As the 2024-25 NHL offseason swings into high gear, teams across the league are making bold moves to reshape their rosters, clear salary cap space, and build for the future. The NHL salary cap is set to rise to $88 million for the upcoming season, giving teams more room to maneuver and secure top talent.
Lightning Make Waves
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been particularly active, making a series of significant transactions. In a blockbuster trade, the Lightning sent defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club. In return, they received multiple players and draft picks, a move that signals a strategic reshaping of their defense and future prospects.
Tampa Bay didn't stop there. They also acquired the rights to star winger Jake Guentzel and have reportedly signed him to a seven-year contract. This acquisition boosts their offensive lineup significantly, adding a proven scorer to their ranks. Additionally, the Lightning traded forward Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings for a fourth-round and a second-round pick, further adjusting their roster.
Sensational Senators' Trade
In a noteworthy deal, the Ottawa Senators traded defenseman Jakob Chychrun to the Washington Capitals. In exchange, the Senators acquired defenseman Nick Jensen and a third-round pick in 2026. Chychrun, who had spent the last two seasons with the Senators after being acquired from the Arizona Coyotes at the 2023 trade deadline, will be expected to bolster the Capitals' blueline.
Devils' Dynamic Moves
The New Jersey Devils have been shaping their roster with impactful trades. They traded defenseman John Marino to the Utah Hockey Club, receiving several draft picks in return. The Devils also moved Jonathan Kovacevic to Montreal, and in a separate transaction, acquired forward Alexander Holtz and goaltender Akira Schmid by trading forward Paul Cotter to the Vegas Golden Knights.
These moves indicate a clear strategy from the Devils to focus on developing young talent and strengthening their future draft capital, while also enhancing their current roster with potential key players.
Capitals and Golden Knights Transaction
The Washington Capitals made another major move by acquiring goaltender Logan Thompson from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a pair of third-round picks. This trade aims to solidify the Capitals' goaltending options as they look to make a strong playoff push.
Blues and Penguins Exchange
The St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburgh Penguins completed a trade that sent forward Kevin Hayes, along with a second-round pick, to the Penguins. In return, the Blues acquired forward Alex Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fourth-round pick. This series of trades demonstrates the Blues' commitment to restructuring their roster and bringing in new talent.
Other Notable Potential Moves
Several other players are rumored to be on the move, capturing the attention of league insiders. Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson, and Ducks center Trevor Zegras are among the names being closely watched. These potential moves could bring significant changes to the teams involved.
The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly seeking to trade young winger Martin Necas, who is coming off his second consecutive 20-goal season at the age of 25. Necas's consistent scoring ability makes him an attractive option for teams looking to enhance their offensive firepower.
As the NHL offseason progresses, the dynamic landscape of team rosters continues to shift. Teams are making calculated moves that will likely impact their performance in the 2024-25 season and beyond. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as more transactions unfold, shaping the future of the league.