The 2024 NHL offseason is underway, and the landscape of the league is shifting dramatically as teams jockey to fortify their rosters. This period of transition has already seen a flurry of high-profile signings, trades, and draft picks that promise to impact the upcoming season significantly.
Panthers Clinch Stanley Cup
The Florida Panthers captured the Stanley Cup in a thrilling seven-game series against the Edmonton Oilers. The decisive Game 7 showcased the Panthers' resilience and team depth, culminating in their first championship victory.
Key Draft Picks
With the NHL Draft headlining the offseason activities, the San Jose Sharks made headlines by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick. Celebrini is touted as a generational talent who is expected to make an immediate impact on the ice.
Significant Contract Extensions
The Florida Panthers have locked in key players for the future, most notably signing Sam Reinhart to an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. Reinhart, who scored the game-winning goal in the playoffs and amassed 10 goals in the postseason, will earn an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million.
Across the state, the Tampa Bay Lightning extended their own roster by signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million contract, with a $9 million AAV. The deal came after acquiring Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. The Lightning also made waves by trading defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft.
High-Impact Free Agent Signings
Free agency officially began on Monday at noon ET, and several teams have already made notable acquisitions. The New York Islanders signed Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract following his 24-goal season. Duclair, who split his last season between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning, brings a career total of 303 points to the Islanders, comprising 146 goals and 157 assists.
The Seattle Kraken bolstered their lineup by adding Chandler Stephenson on a seven-year contract, paying $6.25 million annually. Stephenson has demonstrated consistent performance, 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, solidifying his role as a key defensive asset.
Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets brought in Sean Monahan on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually. Monahan’s reunion with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason, is expected to provide a substantial boost to the Blue Jackets' offensive capabilities.
Roster Enhancements Across the League
The Vancouver Canucks have secured winger Jake DeBrusk on a seven-year contract with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk recorded 40 points in the 2023-24 season and will look to build upon that in Vancouver.
The Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin’s contract for eight years, providing a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin compiled 37 points last season, underscoring his importance to the Hurricanes' blue line.
In Nashville, the Predators signed Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. The Predators are also poised to bring in Steven Stamkos on a four-year deal at $8 million per season. With 1,137 career points, Stamkos' addition is expected to be a game-changer. Additionally, Jonathan Marchessault is anticipated to sign a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually with Nashville, further strengthening their roster.
Continuing the league-wide trend of bolstering defenses, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. The Maple Leafs acquired Tanev’s negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars, adding a seasoned veteran who posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season.
As the offseason progresses, it’s clear that NHL teams are not holding back in their efforts to build stronger and more competitive lineups. The moves made during this period will significantly influence the dynamics of the 2024-25 NHL season, promising an exciting year of hockey ahead.