The Dallas Stars qualified Mavrik Bourque and Jason Robertson today, allowing other teams to begin offer-sheet discussions immediately.
Devils Close on Gritsyuk Contract
James Nichols reported the New Jersey Devils expect to finalize a deal with Arseny Gritsyuk soon after July 1. The signing adds a forward with 22 points in 38 KHL games last season. This timeline contrasts with the July 1 free-agency start when teams can pursue offer sheets elsewhere.
The Devils also hold rights to Jacob Markstrom, listed on the watch list with links to New Jersey itself. Retaining Markstrom would stabilize the goaltending tandem after he posted a .910 save percentage in 2025-26.
Connor Hellebuyck appears on the same list with reported interest from New Jersey among three other clubs. Acquiring the 33-year-old would require moving salary or prospects, given his $8.5 million cap hit.
Stars Protect RFAs Against Offer Sheets
Robert Tiffin noted the Stars qualified both Mavrik Bourque and Jason Robertson, triggering the offer-sheet window. The club now works to sign Bourque internally to avoid losing the 23-year-old center who recorded 48 points in 2025-26.
Jason Robertson’s qualification protects the 27-year-old winger coming off a 92-point campaign. Dallas faces competition from eight teams including Seattle and Ottawa on the watch list.
Blake Coleman, another Stars-linked name, carries 28 goals from last season and could provide bottom-six depth if acquired from Calgary.
Trade Watch List Signals Multiple Targets
The Fourth Period published a 30-player offseason trade watch list on June 29. Dylan Larkin tops the list with connections to six clubs including the Devils and Stars. Larkin tallied 75 points for Detroit in 2025-26.
Zach Werenski appears with seven suitors such as Dallas and San Jose. The 29-year-old defenseman logged 68 points from the blue line last season. Vincent Trocheck and Kirill Marchenko each carry multiple links that could reshape second-line production.
Darnell Nurse and Morgan Rielly round out prominent defensemen available. Nurse’s $9.25 million cap hit limits destinations while Rielly’s experience offers stability for rebuilding clubs.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.