The 2024 NHL offseason is already proving to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory, with significant moves reshaping teams across the league.
Florida Panthers Crowned Champions
The Florida Panthers emerged victorious in a thrilling Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7. This marked a historic moment for the Panthers as they lifted the cup, cementing an extraordinary season.
NHL Draft Highlights
The San Jose Sharks took the spotlight in the 2024 NHL Draft by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick. Celebrini's selection brings a wave of excitement and anticipation to a franchise looking to rebuild and return to prominence.
Key Signings and Contracts
Free agency officially kicked off on Monday at noon ET, and several teams wasted no time in making significant moves. The Florida Panthers made a noteworthy decision by extending Sam Reinhart’s contract. Reinhart signed an eight-year, $69 million extension, which averages out to $8.5 million annually. His performance in the playoffs, where he scored the game-winning goal and tallied 10 goals overall, undoubtedly influenced this lucrative extension.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning were active in both the trading and signing arenas. The Lightning secured Jake Guentzel with a seven-year, $63 million deal, boasting an AAV of $9 million. Guentzel’s acquisition came after Tampa Bay traded a 2025 third-round pick to the Carolina Hurricanes for his negotiating rights. Additionally, the Lightning made a significant trade by sending defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft.
The New York Islanders bolstered their roster by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair’s previous season, during which he scored 24 goals while splitting time between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning, showcased his offensive prowess. Over his career, Duclair has accumulated 303 points, including 146 goals and 157 assists.
Further west, the Seattle Kraken made headlines by securing Chandler Stephenson with a seven-year contract averaging $6.25 million annually. Stephenson’s consistency, as evidenced by tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons, makes him an invaluable addition. The Kraken also fortified their defense by signing Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million contract, with an average annual value of $7.14 million. Montour impressed with three goals and eight assists during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Columbus Blue Jackets aimed to rekindle some old chemistry by signing Sean Monahan to a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually. This move reunites Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason, creating a potentially potent offensive duo for the Blue Jackets.
The Vancouver Canucks secured winger Jake DeBrusk with a seven-year deal valued at $5.5 million per year. DeBrusk posted 40 points last season, indicating his reliability and consistency as a forward.
In a significant move, the Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin compiled 37 points last season, reinforcing his role as a cornerstone of the Hurricanes' defense.
The Nashville Predators were among the most active teams, signing defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Reports suggest that Nashville is set to further strengthen its roster by bringing in Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Stamkos is expected to sign a four-year deal at $8 million per season, bringing his impressive 1,137 career points to the Predators. Marchessault is anticipated to ink a five-year agreement worth $5.5 million annually, adding significant depth to the team’s offensive capabilities.
Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a strategic move by signing defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Toronto acquired Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars, adding a veteran presence to their blue line. Tanev posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season, demonstrating solid defensive skills and experience.
This offseason, characterized by aggressive trades and strategic signings, promises to reshape the NHL landscape. Teams are clearly not hesitating to make bold moves to strengthen their rosters, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season.