As the NHL offseason heats up, teams are not hesitating to make big moves to improve their rosters, manage salary caps, and lay the groundwork for the 2024-25 season.
Rising Salary Cap Sparks Activity
With the NHL salary cap set to increase to $88 million for the upcoming season, franchises are actively reshuffling their lineups. This rise in the cap has enabled teams to explore new signings and trades with greater financial flexibility.
Lightning's Bold Moves
The Tampa Bay Lightning have made a significant splash by trading defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club. The exchange includes multiple players and draft picks, marking a considerable shift in Tampa Bay's defensive lineup.
Additionally, the Lightning have secured the rights to star winger Jake Guentzel, reportedly signing him to a seven-year contract. This acquisition is expected to bolster Tampa Bay's offensive prowess significantly.
It doesn't stop there for the Lightning. In another calculated move, the team traded forward Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings in return for a fourth-round and a second-round pick. These trades underscore Tampa Bay’s commitment to redefining their squad for future success.
Senators and Capitals Swap Defenders
The Ottawa Senators traded defenseman Jakob Chychrun to the Washington Capitals. In exchange, the Senators received defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick. Chychrun had been a part of the Senators for the past two seasons after being acquired from the Arizona Coyotes at the 2023 trade deadline.
Devils and Expansion Moves
The New Jersey Devils were also active players in the market. The team traded defenseman John Marino to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for several draft picks, revealing their strategy focused on future potential and development.
Further bolstering their roster, the Devils moved Jonathan Kovacevic to Montreal. Subsequently, they engaged in a major trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, sending forward Alexander Holtz and goaltender Akira Schmid to Vegas in return for forward Paul Cotter.
Additional Notable Trades
The Capitals improved their lineup by acquiring goaltender Logan Thompson from the Golden Knights in exchange for a pair of third-round picks, fortifying their netminding department.
Furthermore, the Buffalo Sabres secured forward Beck Malenstyn from the Washington Capitals, adding depth to their forward group.
In a noteworthy trade, the St. Louis Blues sent forward Kevin Hayes to the Pittsburgh Penguins along with a second-round pick. Meanwhile, they added forward Alex Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
Upcoming Potential Moves
The league is abuzz with speculation around potential moves involving several high-profile players. Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson, and Ducks center Trevor Zegras are all names being closely watched by insiders.
Moreover, the Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly looking to trade young winger Martin Necas, who is coming off his second straight 20-goal season at the age of 25. Such a move could significantly impact whichever team he might join, given his demonstrated scoring ability and youth.
The flurry of trades and signings underscores the dynamic nature of the NHL offseason, with teams keen on positioning themselves optimally for the upcoming season. As the clock ticks down to the new season, fans can anticipate more thrilling developments across the league, each promising to reshape the competition landscape radically.