As the NHL offseason kicks into high gear, teams across the league are making bold moves to reshape their rosters, clear salary cap spaces, and set solid foundations for the 2024-25 season. With the NHL salary cap rising to $88 million for the upcoming season, a flurry of trades and signings have emerged, highlighting the dynamic nature of the sport.
Significant Trades and Acquisitions
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been particularly active. One of their headline moves was trading defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the newly minted Utah Hockey Club. In return, the Lightning received multiple players and draft picks, demonstrating their commitment to retooling and ensuring they can compete at the highest level.
In another significant move, the Lightning acquired the rights to star winger Jake Guentzel. Reports indicate that Guentzel has signed a seven-year contract with the Lightning, adding a high-caliber offensive presence to their roster. Guentzel’s addition signifies Tampa Bay's ambition to stay competitive in the tightly contested Eastern Conference.
Moreover, the Lightning traded forward Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a fourth-round and a second-round pick. This trade sheds light on Tampa Bay’s strategy to balance their roster while acquiring assets for the future.
Shifts in the Capital
The Ottawa Senators have also been active, trading defenseman Jakob Chychrun to the Washington Capitals. In return, the Senators acquired defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick. Chychrun, who spent the last two seasons with the Senators after being acquired from the Arizona Coyotes at the 2023 trade deadline, will now bring his defensive prowess to Washington.
Meanwhile, the Capitals bolstered their roster further by acquiring Logan Thompson from the Vegas Golden Knights for a pair of third-round picks, enhancing their goaltending depth significantly.
Devil in the Details
The New Jersey Devils made headlines by trading defenseman John Marino to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for several draft picks. Additionally, the Devils moved Jonathan Kovacevic to Montreal, showcasing their intent to refine their roster with strategic decisions.
In another notable transaction, the Devils traded forward Alexander Holtz and goaltender Akira Schmid to the Vegas Golden Knights for forward Paul Cotter. This move hints at New Jersey’s pursuit to add talent while maneuvering their assets wisely.
Blues and Beyond
The St. Louis Blues have also been active on the trade front. They dealt forward Kevin Hayes and a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins, signaling a potential rebuilt phase for the Blues. In exchange, St. Louis acquired forward Alex Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fourth-round pick, adding depth to their lineup.
Potential Moves on the Horizon
League insiders are keeping a close eye on a few potential moves. Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson, and Ducks center Trevor Zegras could all be on the move as teams aim to reshape their rosters before the season starts.
The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly seeking trade offers for young winger Martin Necas. The 25-year-old is coming off his second straight 20-goal season, making him an attractive target for teams looking to add scoring punch to their lineup.
As the offseason progresses, it is evident that teams are not shying away from making bold moves. The upcoming season promises plenty of excitement and competitive play, with each team fine-tuning their lineups to strive for excellence in the 2024-25 campaign.