As the NHL offseason kicks into high gear, teams are making significant moves to reshape rosters, clear salary cap space, and set the foundation for the 2024-25 season. The NHL salary cap is set to rise to $88 million for the upcoming season, offering teams more financial flexibility to orchestrate trades and signings.
Lightning Redefine Their Roster
One of the most talked-about transactions involves the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have been quite active this offseason. In a surprising move, the Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club. In return, Tampa Bay received multiple players and draft picks, marking a significant shift in their defensive lineup.
Additionally, the Lightning have acquired the rights to star winger Jake Guentzel. Reports suggest that the team has secured Guentzel on a seven-year contract, bolstering their offensive capabilities. Furthermore, Tampa Bay traded forward Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a fourth-round and a second-round pick, further adjusting their roster for future prospects.
Senators and Capitals Shake Up Their Defense
The Ottawa Senators also made headlines by trading defenseman Jakob Chychrun to the Washington Capitals. In exchange, the Senators received defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick. Chychrun had spent the last two seasons with Ottawa after being acquired from the Arizona Coyotes at the 2023 trade deadline. This trade aims to address the defensive needs for both teams as they look to solidify their backends.
New Jersey Devils Active in the Trade Market
The New Jersey Devils are another team that's been active. They traded defenseman John Marino to the Utah Hockey Club, receiving several draft picks in return. In a separate transaction, the Devils moved Jonathan Kovacevic to the Montreal Canadiens. The Devils did not stop there; they also traded forward Alexander Holtz and goaltender Akira Schmid to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for forward Paul Cotter. These moves indicate a clear strategy aimed at balancing their roster and building for the future.
Golden Knights Make Strategic Acquisitions
The Vegas Golden Knights have also been maneuvering strategically. They acquired forward Alexander Holtz and goaltender Akira Schmid from the New Jersey Devils, enhancing both their offensive and goaltending rosters. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights sent Logan Thompson to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a pair of third-round picks, ensuring a steady influx of future talent.
Additional Trades and Potential Moves
Elsewhere in the league, the Buffalo Sabres acquired forward Beck Malenstyn from the Washington Capitals, while the St. Louis Blues traded forward Kevin Hayes to the Pittsburgh Penguins along with a second-round pick. In a bid to strengthen their forward line, the Blues also acquired Alex Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fourth-round pick.
Rumors are swirling around other potential moves, with Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson, and Ducks center Trevor Zegras being closely watched by league insiders. Additionally, 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.
The 2024-25 NHL season promises to be highly competitive as teams continue to tweak their rosters and build for success. With the increase in the salary cap providing more room for maneuvering, fans can expect further developments in the coming weeks.