The 2024 NHL offseason is off to a bustling start with teams across the league making bold moves to reinvent and bolster their rosters. Following a thrilling Stanley Cup Final where the Florida Panthers triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers in an intense Game 7, the focus has rapidly shifted to trades, signings, and draft picks.
Major Signings and Extensions
The Florida Panthers, buoyed by their recent victory, have wasted no time in securing key talent. Sam Reinhart, who scored the game-winning goal in the 2024 Playoffs and tallied a total of 10 goals, has been rewarded with an eight-year, $69 million contract extension, translating to an annual average value (AAV) of $8.5 million.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning have also been active. They signed Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal (AAV of $9 million) and acquired his negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. The Lightning didn’t stop there, trading defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the 2024 NHL Draft.
The New York Islanders have bolstered their forward line, signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair netted 24 goals last season while splitting his time between the San Jose Sharks and the Tampa Bay Lightning. With a career total of 303 points, including 146 goals and 157 assists, Duclair is expected to be a significant contributor to the Islanders' offense.
Seattle Kraken’s Strategic Moves
Seattle Kraken made notable additions to their roster. Chandler Stephenson agreed to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson, a consistent performer, registered 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, giving him an AAV of $7.14 million. Montour played a critical role in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, contributing three goals and eight assists.
Columbus Blue Jackets and Other Key Signings
The Columbus Blue Jackets have reunited two star players by signing Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. Monahan will join forces with Johnny Gaudreau, who moved to Columbus in the 2022 offseason.
The Vancouver Canucks have also made headlines by signing winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal at an AAV of $5.5 million. DeBrusk notched 40 points in the 2023-24 season, indicating his potential to be a pivotal player for the Canucks.
On the defensive front, the Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin’s contract for eight years with an AAV of $6.5 million. Slavin is coming off a solid season where he compiled 37 points. Furthermore, the Nashville Predators signed defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually.
Nashville Predators’ Offensive Upgrades
The Nashville Predators are on the cusp of making substantial offensive enhancements by bringing in Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Stamkos is expected to sign a four-year deal valued at $8 million per season. With a remarkable career total of 1,137 points, his presence is sure to invigorate the Predators’ lineup. Marchessault, on the other hand, is anticipated to sign a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ Defensive Reinforcement
Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs have fortified their defense by signing Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Tanev was acquired after the Maple Leafs secured his negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars. The veteran blueliner managed five points in 19 games during the 2024 season and is expected to bring valuable experience and stability to Toronto’s backline.
As free agency officially kicked off this Monday at noon ET, the NHL landscape is rapidly evolving. Teams are meticulously crafting their rosters, making strategic signings and trades, which promise an exciting and unpredictable 2024-25 NHL season. The decisions made in this offseason will undoubtedly shape the fortunes of many franchises as they aspire for playoff glory and a shot at the Stanley Cup.