The 2024 NHL offseason is proving to be anything but quiet, with significant roster moves reshaping teams across the league.
Florida Panthers: A Championship Afterglow
Fresh off their exhilarating victory against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Florida Panthers are wasting no time in securing their future. The team has locked in forward Sam Reinhart with an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. Reinhart, who had a pivotal role in the Panthers' playoff success by scoring the game-winning goal and totaling 10 goals in the postseason, will now carry an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. This move signals the Panthers' commitment to maintaining their championship-caliber roster.
Draft Highlights: Sharks Secure Celebrini
Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks have selected Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Celebrini’s arrival brings a wave of excitement and optimism to the Sharks' fanbase, eager to see how the young talent will integrate into the team’s future plans.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Major Acquisitions
The Tampa Bay Lightning have also been active, acquiring the negotiating rights for Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. Following this, the Lightning secured Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million contract with a $9 million AAV. Additionally, during the 2024 NHL Draft, Tampa Bay traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club, indicating a significant recalibration of their defensive lineup.
New York Islanders: Adding Offensive Depth
In another strategic move, the New York Islanders have solidified their offense by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year deal. Duclair, who split his previous season between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning, netted 24 goals and has accumulated 303 career points, showing a consistent offensive contribution with 146 goals and 157 assists.
Seattle Kraken: Bolstering Their Ranks
The Seattle Kraken have also been busy, inking forward Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has been a reliable player, 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. Montour’s playoff performance, with three goals and eight assists, underlines his importance to the team's blueline.
Columbus Blue Jackets: A Reunion
In a move that reignites a previous partnership, the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. Monahan will reunite with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason, enhancing the team’s forward depth and playmaking capabilities.
Vancouver Canucks: Strengthening the Wings
The Vancouver Canucks have made a significant addition by signing winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk, who recorded 40 points in the 2023-24 season, will provide an additional offensive spark for the Canucks.
Carolina Hurricanes: Securing Defense
On the defensive front, the Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin, who notched 37 points last season, remains a cornerstone of Carolina’s defense.
Nashville Predators: Doubling Down
The Nashville Predators have made several key moves, signing defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. They are also expected to bring two formidable players into their fold: Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Stamkos is anticipated to ink a four-year deal at $8 million per season, adding his 1,137 career points to Nashville's lineup. Meanwhile, Marchessault is forecasted to sign a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Defensive Upgrade
Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Toronto acquired Tanev’s negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars, making a strategic move to bolster their defensive options. Tanev, who contributed five points in 19 games during the 2024 season, will add both experience and depth to the Maple Leafs' defense.
The 2024 NHL offseason is clearly marked by strategic signings and trades, with franchises looking to either capitalize on recent successes or rebuild their rosters for future endeavors. With several months to go before the 2024-25 season kicks off, fans can expect even more thrilling developments in the hockey world.