will be in fine fettle if one of their players were ever to sign such an offer.

I’m inclined to say no, since hostile offer sheets are likely to become increasingly popular. But who knows, even so, if a club might hold a grudge following such a perfectly legal manoeuvre.

But as Marco D’Amico pointed out on Twitter, it’s important to remember that, grudge or no grudge, if the Canadiens were to make a hostile offer this summer, revenge wouldn’t necessarily come in the form of another hostile offer.

Why do I say this? Because Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson won’t be eligible for such an offer sheet because of their short first season in the Bettman circuit.

One thing to keep into consideration, should the Canadiens ever consider going to offer sheet way:

There isn’t one core player that could become a revenge target for another team.

Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov are both ineligible to receive offer sheets in 2026 and 2027. https://t.co/5B3OM2uEbG

– Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) May 13, 2025

We can assume that Michael Hage, who could finish next season in the NHL, will be in the same boat, if need be. But it’s too early to talk about that in his case.

And with the rest of the core under NHL contract, the Habs are protected in that sense.

With the rest of the core locked in until UFA status, there would be very little danger of retaliation from opposing clubs.

Of note, it would have to be 2026 (and beyond) picks that will be used as compensation as OS can only happen after July 1.

– Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) May 13, 2025

Elliotte Friedman penned a paper today updating the compensation to be given in the event of a hostile offer sheet. And let’s not forget that the Habs have all the options to do what they want… and plenty of room under the cap.

Will the Blues be imitated in 2025? We’ll see.

overtime

– Back in the game?

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– Great news.

It’s time to announce a great project.

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– Good listening.