The 2024 NHL offseason has seen a flurry of activity, with teams making strategic moves to set the stage for the upcoming season. With free agency in full swing and several trades and signings already made, the landscape of the league is undergoing significant changes.
Stanley Cup Champions and Draft Highlights
The Florida Panthers are riding high after clinching the Stanley Cup Final in a dramatic Game 7 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. This triumph marks a historic achievement for the franchise. In parallel, the San Jose Sharks made headlines by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, setting high expectations for the young talent.
Major Signings and Extensions
The Panthers further solidified their roster by signing forward Sam Reinhart to a lucrative eight-year, $69 million contract extension, averaging $8.5 million annually. Reinhart, who was instrumental in the Panthers' playoff run with a game-winning goal and ten total playoff goals, will continue to be a key player for Florida.
In another significant move, the Tampa Bay Lightning bolstered their lineup by signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, carrying an annual value of $9 million. Guentzel, whose negotiating rights were acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick, is expected to make a substantial impact. Additionally, the Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft, further reshaping their defense.
Islanders and Kraken Strengthen Rosters
The New York Islanders made a noteworthy addition by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair, known for his scoring prowess, notched 24 goals last season while splitting time between the Sharks and the Lightning. With 303 career points (146 goals and 157 assists), his experience will be valuable for the Islanders.
The Seattle Kraken also made headlines by securing Chandler Stephenson on a seven-year contract worth $6.25 million annually. Stephenson, who has consistently tallied at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons, brings both skill and consistency to the Kraken. Furthermore, the Kraken signed defenseman Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million deal. Montour, who contributed three goals and eight assists during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, will be a vital addition to Seattle's blue line.
Blue Jackets and Canucks Make Key Moves
The Columbus Blue Jackets reunited Sean Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau by signing Monahan to a five-year contract with an annual value of $5.5 million. Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason, will look to rekindle the chemistry he shared with Monahan in Calgary.
The Vancouver Canucks added winger Jake DeBrusk on a seven-year deal worth $5.5 million annually. DeBrusk, who posted 40 points in the 2023-24 season, is expected to be a significant offensive contributor for the Canucks.
Hurricanes and Predators Secure Talent
The Carolina Hurricanes extended the contract of defenseman Jaccob Slavin for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin, who tallied 37 points last season, remains a cornerstone of the Hurricanes' defensive unit.
The Nashville Predators made a splash by signing Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Moreover, the Predators are poised to bring in veteran star Steven Stamkos on a four-year deal worth $8 million per season. Stamkos, with an illustrious career tally of 1,137 points, is expected to bring experience and leadership to the team. Additionally, the Predators are close to signing Jonathan Marchessault to a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually, further enhancing their offensive depth.
Maple Leafs Bolster Defense
The Toronto Maple Leafs strengthened their defensive corps by signing Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Tanev, whose negotiating rights were acquired from the Dallas Stars, posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season.
As the offseason progresses, teams continue to make calculated moves, aiming to position themselves as strong contenders for the upcoming NHL season. The strategic acquisitions and extensions reflect a blend of immediate impact and long-term planning across the league.