The 2024 NHL offseason is live, buzzing with strategic maneuvers as teams aim to reshape their rosters and clinch glory in the upcoming season. Major signings and trades have already set the stage for what promises to be an enthralling year of hockey.
Florida Panthers' Landmark Season
The Florida Panthers emerged victorious in the Stanley Cup Final, triumphing over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7. This victory marked a historic milestone for the franchise. Further solidifying their commitment to excellence, the Panthers signed Sam Reinhart to an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. The deal, with an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, comes after Reinhart played a pivotal role in their playoff success, notching the game-winning goal and amassing 10 goals overall in the postseason.
Top Picks and Notable Trades
The NHL Draft saw the San Jose Sharks make a significant move by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick. This is expected to infuse fresh talent into their lineup and aid in their rebuilding process.
The Tampa Bay Lightning made waves by signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million contract, with a $9 million AAV. The Lightning acquired Guentzel’s negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, showcasing their determination to strengthen their offensive firepower. Additionally, Tampa Bay traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft, indicating a strategic rebalancing of their roster.
Key Signings Across the League
The New York Islanders bolstered their attack by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair, who scored 24 goals last season while splitting his time between the San Jose Sharks and the Tampa Bay Lightning, has accumulated 303 career points, with 146 goals and 157 assists. His versatility and scoring ability are expected to add depth to the Islanders' lineup.
Chandler Stephenson inked a seven-year deal with the Seattle Kraken, with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has been a consistent performer, tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. The Kraken also fortified their defense by signing Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million contract, averaging $7.14 million annually. Montour was instrumental in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, registering three goals and eight assists.
The Columbus Blue Jackets made a noteworthy addition by signing 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. This dynamic duo is anticipated to bring a new level of synergy to the Blue Jackets' offense.
Vancouver Canucks secured winger Jake DeBrusk on a seven-year contract with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk contributed 40 points in the 2023-24 season, and his continuity with the Canucks is expected to yield positive results.
Defensemen in Demand
The Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin’s contract for eight years, agreeing to a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin’s consistent performance, tallying 37 points last season, underpins the importance of his defensive skills to the Hurricanes' long-term strategy.
The Nashville Predators were highly active this offseason, signing Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract valued at $7 million annually. They are also poised to make significant additions by bringing in Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Stamkos, expected to sign a four-year deal at $8 million per season, boasts an impressive career tally of 1,137 points. Marchessault is anticipated to sign a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, adding even more depth to Nashville's lineup.
The Toronto Maple Leafs focused on strengthening their defense by securing Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with a $4.5 million AAV. Toronto acquired Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars, underscoring their strategic intent to bolster their backline. Tanev posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season and is expected to fortify Toronto’s defense with his experience and reliability.
As the offseason progresses, these strategic moves are poised to reshape the dynamics of the teams involved, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming NHL season. Teams continue to align their rosters with both seasoned veterans and promising young talents, reflecting a blend of immediate impact and future potential.