In a league where tradition often outweighs bold innovation, the Pittsburgh Penguins may be on the verge of making NHL history this summer. With the free agency period looming, all eyes are turning to the potential for a move that has never before been attempted—a groundbreaking offer sheet for a goaltender.

As rumors swirl around St. Louis Blues’ promising netminder Joel Hofer, the Penguins find themselves uniquely positioned to shake up not only their own roster but the entire league’s approach to restricted free agents. The idea of targeting a young, high-upside goalie through such an unconventional method is stirring excitement and speculation among fans and analysts alike.

With the team’s recent struggles in net and a hunger to return to playoff contention, Pittsburgh’s front office faces a pivotal decision that could redefine their future. As the hockey world waits to see if the Penguins will take this unprecedented step, the stakes have never been higher—and the potential rewards, never more intriguing.

Joel Hofer

Photo credit: Bleedin’ Blue

The Penguins could make NHL history with the very 1st offer sheet given to a goaltender, as Blues goalie Joel Hofer is a pending restricted free agent.

It’s not often that NHL offer sheets are extended to restricted free agents, but the Pittsburgh Penguins have the prime chance to pick up a young goaltender with untold potential this summer.

St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer, who is the backup to Jordan Binnnington, is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

Per Ryan Gagne of The Hockey News, the Penguins should consider giving an offer sheet for Hofer to shake up their current tandem of Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic.

The best option may be Joel Hofer of the St. Louis Blues……Furthermore, Jordan Binnington is the starter in St. Louis, carrying the team to their 2019 Stanley Cup title. He recently reestablished himself at the 4 Nations Face-off, leading Canada to the championship. So, Hofer becomes expandable with Binnington between the pipes at the right price.

Gagne goes on to write that the Penguins would likely have to buy out the final remaining 3 years on Jarry’s contract, while also noting that Nedeljkovic will become a UFA next summer.

Jarry largely struggled with the Penguins this year, getting waived and sent to the AHL before eventually returning; despite a slight rebound in his numbers, his struggles would soon return as he and Pittsburgh missed the playoffs for the 3rd straight season.

Hofer was taken with the 107th overall pick by the Blues in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He made his debut in 2021-22, and has a career record of 35-22-5 with a 2.71 GAA and .908 SV%. He also has a pair of career shutouts.

Speaking of offer sheets, the Blues extended not one but a pair of offer sheets to Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway of the Edmonton Oilers last summer; the Oilers decided against matching both, making them members of the Blues.

Since the 2005 NHL Lockout that wiped out the entire year, there have only been 12 offer sheets extended, and none of them have ever been to a goaltender.

What are the chances that the Penguins take a chance on Hofer?