The 2024 NHL offseason has swiftly become a whirlwind of activity, leading to major roster reshaping across several teams. The Florida Panthers, fresh off an exhilarating Game 7 victory against the Edmonton Oilers to clinch the Stanley Cup, have been highly proactive.
Florida Panthers Make Significant Moves
The Panthers, celebrating their championship win, wasted no time in ensuring their future remains bright. They secured Sam Reinhart with an impressive eight-year, $69 million contract extension. Reinhart, a pivotal player in the Panthers’ playoff run, notably netted the game-winning goal and tallied 10 goals during the playoffs. His new contract reflects his value to the team, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million.
Tampa Bay Lightning Strengthen Their Roster
Not to be outdone, the Tampa Bay Lightning have also made headlines. They signed forward Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, translating to a $9 million AAV. This signing followed a strategic move where the Lightning acquired Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. Further bolstering their lineup, Tampa Bay traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the 2024 NHL Draft.
Key Contracts and Extensions Around the League
Among the notable transactions, the San Jose Sharks made a splash by selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Meanwhile, the New York Islanders secured Anthony Duclair with a four-year contract. Duclair, who netted 24 goals last season, split his time between the Sharks and the Lightning, and has accumulated a solid 303 career points.
The Seattle Kraken have been busy too, signing Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has impressively tallied at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. Additionally, the Kraken signed defenseman Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million contract. Montour made his presence felt during the playoffs, contributing three goals and eight assists.
Columbus Blue Jackets Reunite Former Teammates
The Columbus Blue Jackets brought a sense of familiarity to their roster by signing Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. Monahan will reunite with Johnny Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason, aiming to rekindle the chemistry they shared in previous seasons.
Vancouver, Carolina, and Nashville Bolster Their Teams
In Vancouver, the Canucks signed winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk had a productive 2023-24 season, posting 40 points. The Carolina Hurricanes extended defenseman Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV following his 37-point season.
The Nashville Predators have not been idle either, signing defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Reports suggest that Nashville is also poised to bring in Steven Stamkos on a four-year deal at $8 million per season. Stamkos, with an illustrious career tally of 1,137 points, will be a substantial addition to their roster. Additionally, Jonathan Marchessault is expected to join the Predators on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, adding further depth to their lineup.
Toronto Maple Leafs Secure Defensive Talent
The Toronto Maple Leafs have focused on bolstering their defense by signing Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. The Leafs acquired Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars, positioning him as a key defensive piece after he posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season.
As the offseason continues, teams are strategically enhancing their rosters, setting the stage for a compelling 2024-25 NHL season. Each signing and trade reflects careful planning and the relentless pursuit of excellence, ensuring fans have much to look forward to when the puck drops again.