As the 2024 NHL offseason unfolds, teams across the league are making headline-grabbing moves to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. With significant contracts being inked and trades reshaping franchises, the landscape of the NHL is shifting dramatically.
Florida Panthers' Triumph
The Florida Panthers emerged victorious in a thrilling Stanley Cup Final, clinching the championship in Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers. Capitalizing on this victory, the Panthers have swiftly moved to retain their key players. Central to this effort is their star forward Sam Reinhart, who penned an eight-year contract extension worth $69 million. The deal, which boasts an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, secures Reinhart's presence in Florida's lineup for the foreseeable future. Reinhart's playoff heroics, including the game-winning goal and a total of 10 goals in the 2024 Playoffs, cemented his importance to the team.
Tampa Bay Lightning's Strategic Moves
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning have also been active this offseason. They signed Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million contract with a $9 million AAV. Guentzel's rights were previously acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. Furthermore, the Lightning made a notable trade during the 2024 NHL Draft, sending defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club.
Islanders and Kraken Strengthen Their Lineups
The New York Islanders made a key addition by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair, who scored 24 goals last season while splitting his time between the San Jose Sharks and the Tampa Bay Lightning, brings a proven scoring touch to the Islanders' forward group. Over his career, Duclair has accumulated 303 points, including 146 goals and 157 assists.
The Seattle Kraken, on the other hand, bolstered their roster by signing Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has been a model of consistency, tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. The Kraken also secured defenseman Brandon Montour with a seven-year, $50 million deal. Montour, who contributed three goals and eight assists in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, will be a key component of Seattle’s blue line.
Columbus Blue Jackets’ Reunion
The Columbus Blue Jackets made headlines by signing center Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. Monahan's arrival in Columbus reunites him with Johnny Gaudreau, who signed with the Blue Jackets in the 2022 offseason. This move aims to rekindle the chemistry the duo previously enjoyed and enhance the team's offensive capabilities.
Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes Solidify Their Core
The Vancouver Canucks took a significant step by signing winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal that carries an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk recorded 40 points in the 2023-24 season and is expected to be a crucial part of the Canucks' offensive unit.
Not to be outdone, the Carolina Hurricanes extended the contract of their stalwart defenseman Jaccob Slavin for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin, who compiled 37 points last season, remains a cornerstone of Carolina's defensive structure.
Nashville Predators' Ambitious Plans
The Nashville Predators are making ambitious moves as well. They signed defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Additionally, the Predators are poised to bring in veteran forward Steven Stamkos on a four-year deal at $8 million per season. Stamkos, with his 1,137 career points, is expected to provide leadership and scoring prowess. Moreover, Nashville is eyeing the acquisition of Jonathan Marchessault, who is anticipated to sign a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season.
Maple Leafs' Defensive Depth
The Toronto Maple Leafs have also been reinforcing their defensive lines. The team signed defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Tanev’s rights were acquired from the Dallas Stars, and he's expected to bring stability to the Maple Leafs' blue line. Tanev contributed five points in 19 games during the 2024 season.
As free agency continues and teams finalize their rosters, the moves made this offseason promise to significantly impact the upcoming NHL season. The balance of power within the league is shifting, and fans can eagerly anticipate the on-ice product that these strategic decisions will produce.