The 2024 NHL offseason has been anything but quiet, with several high-profile moves reshaping the landscape of the league. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, significant trades and contract extensions have highlighted a busy few weeks of roster changes.
Panthers' Triumph and Rebuilding Efforts
The Florida Panthers are savoring their victory after clinching the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling Game 7. Integral to their success, Sam Reinhart, who scored the game-winning goal in the playoffs, has been rewarded with an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. Reinhart, tallying 10 goals during the playoffs, has an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million on his new deal.
Draft Day Headlines
In the 2024 NHL Draft, the San Jose Sharks made waves by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick. The young talent is expected to have a bright future and make an immediate impact on the Sharks' roster.
Significant Signings Across the League
Free agency officially began at noon ET on Monday, igniting a flurry of transactions. The Tampa Bay Lightning made a bold move by signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal with a $9 million AAV. The deal was finalized after the Lightning acquired Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. Additionally, Tampa Bay traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft.
Meanwhile, the New York Islanders bolstered their offense 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, has accumulated 303 career points, including 146 goals and 157 assists.
Kraken Strengthen Their Roster
The Seattle Kraken, eager to build on their recent successes, added depth and experience by signing Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson's consistency is evident, having tallied at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. In addition, the Kraken secured defenseman Brandon Montour with a seven-year, $50 million contract, averaging $7.14 million per year. Montour contributed three goals and eight assists during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Reunions and New Beginnings
In Columbus, the Blue Jackets signed Sean Monahan to a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually, reuniting him with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined the team in the 2022 offseason.
The Vancouver Canucks also made a notable move 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, demonstrating his value as a reliable scorer.
Defensive Reinforcements
The Carolina Hurricanes ensured stability on their blue line by extending Jaccob Slavin’s contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin, who compiled 37 points last season, remains a cornerstone of the Hurricanes’ defense.
Similarly, the Nashville Predators secured the services of defenseman Brady Skjei with a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. In a move that surprised no one, Nashville is poised to bring in veteran forward Steven Stamkos on a four-year deal at $8 million per season. Stamkos, with an impressive 1,137 career points, is expected to significantly boost the Predators' offensive production.
Additionally, the Predators are reportedly close to finalizing a five-year deal with Jonathan Marchessault, worth $5.5 million annually, further strengthening their forward group.
Maple Leafs' Defensive Boost
The Toronto Maple Leafs addressed their defensive needs by signing Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Toronto acquired Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars before completing the deal. Tanev, who posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season, is expected to be a steady presence on the Leafs’ blue line.
As teams continue to maneuver through the offseason, the anticipation for the 2024-2025 NHL season builds. With these significant player movements, fans have plenty to look forward to as new rosters take shape and teams gear up for another competitive year on the ice.