One realistic Flames offer sheet target for NHL free agency

First things first. The Flames should not sign a player to an offer sheet with an AAV above $4,680,076. If they do, it means they will lose their 2026 first round pick which is an absolute no go. Craig Conroy would be crazy to give up his lottery ticket in the Gavin McKenna draft.

The Flames will also need to target players on teams who are up against the salary cap. There is no point in trying to sign a player on a team who can easily match the contract.

With all that in mind, let’s take a look at one RFA who the Flames might be able to sign to an offer sheet.

(I originally wrote about two offer sheet targets. But one of them was Nic Hague who was traded to Nashville last night)

Mackie Samoskevich – Florida Panthers – RW – 22 years old – 5’11”, 181 pounds

There are probably a lot of Flames fans out there that aren’t too familiar with Mackie Samoskevich. He plays in the Eastern Conference and on top of that he only suited up for four Panther playoff games in their most recent Stanley Cup championship.

If there is one thing Samoskevich is known for, it’s his speed and tenacity. According to NHL Edge, Samoskevich is in the top 94th percentile in speed bursts over 22 mph, 91st percentile in speed bursts over 20 mph, and the 89th percentile in top skating speed.

Samoskevich also has a fantastic shot and set of hands. In his first full season in the NHL, Samoskevich put up 15 goals and 16 assists in 72 games. He did that playing in the bottom six of the Panther forward group.

He is going to become a perennial 30 goal scorer and high end top six player with whatever team gives him a chance to succeed in a top six role. Teams would be doing Florida a big favour if they decided not to offer sheet Samoskevich. And why would anyone want to help the back-to-back Stanley Cup champs?

The Florida Panthers might put themselves in a position where they won’t be able to match an offer sheet on Samoskevich if they sign one or more of Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad.

Is there a fit for Samoskevich in Calgary? Absolutely. The Flames barely have any young, right shooting forwards in their organization. They could desperately use a guy like Samoskevich.

The forward group is currently filled out at the NHL level. But Conroy could easily trade a forward out to fit Samoskevich into their lineup. Samoskevich would instantly become one of their best wingers. The Flames could move out one of Blake Coleman, Yegor Sharangovich, Joel Farabee or Martin Pospisil.

Projected offer sheet: 2 years, $4,680,076 AAV

A bridge deal could entice Samoskevich to sign. He gets a significant raise on his current salary and he would be able to sign a new deal with a rising salary cap and more opportunity on the ice in Calgary.

Teams around the NHL would be crazy not to target either one of these players. Offer sheets should be used a whole lot more than they currently are, especially on players who are on elite teams. Don’t make the life of the Florida Panthers or Vegas Golden Knights easier. Go after them and make them worse while making yourself better.

Do you want to see the Flames use an offer sheet this summer?