The 2024 NHL offseason is in full swing, and several teams have wasted no time in making significant moves to reshape their rosters for the upcoming season. The Florida Panthers are basking in the glory of their Stanley Cup Final victory against the Edmonton Oilers, clinching the championship in a thrilling Game 7. As they build on their success, other teams are strategically maneuvering through trades, signings, and the NHL Draft to bolster their squads.
Key Draft and Free Agency Moves
The San Jose Sharks made headlines by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. As free agency officially opened on Monday at noon ET, teams quickly geared up to secure key players. The Florida Panthers made a significant move by re-signing Sam Reinhart to a lucrative eight-year contract extension worth $69 million, which translates to an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. Reinhart was a pivotal player in the Panthers' playoff run, scoring the game-winning goal and tallying 10 goals overall in the 2024 Playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning made substantial roster changes, signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, boasting a $9 million AAV. Prior to securing Guentzel's services, the Lightning acquired his 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 2024 NHL Draft, signaling a clear strategy to strengthen their forward line.
New Contracts and Extensions
Significant signings were also observed on other teams. The New York Islanders secured 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 with 146 goals and 157 assists. Chandler Stephenson, known for tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons, agreed to a seven-year contract with the Seattle Kraken, featuring an AAV of $6.25 million.
The Seattle Kraken also added defensive muscle by signing Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million contract, with an AAV of $7.14 million. Montour had an admirable performance during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, contributing three goals and eight assists.
In a notable move, the Columbus Blue Jackets reunited Sean Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau by signing Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. Gaudreau previously joined Columbus during the 2022 offseason, and this reunion could spell a new chapter for the Blue Jackets.
Additional Noteworthy Deals
The Vancouver Canucks enhanced their offensive lineup by signing winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal, featuring an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk demonstrated his potential in the 2023-24 season by posting 40 points. The Carolina Hurricanes kept their defensive backbone solid by extending Jaccob Slavin’s contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin played a vital role last season with 37 points.
The Nashville Predators made waves by bringing in top-tier talent. Brady Skjei joined the Predators on a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Adding even more firepower, the Predators are poised to sign Steven Stamkos to a four-year deal at $8 million per season. Stamkos, a veteran with 1,137 career points, promises to be a crucial addition. Nashville is also expected to bring in Jonathan Marchessault on a five-year contract worth $5.5 million per season.
Defense Bolstering
The Toronto Maple Leafs turned their focus to their blue line, signing defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. To secure this talent, the Maple Leafs acquired Tanev’s negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars. In the 2024 season, Tanev posted five points in 19 games, further showcasing his dependable defensive skills.
With so many pivotal moves and strategic signings, the 2024 NHL offseason is proving to be a period of intense activity and excitement. Teams are diligently preparing and reconstructing their rosters with hopes of hoisting the Stanley Cup next season.