The 2024 NHL offseason is well underway, and teams across the league are making substantial moves to enhance their rosters. With free agency officially commencing, the hockey world has been abuzz with significant contract signings and trades.
Panthers Celebrate Stanley Cup Victory and Major Signing
The Florida Panthers are riding a wave of momentum after clinching the Stanley Cup Final in a dramatic Game 7 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Adding to their celebration, the Panthers secured the services of forward Sam Reinhart for the foreseeable future. Reinhart inked an eight-year, $69 million contract extension, which averages an annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. The forward was instrumental during the playoffs, scoring the game-winning goal and tallying 10 goals overall.
Key Draft Selections and Roster Moves
The San Jose Sharks made headlines by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. As teams aim to build for the future, the Sharks’ choice signals their commitment to developing young talent.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been busy reshaping their roster. They signed Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, which carries a $9 million AAV. The Lightning acquired Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. In another notable move, they traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft.
Significant Free Agency Acquisitions
Free agency has seen a flurry of activity with several marquee signings. The New York Islanders bolstered their offense by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair, who split his time last season between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning, scored 24 goals and has accumulated 303 career points, including 146 goals and 157 assists.
The Seattle Kraken made headlines by securing Chandler Stephenson on a seven-year contract with a $6.25 million AAV. Stephenson has been a consistent performer, recording at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. The Kraken also strengthened their defense by signing 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.
The Columbus Blue Jackets reunited Sean Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau by signing Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. Gaudreau had joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason, and the pair will look to rekindle their chemistry.
Big Names on the Move
The Nashville Predators are expected to make significant additions to their roster. Reports indicate that Steven Stamkos is on the verge of signing a four-year deal worth $8 million per season. Stamkos, a prolific scorer, has accrued 1,137 points in his illustrious career. The Predators are also set to bring in Jonathan Marchessault on a five-year deal valued at $5.5 million per season.
In other news, the Vancouver Canucks secured winger Jake DeBrusk with a seven-year deal featuring an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk posted 40 points in the 2023-24 season, adding depth to the Canucks' offensive lineup.
Defensive Enhancements
Defense has been a focal point for several teams. The Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years, with an AAV of $6.5 million. Slavin is coming off a 37-point season, solidifying his role as a key defender.
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Chris Tanev’s negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars and subsequently signed him to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Tanev, known for his defensive prowess, posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season.
Nashville Predators’ blue line also received a boost with the signing of Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually, adding a robust defensive presence for years to come.
As the offseason progresses, more moves are expected, each potentially influencing the balance of power in the NHL. Teams are strategically positioning themselves for a competitive 2024-2025 season, making every signing and trade a critical piece of their overall strategy.