As the NHL offseason gets underway, franchises across the league are making impactful moves to trim rosters, maneuver around salary cap constraints, and establish a strong footing for the 2024-25 season. One of the most significant developments for the upcoming season is the NHL salary cap rising to $88 million, giving teams slightly more flexibility in managing their player expenses.
Significant Trades Across the League
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been particularly active this offseason. In a notable trade, they sent defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for an array of players and draft picks. This move signals a strategic shift for the Lightning, who appear to be focused on both youth and future assets.
In another major acquisition, the Lightning secured the rights to star winger Jake Guentzel. Reports indicate that the team has already signed Guentzel to a seven-year contract, aiming to bolster their offensive capabilities significantly. The Lightning also traded forward Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings for fourth-round and second-round picks, a move likely meant to free up cap space and gather future assets.
Senators and Capitals Shake Up Their Rosters
The Ottawa Senators have also been active, trading defenseman Jakob Chychrun to the Washington Capitals. In return, the Senators received defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick. Chychrun, who was acquired from the Arizona Coyotes at the 2023 trade deadline, had spent the last two seasons solidifying the Senators' backline. His move to Washington could provide the Capitals with much-needed defensive depth.
The Capitals weren't content with just the Chychrun acquisition. They also secured Logan Thompson from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for two third-round picks, further fortifying their roster for the upcoming season.
Devils on the Move
The New Jersey Devils have made several roster adjustments. They traded defenseman John Marino to the Utah Hockey Club in exchange for several draft picks. Additionally, the Devils moved Jonathan Kovacevic to Montreal, making space for new talent and future considerations.
In a swap of forward talents, the Devils traded forward Alexander Holtz and goaltender Akira Schmid to the Golden Knights to acquire forward Paul Cotter. This move will likely bring fresh energy and perspective to both teams’ forward lines.
Blues and Sabres Active in Trade Market
The St. Louis Blues also made headlines by trading forward Kevin Hayes and a second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins. They offset this by acquiring forward Alex Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fourth-round pick, arguably a strategic move aimed at balancing experience and future potential within their roster.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres bolstered their attacking options by acquiring forward Beck Malenstyn from the Washington Capitals, hoping to add more depth and versatility to their lineup.
Potential Moves on the Horizon
Several potential moves are being closely monitored by league insiders. Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson, and Ducks center Trevor Zegras are all names being floated as possible trade targets. Additionally, 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.
As the offseason progresses, these developments are sure to shift team dynamics across the NHL, setting the stage for an eventful 2024-25 season. Keep an eye on teams like the Lightning, Capitals, and Devils, who are actively reshaping their rosters with both present performance and future potential in mind.