The 2024 NHL offseason is heating up, with multiple teams making strategic moves in an effort to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. Among the notable teams making headlines are the Florida Panthers, who clinched the Stanley Cup Final by defeating the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling Game 7 matchup.
Florida Panthers Secure Future with Key Signings
The Florida Panthers not only celebrated their Stanley Cup victory but also ensured they retain some of their key players for future seasons. The Panthers have signed forward Sam Reinhart to an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. With an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, Reinhart proved his worth in the 2024 Playoffs, where he scored the game-winning goal and tallied a total of 10 goals throughout the playoffs.
Draft Day Decisions
The San Jose Sharks chose Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, hoping the young talent will add significant depth to their roster. Meanwhile, various other teams also made splashes with their draft decisions and trades.
Contract Signings and Trades
The Tampa Bay Lightning were proactive, securing Jake Guentzel on a seven-year, $63 million contract with 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. To further shake things up, the Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft.
In another notable signing, the New York Islanders acquired Anthony Duclair on a four-year contract. Duclair, who scored 24 goals last season, split his time between the San Jose Sharks and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated an impressive 303 points with 146 goals and 157 assists.
West Coast Moves
The Seattle Kraken were also active, bringing in Chandler Stephenson on a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has consistently shown his offensive prowess by tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. Additionally, the Kraken secured defenseman Brandon Montour with a seven-year, $50 million deal. Montour was instrumental during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, contributing three goals and eight assists.
Reunions and New Beginnings
In a move that brings nostalgia, Sean Monahan signed a five-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, reuniting him with Johnny Gaudreau, who had joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason. Monahan's reunion with Gaudreau is expected to reignite their on-ice chemistry and boost the Blue Jackets' offensive capabilities.
- The Columbus Blue Jackets signed Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually.
- Johnny Gaudreau joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason.
Vancouver and Carolina Strengthen Roster
The Vancouver Canucks made waves by signing winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk recorded 40 points in the 2023-24 season, making him a valuable asset for the Canucks.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin, who compiled 37 points last season, will remain a cornerstone of the Hurricanes' defensive lineup.
Nashville Predators Eye Big Names
The Nashville Predators have also set ambitious sights by signing Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Additionally, the Predators are expected to bring in Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Stamkos, with an anticipated four-year deal at $8 million per season, has amassed an astounding 1,137 points in his career. Marchessault is likely to sign a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, further solidifying Nashville’s roster strength.
Toronto Maple Leafs Add Defensive Depth
The Toronto Maple Leafs have strategically bolstered their defensive lineup by signing Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. The Leafs acquired Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars. Tanev, who posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season, is expected to add veteran presence and stability to the team's blue line.
As the offseason progresses, these strategic moves across the league indicate a fascinating upcoming season with new dynamics and renewed rivalries. The shake-ups and signings promise to keep fans on edge as teams continue to build and refine their rosters.