The 2024 NHL offseason is underway, and it’s already proving to be a period of significant roster reshuffling and strategic plays for several teams. Major moves and marquee signings are already altering the landscape of the league in dramatic fashion, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting 2024-2025 season.
Panthers Claim Stanley Cup and Reinforce Their Roster
Fresh off their exhilarating victory in the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, the Florida Panthers are not wasting time solidifying their core. The Panthers won in an intense Game 7 showdown, bringing the prestigious Cup to Florida. Building on that momentum, the Panthers have secured a major asset, re-signing Sam Reinhart to an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. Reinhart, a pivotal player who scored the game-winning goal in the 2024 Playoffs and tallied 10 goals, secures an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, underscoring his value to the team’s ongoing success.
Significant Trades and Acquisitions
The Tampa Bay Lightning have made several bold moves of their own. They signed Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, an acquisition facilitated by trading a 2025 third-round pick to the Carolina Hurricanes for Guentzel's negotiating rights. Guentzel’s contract boasts a $9 million AAV, making him a centerpiece for Tampa Bay’s future plans. Additionally, the Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the 2024 NHL Draft, signaling a commitment to restructuring their defensive strategy.
In another significant move, the New York Islanders bolstered their offensive lineup by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year deal. Duclair, who split his last season between the San Jose Sharks and the Tampa Bay Lightning and scored 24 goals, brings a robust career total of 303 points, with 146 goals and 157 assists, to the Islanders' roster.
Strategic Signings Around the League
The Seattle Kraken have also been active, securing Chandler Stephenson on a seven-year contract with a $6.25 million AAV. Stephenson has been a consistent performer, tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. Additionally, the Kraken signed defenseman Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million deal, with an AAV of $7.14 million. Montour made notable contributions during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, adding three goals and eight assists.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are making headlines by signing Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. This signing reunites Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined the Blue Jackets in the 2022 offseason, hinting at a rekindling of their previous on-ice chemistry from their time with the Calgary Flames.
Western Teams Strengthen as Well
The Vancouver Canucks have locked down winger Jake DeBrusk on a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk’s 40-point performance in the 2023-24 season positions him as a reliable offensive option for the Canucks moving forward.
The Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin’s contract for eight years, securing his services with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin contributed 37 points last season, affirming his role as a cornerstone of the Hurricanes’ defense.
Predators Eyeing Key Additions
The Nashville Predators are poised for significant changes, signing Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Furthermore, they are on the verge of signing Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, both projected to make impactful additions to their roster. Stamkos is expected to join on a four-year deal worth $8 million per season, bringing his formidable career tally of 1,137 points as added firepower to Nashville’s lineup. Marchessault is anticipated to sign a five-year deal, with a compensation of $5.5 million annually, adding depth to the Predators’ offensive capabilities.
Maple Leafs Fortify Defense
Not to be left out, the Toronto Maple Leafs have enhanced their defensive ranks by signing Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Tanev, whose rights were acquired from the Dallas Stars, adds seasoned stability to Toronto's blue line after posting five points in 19 games during the 2024 season.
As free agency continues and teams tweak their rosters, it’s clear that the 2024 NHL offseason is shaping up to be remarkably eventful. These strategic signings and trades not only highlight the ambition of teams across the league but also promise an exciting and competitive season ahead.