The NHL offseason is in full swing, and as teams prepare for the 2024-25 season, significant roster moves and trades mark the landscape. With the salary cap rising to $88 million, an increased number of transactions are helping franchises clear space and rebuild rosters.
Lightning Reshuffle
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been particularly active. In a notable trade, they sent defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club. The deal brought multiple players and draft picks back to Tampa, setting the stage for a strategic overhaul. Additionally, the Lightning acquired the rights to star winger Jake Guentzel and reportedly secured him with a seven-year contract. The acquisition of Guentzel is a decisive move, aiming to reinforce their offensive lineup.
Forward Tanner Jeannot is another player leaving Tampa. He is now with the Los Angeles Kings after a trade that yielded a fourth-round and a second-round pick for the Lightning.
Ottawa Senators and Washington Capitals
Another significant transaction saw the Ottawa Senators trade defenseman Jakob Chychrun to the Washington Capitals. The Senators received defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick in return. Chychrun had been a key player for the Senators since his acquisition from the Arizona Coyotes at the 2023 trade deadline.
New Jersey Devils' Activity
The New Jersey Devils were equally busy, trading defenseman John Marino to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for several draft picks. Furthering their reconfiguration, the Devils moved Jonathan Kovacevic to the Montreal Canadiens.
Additionally, the Devils acquired forward Alexander Holtz and goaltender Akira Schmid in a trade that sent forward Paul Cotter to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Other Key Moves
Meanwhile, the Capitals reinforced their roster by securing Logan Thompson from the Golden Knights for a pair of third-round picks. The Buffalo Sabres also made a minor adjustment, adding forward Beck Malenstyn from the Capitals.
The St. Louis Blues were involved in two trades, parting with forward Kevin Hayes and a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Blues also acquired forward Alex Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a fourth-round pick.
Potential Moves on the Horizon
As the offseason progresses, several players remain at the center of potential trade discussions. Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson, and Ducks center Trevor Zegras are names being monitored closely by league insiders. With their talent, they could significantly impact contending teams seeking to bolster their rosters.
The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly looking to move young winger Martin Necas. Coming off his second straight 20-goal season and at just 25 years old, Necas represents a valuable asset that could fetch a significant return in the trade market.
These moves and potential trades underscore the dynamic nature of the NHL offseason. Teams are actively repositioning themselves to not only meet salary cap requirements but to also gain a competitive edge as they eye the upcoming season.