The 2024 NHL offseason has been nothing short of riveting, with several teams making bold moves to reshape their rosters ahead of the new season. With free agency officially beginning on Monday at noon ET, fans have already seen a flurry of signings and trades that promise to change the landscape of the league.
Panthers Roar into Offseason
Fresh off their Stanley Cup victory against the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling Game 7, the Florida Panthers wasted no time in securing key pieces for their future. The Panthers have inked Sam Reinhart to a substantial eight-year contract extension worth $69 million, boasting an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. Reinhart, who scored the game-winning goal in the 2024 Playoffs and tallied 10 goals, is expected to continue being a major contributor for the team.
Lightning Strikes Post-Season
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been equally proactive, signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal. Guentzel’s contract carries a $9 million AAV, highlighting the Lightning's commitment to bolstering their attack. This signing followed a trade in which Tampa Bay acquired 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, showcasing their willingness to make significant roster changes.
Islanders Secure Scoring Power
Meanwhile, the New York Islanders signed Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract after he posted a commendable 24 goals last season. Duclair, who previously split his time between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning, has accumulated an impressive 303 career points with 146 goals and 157 assists.
Kraken Making Waves
The Seattle Kraken have also been active, landing Chandler Stephenson on a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has been a consistent performer, recording at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. To further strengthen their defense, the Kraken signed Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million contract, with Montour contributing three goals and eight assists during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Blue Jackets' Bold Moves
The Columbus Blue Jackets made headlines by signing Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. This deal reunites Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined the Blue Jackets in the 2022 offseason, adding an extra layer of chemistry to the team's forward lines.
Canucks and Hurricanes Reinforce
Out west, the Vancouver Canucks secured the services of winger Jake DeBrusk with a seven-year deal carrying an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk registered 40 points in the 2023-24 season, and his addition is expected to bolster the Canucks' offensive depth.
The Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin’s contract for eight years, with an AAV of $6.5 million. Slavin, a reliable defenseman, compiled 37 points last season, and his extension is seen as a crucial retention for the franchise.
Predators' Double Barrel Approach
The Nashville Predators have been particularly aggressive, signing defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. The team is also poised to bring in veteran forward Steven Stamkos on a four-year deal at $8 million per season. Stamkos, with a staggering 1,137 career points, is expected to bring experience and scoring prowess to the Predators’ lineup. Furthermore, Jonathan Marchessault is anticipated to join Nashville on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, further enhancing their offensive capabilities.
Maple Leafs' Defensive Addition
In another noteworthy move, the Toronto Maple Leafs have added defenseman Chris Tanev on a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Toronto acquired Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars, and he is expected to bring stability to the Leafs' blueline, contributing five points in 19 games during the 2024 season.
As the offseason progresses, these strategic moves underscore the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the NHL. Fans can expect more excitement and developments as teams continue to fine-tune their rosters for the upcoming season.