The 2024 NHL offseason is in full swing, with several teams making strategic moves to bolster their rosters ahead of the new season. The Florida Panthers are riding high after clinching the Stanley Cup in a thrilling Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers. Riding this momentum, the Panthers have committed to keeping key talent on their squad.
Florida Panthers' Major Moves
Leading the way is Sam Reinhart, who played a pivotal role in their playoff success by scoring the game-winning goal and racking up 10 goals throughout the post-season. The Panthers have rewarded him generously with an eight-year contract extension worth $69 million, which comes out to an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. The sizable extension underscores the team's confidence in Reinhart's continued impact.
Draft Highlights and Other Key Signings
The NHL Draft also saw exciting new talent entering the league. The San Jose Sharks selected Macklin Celebrini with the No. 1 overall pick, a move that signals their intent to build a formidable future roster.
Free agency opened with a flurry of activity. Among the significant signings, the Tampa Bay Lightning made headlines by securing Jake Guentzel on a seven-year, $63 million deal, translating to a $9 million AAV. This acquisition was facilitated by acquiring Guentzel's negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. Further solidifying their roster, the Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the draft.
New Contracts and Team Dynamics
The New York Islanders have also been active, bringing in Anthony Duclair on a four-year contract. Duclair, who split his last season between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning, recorded 24 goals last year. With a career total of 303 points, including 146 goals and 157 assists, Duclair is a strategic addition to the Islanders' offensive lineup.
In the Pacific Northwest, Chandler Stephenson has inked a seven-year agreement with the Seattle Kraken, featuring an AAV of $6.25 million. Stephenson has been consistently productive, tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. The Kraken also fortified their defense by signing Brandon Montour to a seven-year, $50 million contract, which averages out to $7.14 million per year. Montour's performance in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he notched three goals and eight assists, highlights his value.
Significant Team Reunions
Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets are reuniting former Calgary Flames teammates Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau. Monahan joins Columbus on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually. Gaudreau had made his move to Columbus in the 2022 offseason, and this reunion is expected to enhance the team's chemistry and offensive output.
Building for the Future
North of the border, the Vancouver Canucks have secured winger Jake DeBrusk on a seven-year contract with an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk, who posted 40 points last season, adds scoring depth to the Canucks. The Carolina Hurricanes have also made a long-term commitment, extending Jaccob Slavin's contract for eight years at a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin's 37 points last season underscore his reliability on both ends of the ice.
The Nashville Predators have been particularly proactive, signing defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract valued at $7 million annually. The Predators are also expected to make waves by signing veteran forward Steven Stamkos to a four-year deal at $8 million per season. Stamkos, with an impressive career total of 1,137 points, is set to provide experience and leadership. Additionally, Nashville is poised to bring in Jonathan Marchessault on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season.
Eastern Conference Updates
Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reinforcing their defensive corps 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, setting the stage for this significant addition. Despite playing only 19 games in the 2024 season and posting five points, Tanev's experience and reliability are crucial for Toronto's blue line.
As the offseason progresses, these moves highlight the dynamic strategies NHL teams are employing to build competitive rosters. The upcoming season promises to be thrilling as new talents emerge, and experienced players continue to make their mark on the ice.