The 2024 NHL offseason has been nothing short of eventful, with numerous teams making strategic moves to adjust their rosters and build for the future. A highlight of this period was the Florida Panthers' thrilling win in the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, clinching the series in a gripping Game 7 showdown.
Florida Panthers' Bold Moves
Riding high from their recent Stanley Cup victory, the Florida Panthers wasted no time in securing one of their key players for the long term. Sam Reinhart, who played a pivotal role in their playoff success by scoring the game-winning goal and tallying ten goals overall, was awarded an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. This deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, ensures that Reinhart will remain a cornerstone of the Panthers' roster for years to come.
San Jose Sharks' Top Draft Pick
In the 2024 NHL Draft, the San Jose Sharks made headlines by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick. Celebrini, hailed for his exceptional skills and high hockey IQ, is expected to be a key piece in the Sharks' rebuilding efforts.
Notable Signings and Trades
Free agency kicked off with a flurry of activity. The Tampa Bay Lightning were particularly aggressive, signing Jake Guentzel to a lucrative seven-year, $63 million deal, boasting a $9 million AAV. The Lightning had earlier acquired Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. Additionally, the Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the NHL Draft, marking a significant shift in their defensive lineup.
The New York Islanders also made a key acquisition, bringing in Anthony Duclair on a four-year contract. Duclair, who split his time between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning last season, scored 24 goals and has accumulated 303 career points, consisting of 146 goals and 157 assists.
Seattle Kraken Strengthen Their Roster
The Seattle Kraken have been active as well, securing Chandler Stephenson with a seven-year contract that features a $6.25 million AAV. Stephenson has been a consistent performer, tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. The Kraken also bolstered their defense by signing Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million deal, which equates to an AAV of $7.14 million. Montour contributed three goals and eight assists during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, showcasing his value on the blueline.
Columbus Blue Jackets' Reunion
The Columbus Blue Jackets made a notable signing by bringing in Sean Monahan on a five-year contract with an annual value of $5.5 million. This move reunites Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined the Blue Jackets in the 2022 offseason. The duo has a history of strong on-ice chemistry, which the Blue Jackets hope to reignite in the upcoming season.
Other Significant Moves
The Vancouver Canucks secured winger Jake DeBrusk with a seven-year deal, valued at $5.5 million annually. DeBrusk posted 40 points in the 2023-24 season and is expected to be a significant offensive contributor for the Canucks.
In the defensive domain, the Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin is a key player for the Hurricanes, having compiled 37 points last season.
The Nashville Predators have been fortifying their roster as well, signing Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. The team is also poised to bring in Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Stamkos is expected to sign a four-year deal at $8 million per season, adding his impressive career total of 1,137 points to the Predators' lineup. Marchessault is anticipated to join on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have also been busy, locking down defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Tanev's negotiating rights were acquired from the Dallas Stars, and he will be looking to build on his performance from last season, where he posted five points in 19 games.
As the offseason progresses, these transactions highlight the NHL teams' efforts to position themselves for success in the forthcoming season. With marquee players changing teams and fresh talent coming in from the draft, the 2024-25 NHL season promises to be an exciting chapter in the league's history.