Offer sheets, though seldom used by NHL general managers, can be an effective tool for acquiring young talent.

The St. Louis Blues recently showed this when they poached two former first-round picks, Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg, from the Edmonton Oilers.

With over $30 million in projected cap space next off-season, the Chicago Blackhawks could be in prime position to nab some young talent from cash-strapped contenders.

Before we dive into three players the Hawks could target, here’s a quick rundown of the criteria a player must meet to be eligible for an offer sheet.

According to Sportingnews.com, a player may receive an offer sheet if they have had at least one NHL contract expire, played at least 80 NHL games (or 28 if they are a goalie), are younger than 27, have been tendered a qualifying offer from their team, and do not have a contract for the upcoming season.

Without further adieu, here are two forwards and one defenseman the Blackhawks could offer sheet next summer…

Nils Hoglander

Hoglander, 23, was a second-round selection in 2019 by Vancouver. Despite tallying 24 goals and 36 points last season, he averaged only 12:06 of ice time per game.

That is great production in limited minutes, and if he does not receive a bigger role on a deep Canucks squad next season, he will likely want out. Hoglander’s elite skill, ability to play up and down the lineup, and youth will certainly benefit the Blackhawks in the long run.

Oliver Wahlstrom

Wahlstrom’s offensive talent has been on display since he was nine years old when he dazzled the hockey world with an unreal shootout goal. Unfortunately, since then it has been tough sledding for the 2018 11th overall pick.

He has managed just 34 goals and 67 points in 193 NHL games.

That being said, the 24-year-old has played on defensive-minded Islanders teams his entire career and has never been given a chance to play in a top-nine role. If Wahlstrom can regain the goal-scoring touch he displayed in junior hockey, he could play a power-forward type role on the Hawks’ third line.

Zac Jones

Jones, 23, had a stellar two-year career at UMass before signing his entry-level deal with the Rangers in 2021.

The undersized defenseman has produced 66 points in 106 AHL games to date and has 69 NHL games to his name.

He’s been stuck behind K’Andre Miller and Ryan Lindgren on the Rangers’ left side and could blossom if given more opportunity. After next season, there could be room for him in the Hawks’ defense corps if younger prospects fail to develop as planned.