The 2024 NHL offseason is in full swing, with multiple teams making monumental changes as they revamp their lineups. Here's a closer look at some of the major moves that have set the hockey world abuzz.
Panthers Reign Supreme
The Florida Panthers clinched the Stanley Cup Final in a thrilling Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers, marking a remarkable end to their season. Riding on this high, the Panthers wasted no time in securing key players for the future. One significant move includes signing forward Sam Reinhart to an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. The deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, solidifies Reinhart’s place as a cornerstone of the team. Reinhart played a pivotal role in the Panthers' championship run, scoring the game-winning goal in the playoffs and tallying 10 goals overall.
Draft Highlights
The San Jose Sharks made a splash in the 2024 NHL Draft by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick. The team is optimistic about the potential that Celebrini brings, seen as a critical building block for their future.
Major Signings and Trades
Free agency kicked off with a flurry of activity. The Tampa Bay Lightning signed Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, with a $9 million AAV. Acquiring Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round pick proved to be a strategic move for Tampa, which also saw the Lightning trade defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft.
The New York Islanders strengthened their forward line by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair, who scored 24 goals last season while splitting his time between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning, has accumulated 303 career points with 146 goals and 157 assists.
Adding to the excitement, the Seattle Kraken secured an agreement with Chandler Stephenson on a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has consistently tallied at least 50 points over the past three seasons, signaling a significant boost for Seattle’s offensive capabilities. Additionally, the Kraken reinforced their defense by signing Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million deal. Montour impressed with three goals and eight assists during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Reunions and New Beginnings
The Columbus Blue Jackets made headlines by signing Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. This move reunites Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason, rekindling the chemistry they demonstrated in previous seasons.
In a bid to bolster their wing, the Vancouver Canucks signed Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk, who recorded 40 points in the 2023-24 season, is expected to bring much-needed scoring depth to the Canucks.
Defensemen on the Move
On the defensive front, the Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin’s contract for another eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin’s solid performance last season, with 37 points, underscored his defensive reliability and puck-moving skills.
The Nashville Predators were not to be left out, signing Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Looking to further strengthen their roster, the Predators are poised to bring in seasoned veteran Steven Stamkos on a four-year deal valued at $8 million per season. Stamkos, with an impressive career total of 1,137 points, is anticipated to be a significant asset. Nashville is also expected to finalize a deal with Jonathan Marchessault, penciled in for five years at $5.5 million per season.
Maple Leafs Shore Up Defense
The Toronto Maple Leafs focused their efforts on bolstering their defense by signing Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. The Maple Leafs acquired Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars, aiming to add veteran stability to their blue line.
As the dust settles, the 2024 NHL offseason rumor mill continues to churn with potential trades and signings, promising to keep fans on the edge of their seats until the puck drops again.