As the NHL offseason ramps up, teams are actively reshaping their rosters, making strategic moves ahead of the 2024-25 season. With the salary cap set to rise to $88 million, franchises are seizing the moment to clear space and acquire key players. The offseason maneuvers have already seen significant trades and signings, setting the stage for an intriguing season.
Lightning Bolster Roster Ahead of Season
The Tampa Bay Lightning, aiming to strengthen their defense and offense, have made notable transactions. Defenseman Mikhail Sergachev was traded to the Utah Hockey Club, securing multiple players and draft picks in return. This move was part of a broader strategy that also saw the Lightning securing the rights to star winger Jake Guentzel and subsequently signing him to a seven-year contract.
In another significant trade, the Lightning sent forward Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings, receiving a fourth-round and a second-round pick. Clearly, Tampa Bay is keen on building a robust lineup to remain competitive in the upcoming season.
Senators and Capitals Strike a Deal
The Ottawa Senators and the Washington Capitals have also made headlines with their recent trade. Defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who spent the last two seasons with the Senators after being acquired in the 2023 trade deadline from the Arizona Coyotes, is now a Capital. In exchange, Ottawa received defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick.
Devils Active in Trade Market
The New Jersey Devils have been particularly active, executing multiple trades. The Devils traded defenseman John Marino to the Utah Hockey Club for several draft picks, further emphasizing Utah's aggressive offseason strategy. Additionally, the Devils moved Jonathan Kovacevic to Montreal, and in a substantial trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, acquired forward Paul Cotter in exchange for forward Alexander Holtz and goaltender Akira Schmid.
Other Notable Trades and Acquisitions
The Washington Capitals continued to build their roster by acquiring Logan Thompson from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a pair of third-round picks. The Buffalo Sabres made a move to strengthen their forward lineup by acquiring Beck Malenstyn from the Capitals.
The St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburgh Penguins also struck a deal, with the Blues sending forward Kevin Hayes and a second-round pick to Pittsburgh. In a separate trade, the Blues acquired forward Alex Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fourth-round pick.
Potential Moves on the Horizon
As the offseason progresses, several potential moves are being closely watched by league insiders. The Winnipeg Jets' forward Nikolaj Ehlers, Anaheim Ducks' goalie John Gibson, and Ducks' center Trevor Zegras are all potential players on the move.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly looking to trade young winger Martin Necas, who is coming off his second consecutive 20-goal season at the age of 25. Necas' performance has made him an attractive prospect for teams looking to add a proven young scorer to their lineup.
As teams continue to maneuver, the anticipation for the 2024-25 NHL season builds. Fans can expect further trades and signings as franchises aim to position themselves for success. The landscape is shifting, and the offseason drama is far from over.