The 2024 NHL offseason is in full swing, and several teams are making significant moves to reshape their rosters. Fresh off the Stanley Cup Final, where the Florida Panthers clinched victory over the Edmonton Oilers with a stunning Game 7 performance, the NHL landscape is buzzing with high-profile signings and strategic trades.
Key Draft and Free Agency Moves
The San Jose Sharks made headlines by selecting Boston University star Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Celebrini is expected to be a game-changer for the Sharks, bringing his collegiate success to the professional level.
Free agency officially began on Monday at noon ET, and several notable players have already secured long-term deals with new teams. The Florida Panthers locked in star forward Sam Reinhart with an eight-year, $69 million contract extension, which carries a reported average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. Reinhart, who was instrumental in Florida's playoff success, scoring the game-winning goal and tallying 10 goals in the 2024 Playoffs, continues to be a cornerstone for the Panthers.
The Tampa Bay Lightning also made a splash by signing winger Jake Guentzel to a seven-year, $63 million deal, boasting a $9 million AAV. The Lightning had acquired Guentzel’s exclusive negotiating rights from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. This move underscores Tampa Bay's intent to bolster their offensive firepower, especially after trading defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club during the 2024 NHL Draft.
Notable Team Signings and Trades
The New York Islanders enhanced their forward lineup by signing veteran Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract. Duclair, who scored 24 goals while splitting time between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning last season, brings valuable experience and scoring ability to the Islanders. Over his career, Duclair has accumulated 303 points, comprising 146 goals and 157 assists.
Center Chandler Stephenson agreed to a seven-year contract with the Seattle Kraken, earning $6.25 million annually. Stephenson has been a consistent performer, tallying at least 50 points in each of the past three seasons. In addition to Stephenson, Seattle also added defenseman Brandon Montour early in free agency. Montour signed a seven-year, $50 million contract, which will carry an average annual value of $7.14 million. Montour's playoff performance was pivotal, as he contributed three goals and eight assists during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed Sean Monahan to a five-year contract worth $5.5 million annually. Monahan will reunite with his former Calgary Flames teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who joined Columbus in the 2022 offseason.
Teams Continue to Strategize
Several other teams made prudent moves to strengthen their rosters. The Vancouver Canucks signed winger Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year deal, reflecting an annual value of $5.5 million. DeBrusk posted 40 points in the 2023-24 season, offering the Canucks reliable production on the wing.
The Carolina Hurricanes secured defenseman Jaccob Slavin with an eight-year contract extension, offering a $6.5 million AAV. Slavin compiled 37 points last season, proving his worth as a steady defensive presence.
Looking ahead, the Nashville Predators have been aggressive in free agency, signing defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract worth $7 million annually. In addition to Skjei, they are poised to bring in Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Stamkos, who is expected to ink a four-year, $8 million per season deal, has amassed 1,137 points across his illustrious career. Marchessault, slated for a five-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, will provide additional scoring depth.
Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs bolstered their blue line by signing defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract with an AAV of $4.5 million. The Maple Leafs had acquired Tanev's negotiating rights from the Dallas Stars, where he posted five points in 19 games during the 2024 season.
As teams continue to adjust and prepare for the upcoming season, the moves made during the early stages of the offseason highlight the strategic maneuvering and long-term planning that characterize the NHL's competitive environment. With several marquee players finding new homes, the 2024-25 season promises to be as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.