The NHL has announced its offer sheet thresholds for the 2026 season, giving teams a clearer picture of the financial stakes involved in attempting to poach players from other organizations. According to the new rules, teams will be allowed to offer up to 115% of the player's average annual value (AAV) in a signing bonus, and up to 100% of the AAV in a guaranteed salary for the first year of the contract. The changes aim to strike a balance between allowing teams to make competitive offers and preventing teams from circumventing the salary cap through clever contract structuring. The updated offer sheet thresholds are set to have a significant impact on the NHL's free agency landscape, particularly for top-tier players.

NHL Sets Offer Sheet Thresholds For 2026  Pro Hockey Rumors