The 2024 NHL offseason is proving to be one of the most dynamic in recent years, with several teams making bold moves to recalibrate their rosters and push for glory. From landmark trades to eye-watering contract extensions, here’s a comprehensive look at the key developments shaking up the league.
Florida Panthers: Champions and Big Spenders
The Florida Panthers are riding high after clinching the Stanley Cup in a dramatic Game 7 victory against the Edmonton Oilers. Emphasizing their commitment to sustained success, the Panthers inked forward Sam Reinhart to a hefty eight-year, $69 million contract extension. With an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, Reinhart's extension underscores Florida's faith in his game-changing abilities. Known for scoring the game-winning goal in the 2024 Playoffs and tallying 10 goals in total, Reinhart is poised to be a cornerstone for the team.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Strategic Hiring and Trades
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning are no strangers to strategic maneuvers. They secured the negotiating rights to Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick, subsequently signing him to a seven-year, $63 million deal, translating to an AAV of $9 million. Furthermore, the Lightning made waves by trading defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the 2024 NHL Draft. These calculated decisions showcase Tampa Bay's proactive approach to maintaining a competitive edge.
Significant Moves Across the League
The New York Islanders made a notable acquisition by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract after he split his time between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning last season, scoring 24 goals along the way. Duclair, who has racked up 303 career points with 146 goals and 157 assists, looks to be a significant asset for the Islanders.
Capitalize on the momentum of recent offseasons, the Seattle Kraken signed Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year deal with an AAV of $6.25 million. Having scored at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons, Stephenson will add considerable firepower to the Kraken's offense. The Kraken also bolstered 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, further enhancing Seattle's back-end capabilities.
Columbus Blue Jackets and Strategic Pairings
The Columbus Blue Jackets are not lagging behind either. They recently signed 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 potent forward pair that could reignite their past chemistry.
Canadian Teams Making Headlines
North of the border, the Vancouver Canucks secured winger Jake DeBrusk for a seven-year stint, paying him $5.5 million annually. DeBrusk posted 40 points in the 2023-24 season and is expected to be a significant contributor for the Canucks in the coming years.
Notable Extensions and Future Projections
Several key players also received contract extensions that could shape their teams' futures. The Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years, with an AAV of $6.5 million. Slavin compiled 37 points last season, proving his invaluable presence on the ice. The Nashville Predators made two anticipated moves, signing defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract at $7 million annually and working to bring in veteran Steven Stamkos on a four-year deal at $8 million per season. Stamkos has amassed an impressive 1,137 points over his career. Jonathan Marchessault is also expected to join Nashville on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, making the Predators a team to watch.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Building a Strong Defense
Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs focused on shoring up their defenses by signing Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. Acquiring Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars, the Leafs have high hopes that his addition, despite his modest five points in 19 games during the 2024 season, will solidify their blue line.
As the 2024 NHL offseason progresses, these moves mark only the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling lead-up to the new season. Teams are clearly setting the stage for intense competition, ensuring that fans have much to look forward to when the puck drops again.