The 2024 NHL offseason has brought a flurry of activity as teams work diligently to reshape their rosters for the upcoming season. Notably, the Florida Panthers have emerged victorious in the Stanley Cup Final, clinching the championship in a thrilling Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers. This triumph has set off a wave of significant moves across the league.
Key Draft Picks and Trades
The San Jose Sharks made headlines by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. This decision underscores the team's commitment to building for the future as Celebrini is touted as a potential franchise player.
Elsewhere, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been particularly active. They acquired Jake Guentzel’s negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick and subsequently signed him to a substantial seven-year, $63 million contract. Guentzel’s deal comes with a hefty annual average value (AAV) of $9 million, signaling Tampa Bay's belief in his offensive prowess and leadership qualities.
Additionally, the Lightning orchestrated a significant trade during the draft, sending defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club. This move aims to balance their roster and address other areas of need.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have reunited two former teammates by signing Sean Monahan to a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually. Monahan will rejoin Johnny Gaudreau, who came to Columbus in the 2022 offseason. This reunion is expected to rejuvenate the Blue Jackets' offensive dynamics.
Major Contract Extensions and Free-Agent Signings
The free agency period officially began on Monday at noon ET, and several teams wasted no time in securing key players. The Florida Panthers locked in Sam Reinhart with an eight-year, $69 million contract extension, reflecting an $8.5 million AAV. Reinhart was pivotal in the Panthers' championship run, scoring the game-winning goal in the playoffs and tallying ten goals overall.
Not to be outdone, the New York Islanders signed 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 significant offensive firepower. Over his career, Duclair has accumulated 303 points, consisting of 146 goals and 157 assists.
Teams are also focusing on bolstering their defensive lines. The Seattle Kraken inked defenseman Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million deal, with an AAV of $7.14 million. Montour played a critical role in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, contributing three goals and eight assists. Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Chris Tanev’s negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars and subsequently signed him to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million.
Predators' Ambitious Moves
The Nashville Predators are making a bold statement in the offseason market. They signed defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year deal worth $7 million annually. Moreover, the Predators are closing in on signing two marquee forwards, Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Stamkos is expected to agree to a four-year deal at $8 million per season, adding to his illustrious career total of 1,137 points. Marchessault, on the other hand, is likely to sign a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually. These anticipated signings signify Nashville's aggressive approach to becoming a formidable force in the league.
Extensions and Expectations
The Carolina Hurricanes have also secured a key player by extending Jaccob Slavin’s contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin compiled 37 points last season, demonstrating his value on both ends of the ice.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks made a notable addition by signing winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk posted 40 points in the 2023-24 season, highlighting his potential to significantly bolster Vancouver's offensive lineup.
The Seattle Kraken made a strategic move by signing Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has been consistent, tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons, and his presence is expected to enhance the Kraken's forward depth.
As teams continue to maneuver through the offseason, the landscape of the NHL is rapidly evolving. With these impactful trades, signings, and extensions, the stage is set for an exhilarating 2024-25 season, promising fans a highly competitive and dynamic league.