The 2024 NHL offseason is in full throttle, and teams across the league are orchestrating significant moves to reshape their rosters. The Florida Panthers, fresh off their thrilling Game 7 victory in the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, are making headlines once again, this time with a major contract extension.
Key Signings and Trades
The Panthers have secured forward Sam Reinhart for the foreseeable future, signing him to an eight-year, $69 million contract extension. This deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, underscores Reinhart's value to the team. He played a pivotal role in their playoff success, scoring the game-winning goal in the 2024 Playoffs and tallying an impressive 10 goals.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been equally busy. They signed forward Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, with a $9 million AAV. The Lightning acquired Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. Additionally, they made a notable trade, sending defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the 2024 NHL Draft.
Big Wins for the Expansion Teams
Among other notable moves, the Seattle Kraken made a significant splash by signing Chandler Stephenson to a seven-year contract with an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson's consistent performance, with at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons, makes him a valuable addition to the Kraken. The team also bolstered its defense by signing Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million contract, carrying a $7.14 million AAV. Montour contributed three goals and eight assists during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities.
Strategic Moves in Free Agency
Free agency officially kicked off at noon ET on Monday, and several teams didn't hesitate to dive into the market. The Columbus Blue Jackets signed 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. Monahan's steady production and chemistry with Gaudreau are expected to be valuable assets for the Blue Jackets.
The Vancouver Canucks also made a strong addition by signing winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk, who posted 40 points in the 2023-24 season, brings scoring depth and versatility to Vancouver.
Defense Deals Galore
On the defensive front, the Carolina Hurricanes extended Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years with a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin, who compiled 37 points last season, remains a cornerstone of the Hurricanes' blue line.
The Nashville Predators have been quietly reinforcing their roster as well. They signed Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. Moreover, the Predators are poised to make a significant splash by bringing in Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Stamkos is expected to sign a four-year deal at $8 million per season, while Marchessault is expected to ink a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season. Stamkos, with 1,137 career points, adds veteran leadership and proven scoring prowess, while Marchessault brings additional offensive firepower.
The Toronto Maple Leafs also made a notable move by signing defenseman 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, and the veteran blueliner, who posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season, is expected to solidify Toronto's defensive unit.
Rookie Spotlight
The 2024 NHL Draft saw the San Jose Sharks selecting Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick. Celebrini is expected to be a cornerstone player for the Sharks, injecting youthful energy and skill into their lineup.
With the offseason in full swing, each team's strategic moves reflect their ambitions for the upcoming season. Whether through blockbuster signings, trades, or impactful draft picks, the NHL landscape is being reshaped one transaction at a time. As fans eagerly anticipate how these moves will translate on the ice, one thing is clear: the competition is set to be fiercer than ever.