2024 NHL Offseason: Major Moves Reshaping the League
The 2024 NHL offseason is in full swing, and several teams are making significant moves to reshape their rosters. Among the most notable events of the summer, the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling Game 7, marking a pivotal achievement for the franchise.
Key Draft Picks and Free Agency Kicks Off
The San Jose Sharks made headlines by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. This choice has set the stage for what many anticipate will be a bright future for the Sharks.
With the commencement of free agency at noon ET on Monday, the offseason frenzy began in earnest. Leading the charge, the Florida Panthers secured Sam Reinhart to an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. Reinhart, who was instrumental in the Panthers' playoff success with 10 goals, including the game-winning goal in the 2024 Playoffs, will remain a cornerstone for the team with an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million.
Notable Signings and Trades Across the League
The Tampa Bay Lightning made a splash by signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, boasting a $9 million AAV. This move followed the Lightning's acquisition of 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 2024 NHL Draft, indicating a strategic shift in their lineup.
In another significant move, 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, with 146 goals and 157 assists.
Seattle Kraken Strengthening Their Roster
The Seattle Kraken have been busy, agreeing to a seven-year contract with Chandler Stephenson, valued at an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has been a consistent performer, tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. Additionally, the Kraken signed defenseman Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million contract, with an AAV of $7.14 million. Montour contributed three goals and eight assists during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and his presence is expected to solidify Seattle's defense.
Columbus Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks Making Strategic Moves
Capitalizing on the free agent market, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. This move reunites Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason, rekindling a potential on-ice chemistry that could pay dividends for the Blue Jackets.
The Vancouver Canucks also made a significant addition by signing winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk, who posted 40 points in the 2023-24 season, is expected to bring a strong offensive presence to the Canucks' lineup.
Carolina Hurricanes and Nashville Predators Enhancing Their Defense
The Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin, who compiled 37 points last season, remains a key defensive figure for the Hurricanes.
The Nashville Predators, not to be outdone, signed Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Moreover, the Predators are poised to bring in Steven Stamkos on a four-year deal at $8 million per season, adding a veteran presence with 1,137 career points. They are also expected to sign Jonathan Marchessault to a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, further strengthening their roster.
Toronto Maple Leafs Strengthen Their Blue Line
Rounding out the notable moves, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed defenseman 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, and Tanev, who posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season, is anticipated to play a key role in Toronto’s defensive plans moving forward.
The 2024 NHL offseason continues to be a period of significant change and strategic planning for many teams, each maneuvering to position themselves as strong contenders for the upcoming season. As we move deeper into the summer, more moves are expected, and the excitement among hockey fans is palpable.