The Sharks had nine RFAs. One goalie, one defenseman, and seven forwards.
But they only issued qualifying offers to four: Carpenter, DeMelo, Hertl, and Nieto
Carpenter is the only player with arbitration rights; but as he’s only played one NHL game, he probably doesn’t have a lot of klout to improve his deal by going to arbitration. The other three are coming off ELS contracts.
Hertl was a key piece of the top line with the Joes, providing the finishing touch; he absence was felt in the Stanley Cup Finals. Still no word on whether his knee/leg injury will require surgery. The big question will be bridge, or “long term” deal. He’s probably the only player that might warrant an offer sheet from another organization, but I think it doubtful (with so few actually being accepted and made public).
Nieto is a key piece of the bottom 6 and possesses some series wheels. Probably 1-2 year bridge deal.
Carpenter finally got a chance to play in the NHL, and was around the team for the last three rounds of the playoffs. Probably a bridge deal.
DeMelo was playing very well with Dillon, but sat on the sidelines for the playoffs. Probably a bridge deal, but he’s real motivated to make the coaches (and hockey ops) staff(s) to forget about Polak.