The 2024 NHL offseason is unfolding dramatically as several teams make strategic moves to enhance their rosters ahead of the new season. Notably, the Florida Panthers have emerged victorious, clinching the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers in an exhilarating Game 7 finish.
Panthers’ Key Moves
Fresh off their Stanley Cup victory, the Florida Panthers have locked in a crucial piece of their championship-winning puzzle by extending Sam Reinhart's contract. The forward has inked an eight-year deal worth $69 million, which translates to an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. Reinhart was instrumental in the Panthers' playoff success, scoring the game-winning goal and tallying 10 goals throughout the postseason.
This strategic move by the Panthers signifies their intent to maintain their championship core and build a team capable of defending their title in the upcoming season.
Draft Highlights
The San Jose Sharks have made a significant step towards their future by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. This highly anticipated selection marks the beginning of what the Sharks hope will be a successful rebuild.
Notable Free Agency Signings
With free agency officially commencing on Monday at noon ET, several impactful signings have already been reported. The Tampa Bay Lightning have been particularly aggressive, signing Jake Guentzel to a seven-year contract worth $63 million. Guentzel's deal carries a $9 million AAV. The Lightning acquired Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. This acquisition complements their earlier trade of defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the 2024 NHL Draft.
Another significant move came from the New York Islanders, who signed Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair is coming off a season where he scored 24 goals while splitting time between the San Jose Sharks and the Tampa Bay Lightning. With 303 career points, including 146 goals and 157 assists, Duclair's addition is expected to bolster the Islanders' offensive capabilities.
Over in Seattle, the Kraken are solidifying their roster with the signing of Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year contract valued at $6.25 million annually. Stephenson has been remarkably consistent, scoring at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. Furthermore, the Kraken secured defenseman Brandon Montour on a seven-year, $50 million deal, boasting an AAV of $7.14 million. Montour was a critical player during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, contributing three goals and eight assists.
Interesting Reunions and Signings
The Columbus Blue Jackets have made headlines by signing Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. This signing reunites Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason, providing a familiar dynamic that the Blue Jackets hope will reignite their offensive production.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks secured winger Jake DeBrusk with a seven-year deal at an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk amassed 40 points in the 2023-24 season, and his addition aims to inject more scoring depth into the Canucks' lineup.
Extensions and Future Deals
The Carolina Hurricanes rewarded Jaccob Slavin with an eight-year extension, a deal worth $6.5 million annually. Slavin, who racked up 37 points last season, remains a cornerstone of the Hurricanes' defense.
In Nashville, the Predators have been busy as well, signing defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract with a staggering annual worth of $7 million. The Predators are also poised to make a significant splash by bringing in veteran forward Steven Stamkos on a four-year deal valued at $8 million per season. Stamkos, who has accumulated 1,137 points in his illustrious career, is expected to provide leadership and scoring prowess. Additionally, the Predators are seemingly ready to welcome Jonathan Marchessault on a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually.
Maple Leafs’ Defensive Bolster
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fortified their blue line by signing defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. The Maple Leafs had previously acquired Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars. Tanev's experience and defensive acumen are anticipated to be valuable assets for Toronto, especially considering his performance of five points in 19 games during the 2024 season.
As the 2024 offseason progresses, NHL teams continue to make calculated moves to refine their rosters, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season. The dynamic shifts in team lineups and the influx of new talent through the draft and free agency promise a fiercely competitive league, with every team vying for supremacy on the ice.