The 2024 NHL offseason is in full swing, with several teams making significant moves to reshape their rosters for the upcoming season. Trades, contract extensions, and free agency signings are reshaping the league’s landscape, setting the stage for another exhilarating year of hockey.
Florida Panthers Secure Championship and Extend Key Player
The Florida Panthers are still basking in their Stanley Cup victory, having defeated the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling Game 7. Amid the celebrations, the Panthers made a crucial move by signing Sam Reinhart to an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. This deal, with an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, comes on the heels of Reinhart's standout performance in the playoffs. He scored the game-winning goal and tallied ten goals in total, solidifying his value to the team.
Draft Highlights
At the 2024 NHL Draft, the San Jose Sharks made headlines by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick. The Sharks are optimistic that Celebrini will be a cornerstone player for years to come, helping the franchise rebuild and aim for a successful future.
Major Player Movements
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been active, signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, which translates to a $9 million AAV. This move followed their acquisition of Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. Additionally, the Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft, signaling even more changes on the horizon for the team.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken have bolstered their roster by signing Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has demonstrated consistent offensive production, tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. The Kraken also secured defenseman Brandon Montour on a seven-year, $50 million contract, which includes a $7.14 million AAV. Montour made significant contributions during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, scoring three goals and assisting on eight more.
Key Signings Across the League
Other notable signings include the Columbus Blue Jackets acquiring Sean Monahan on a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. Monahan will reunite with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason, adding a familiar dynamic to the Blue Jackets’ lineup.
The New York Islanders also made a splash by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair, who scored 24 goals last season while splitting time between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning, brings a wealth of experience and offensive prowess. With 303 career points, including 146 goals and 157 assists, Duclair is expected to be a pivotal player for the Islanders.
The Vancouver Canucks inked winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk is coming off a season in which he posted 40 points, and the Canucks are betting on his ability to provide consistent scoring.
The Carolina Hurricanes have extended the contract of defenseman Jaccob Slavin for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin, who compiled 37 points last season, remains a key part of the Hurricanes' defensive core.
Nashville Predators’ Bold Moves
The Nashville Predators are arguably the busiest team this offseason. They signed defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually and are poised to bring in star forward Steven Stamkos. Stamkos is expected to sign a four-year deal at $8 million per season, adding to his illustrious career total of 1,137 points. The Predators are also eyeing Jonathan Marchessault, who is anticipated to join on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, further emphasizing Nashville's commitment to becoming a formidable force.
Toronto Maple Leafs Strengthen Defense
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been proactive, signing defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Tanev's negotiating rights were acquired from the Dallas Stars, and while he posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season, his defensive capabilities are expected to provide much-needed stability to the Leafs' blue line.
As teams continue to finalize their rosters, the anticipation for the 2024-25 NHL season builds. Fans are eager to see how these offseason moves will impact the dynamics on the ice, promising another thrilling chapter in the history of the NHL.