The 2024 NHL offseason has been nothing short of electrifying, with several teams making pivotal moves to reshape their rosters. At the forefront of these changes are the Florida Panthers, who triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling Game 7 to clinch the Stanley Cup. This victory has undoubtedly set the stage for a dynamic offseason across the league.
Draft and Signing Highlights
The San Jose Sharks made a significant splash by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. This choice has injected a fresh wave of optimism for the Sharks' future, with Celebrini expected to be a cornerstone for the team.
Following the draft, the free agency period commenced with fervor on Monday at noon ET. The Florida Panthers wasted no time in securing their talent, signing Sam Reinhart to a lucrative eight-year, $69 million contract extension. Reinhart's new deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, rewards his stellar performance, particularly his game-winning goal and ten total goals in the 2024 Playoffs.
Other Major Signings
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been equally proactive, signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million contract with a $9 million AAV. This move followed the acquisition of Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. The Lightning also made a noteworthy trade, sending defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft.
In other roster developments, the New York Islanders signed Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair, who notched 24 goals last season while splitting time between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning, brings substantial scoring prowess to the Islanders. Over his career, Duclair has accumulated 303 points, comprising 146 goals and 157 assists.
Teams Strengthening Their Defenses
Defensive improvements have been a focal point for several teams. The Seattle Kraken inked Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year deal, averaging $6.25 million annually. Stephenson has consistently tallied over 50 points in each of the past three seasons, bringing stability and offensive capability to the Kraken's lineup. Complementing their efforts on defense, the Kraken also signed Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million contract. Montour, who contributed three goals and eight assists in the 2024 Playoffs, will be a vital component of Seattle’s defensive schemes.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have strategically bolstered their roster by signing Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million per annum. Monahan's move to Columbus reunites him with former Calgary Flames teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who had joined the Blue Jackets in the 2022 offseason. This duo aims to rekindle their chemistry and drive Columbus to new heights.
Notable Wing and Defense Additions
On the west coast, the Vancouver Canucks secured winger Jake DeBrusk on a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk, who tallied 40 points in the 2023-24 season, is expected to add significant depth to the Canucks' forward lines.
The Carolina Hurricanes ensured stability on their blue line by extending Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years at a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin's 37 points last season underscored his importance to Carolina’s defensive unit.
Nashville is not to be outdone, as the Predators signed defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Additionally, the Predators are on the cusp of signing veteran forward Steven Stamkos to a four-year deal at $8 million per season. Stamkos, with 1,137 career points, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Nashville. The Predators are also expected to bring in Jonathan Marchessault on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, rounding out a transformative offseason.
On the defensive front, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. This move followed the acquisition of Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars. Tanev, who posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season, is anticipated to be a steadying presence on Toronto’s blue line.
As teams across the NHL finalize their offseason strategies, these substantial signings and trades reflect a league in constant evolution. Each move shapes the quest for dominance in the upcoming season, promising fans an exhilarating 2024-25 NHL campaign.