Re-Grading the Biggest Free-Agency Signings From the 2024 NHL Offseason
When the 2024 free-agent market opened on July 1, we graded the top unrestricted free-agent signings. Approaching the end of the 2024 calendar year and one-third of the way through the 2024-25 NHL schedule, it's a good opportunity to revisit our evaluations.
Of the 18 players on our list, only three re-signed with their clubs. They included Sam Reinhart of the Florida Panthers and Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings.
Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Jake Guentzel were among those who moved on to other teams. The former two joined the Nashville Predators while the latter signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Several of these players are performing well this season, but others are having difficulties due to injuries or adjusting to the new teams.
Time will tell how well these players do throughout their respective contracts. For now, though, we're evaluating the signings based on their current performance. We've listed them in their order of appearance in our original ranking.
Do you agree or disagree with our new grades for these signings? Let us know in the app comments below.
Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers
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In the middle of celebrating their first Stanley Cup championship, the Florida Panthers re-signed Sam Reinhart to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.63 million.
The deal also included a no-movement clause that prevents his demotion to the minors through 2029-30 and a 16-team no-trade clause throughout.
Reinhart enjoyed a career-best performance during his contract season with 57 goals and 94 points, finishing second among the NHL's goal-scoring leaders. He was also third in goals among postseason scorers with 10, including the game-winning goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.
The 29-year-old wasn't expected to reach 50 goals entering 2024-25. On Aug. 19, SI.com's Jacob Punturi cited ESPN projecting the Panthers star would take a step back this season, suggesting he was buoyed by a "completely unsustainable 24.5 shooting percentage." Punturi called the assessment "incredibly pessimistic, but painfully realistic."
Fast-forward to mid-December, and Reinhart is jockeying for the goal-scoring lead with 19 goals in 31 games. His 39 points rank among the league's top 15 scorers.
The Panthers forward is silencing critics as his stellar play is also keeping his club among the top five teams in the Eastern Conference.
Previous Grade: A
Current Grade: A+
Brady Skjei, Nashville Predators
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After nearly five seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, Brady Skjei departed for the Nashville Predators.
The 30-year-old defenseman inked a seven-year contract with his new club, earning an average annual value of $7 million. He also received a no-movement clause preventing his demotion to the minors and a 15-team no-trade list for the duration of the deal.
Skjei was one of the best defensemen in the 2024 UFA market. He was coming off a career-best 47-point performance in 2023-24, earning a reputation as a reliable all-around blueliner who regularly logged over 20 minutes per game.
We expected Skjei's presence would improve the Predators' defense corps as they eyed Stanley Cup contention with their retooled roster, but he's having difficulty in the early going as his new club struggles near the bottom of the standings.
Skjei's nine points in 28 games are well off last season's rate. On Nov. 14, Predlines' Max Greenberg cited his poor defensive analytic numbers in the early going despite playing on the top defense pairing with Predators captain Roman Josi.
Skjei's performance could improve, but thus far it's been a disappointing effort on his part.
Previous Grade: A
Current Grade: C+
Elias Lindholm, Boston Bruins
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The Boston Bruins sought a center with first-line experience when they entered the 2024 free-agent market.
On July 1, they signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.8 million. He also received a full no-movement clause in the first five years of the deal, reduced to a 10-team no-trade list for the final two years.
We ranked Lindholm as the top center in the UFA market. He earned that based on his performance in five-and-a-half seasons with the Calgary Flames with his solid two-way play, including a career-best 82 points in 2021-22. He split last season between the Flames and Vancouver Canucks, finishing with 44 points in 75 games.
Lindholm hasn't enjoyed a smooth start to his first season with the Bruins. The 30-year-old has been centering their second line, sitting fifth in team scoring with 14 points in 32 games. Granted, the Bruins have struggled as a team this season, but Lindholm's play hasn't matched the expectations of his hefty new contract.
He may require a little more time to adjust to his new club, but his play thus far could be part of the ongoing decline in his production since 2021-22. If so, his contract is going to age poorly for the Bruins.
Previous Grade: A
Current Grade: B
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Brett Pesce, New Jersey Devils
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After nine seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, Brett Pesce headed to the 2024 free-agent market on July 1. He inked a six-year contract with the New Jersey Devils worth an average annual value of $5.5 million. The deal also included a full no-trade clause for the first three seasons and a 15-team no-trade list for the final three.
A top-four defenseman averaging over 20 minutes per game with the Hurricanes, Pesce was expected to improve the Devils' play within their zone. A right-shot blueliner, the 6'3, 206-pounder is skating on their second pairing alongside puck-moving sophomore rearguard Luke Hughes.
Pesce, 30, missed preseason and the first nine games of this season recovering from a lower-leg injury. He's still working his way back to form and has only four points in 24 games. However, he's logging a team-leading 21:02 of ice time per game and sits second in shorthanded minutes per game (2:30). Pesce is also third in blocked shots with 48.
It will likely take the remainder of the season to get the full picture of Pesce's performance as he rounds back into form provided he stays healthy. His offensive stats are well down but he's still playing a solid game in his zone, which is why the Devils signed him.
Previous Grade: A
Current Grade: B+
Steven Stamkos, Nashville Predators
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Steven Stamkos was the biggest name in the 2024 free-agent market. On July 1, he departed the Tampa Bay Lightning after 16 successful seasons and two Stanley Cup wins to sign a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators. He received an average annual salary of $8 million and a full no-movement clause.
He was coming off his seventh 40-goal season and was expected to bring to Nashville the same high-scoring style that made him a long-time superstar with the Lightning. The 34-year-old forward's experience and leadership were expected to play a big role in the Predators' push for Stanley Cup contention.
Instead, the Predators are mired near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. One reason is Stamkos isn't scoring at his usual rate, tallying eight goals and 16 points in 31 games. He doesn't have linemates of the same caliber as those he had in Tampa Bay with Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point.
Stamkos will finish with 20 goals and 40 points at his current pace, which is well below last season's stats. His production could improve throughout the season as he adjusted to his new teammates.
Perhaps management can find a suitable center to match his skills. Age and the wear-and-tear of 17 NHL seasons could be catching up with him.
Previous Grade: A-
Current Grade: C
Jake Guentzel, Tampa Bay Lightning
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Acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning from the Carolina Hurricanes on June 30, Jake Guentzel signed a seven-year contract with his new club on July 1.
The average annual value was $9 million, including a full no-movement clause for the first four seasons, dropping to a 10-team no-trade list for the final three years.
Guentzel spent his first eight NHL seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning a Stanley Cup in 2016-17. A two-time 40-goal scorer, he was traded to the Hurricanes at the March 2024 trade deadline, tallying 25 points in 17 regular-season games and nine points in 11 playoff contests.
The Lightning acquired Guentzel to offset the departure of Steven Stamkos at left wing on their top line. The 30-year-old winger has fit in well thus far with his new club, netting 31 points in 28 games, and sitting fourth in team scoring.
Guentzel had big skates to fill this season. He's not the type of sniper Stamkos was but he doesn't look out of place alongside linemates Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. It's still very early in his contract, but he's proving worth every penny.
Previous Grade: A-
Current Grade: A
Jonathan Marchessault, Nashville Predators
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An original member of the Vegas Golden Knights, Jonathan Marchessault headed to free agency on July 1.
The 33-year-old winger signed a five-year contract with the Nashville Predators, receiving an average annual value of $5.5 million. He also got a no-movement clause to prevent demotion to the minors plus a 15-team no-trade protection clause.
Marchessault joined Stamkos and Skjei as Nashville's three big signings last summer. He and Stamkos were expected to boost the Predators' offense. Marchessault was also a proven playoff performer, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy and leading the Golden Knights to the 2023 Stanley Cup.
Coming off a career-best 42-goal performance last season, Marchessault has struggled to regain that former with the Predators. He has only seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 31 games, putting him on pace for 15 goals and 40 points, which would be his worst output in a non-COVID season since his rookie campaign in 2015-16.
The Golden Knights received criticism for letting the popular Marchessault depart via free agency. However, his performance in Nashville thus far has justified that decision.
The aging winger must pick up his play over the rest of this season if he and the Predators hope to resurrect their fading playoff hope.
Previous Grade: A-
Current Grade: C
Brandon Montour, Seattle Kraken
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Brandon Montour was still celebrating his Stanley Cup win with the Florida Panthers when he joined the Seattle Kraken on July 1 as a free agent.
The 30-year-old defenseman signed a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.142 million, a full no-trade clause in the first three seasons and a modified no-trade clause for the rest of the deal.
A skillful puck-moving blueliner, Montour's new deal made him one of the Kraken's highest-paid players. He earned that with three seasons of 33 or more points with the Panthers, including a career-best 73 points in 2022-23.
The Kraken hoped Montour would provide much-needed offense from the blue line. So far, they haven't been disappointed. He's fourth among their leading scorers with 20 points in 31 games, including eight goals. At that rate, he could exceed 55 points by the end of the season.
After last season's disappointing performance, the Kraken are within striking distance for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Montour's presence on their blue line has been part of that improvement.
Previous Grade: A-
Grade: A
Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks
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After seven seasons with the Boston Bruins, Jake DeBrusk signed a seven-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks. He received an average annual value of $5.5 million with a full no-movement clause in the first three seasons and a 15-team no-list for the final four.
DeBrusk, who turned 28 on Oct. 17, was among the youngest of the summer's notable unrestricted free agents when he signed with the Canucks on July 1. The versatile forward reached the 40-point plateau five times in his seven seasons with the Bruins but he tended to be a streaky point producer.
The Canucks brought in DeBrusk to provide additional scoring depth among their top-six winger. He started slowly with his new club, collecting four assists through nine games in October. However, he's picked up the pace and is their leading goal scorer (14) while sitting fourth in points with 23.
DeBrusk is benefiting from skating among the Canucks' top-six forwards and he hasn't looked out of place in the role. He could exceed his career-high of 27 goals and 50 points in Boston at his current pace of production.
Previous Grade: B+
Current Grade: A-
Chandler Stephenson, Seattle Kraken
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Chandler Stephenson joined Brandon Montour as the two major signings by the Seattle Kraken.
The 30-year-old center inked a seven-year contract worth an average annual value of $6.3 million with a full no-movement clause in the first four years, followed by a 10-team no-trade list in the final three seasons.
Stephenson was coming off three productive seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, including two 60-plus point performances and winning the Stanley Cup in 2022-23. However, the drop in his output last season (51 points) raised some concern that the Kraken signed a player already in decline.
Those fears have been allayed by Stephenson's performance thus far. Centering Seattle's second line, he's got three goals and 21 points in 31 games, putting him close to a 60-point pace. He's third among the Kraken's leading scorers.
Stephenson's production will eventually decline throughout his contract, but he's playing up to expectations in his first season in Seattle and proving he still has some good years left.
Previous Grade: B+
Current Grade: A-
Tyler Toffoli, San Jose Sharks
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A talented, well-traveled two-way forward, Tyler Toffoli signed a four-year contract with the San Jose Sharks. The average annual value is $6 million and came with a full no-trade clause in the first three seasons, followed by a 15-team no-trade list in the final season.
The Sharks are the seventh team Toffoli has played for since 2019-20. Salary-cap constraints or playing for teams commencing roster rebuilds were why he bounced around as much as he did. A full no-trade clause provides him with a measure of security, leaving it up to him to accept being traded over the next three years.
It was surprising Toffoli signed with a rebuilding club like the Sharks. So far, he's fit in very well, providing experienced skills and leadership to their young roster. Skating on the second line alongside first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini, Toffoli is their leader with 12 goals and sits fifth in points with 20.
Time will tell whether the 32-year-old stays in San Jose throughout his contract or accepts a trade to a contender. For now, his presence has provided promising stars such as Celebrini with a mentor to help them navigate the early years of their NHL careers.
Previous Grade: B+
Current Grade: A-
Teuvo Teräväinen, Chicago Blackhawks
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After eight seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, Teuvo Teräväinen opted to return to the team where his NHL career began.
He signed a three-year contract with Chicago worth an average annual value of $5.4 million and included an eight-team no-trade list for the duration.
Teräväinen enjoyed his most productive years with the Hurricanes, exceeding the 50-point plateau five times. Before that, he spent three seasons with Chicago, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2015.
However, he returns to a team in a major roster rebuild. He was among several veterans brought in to help ease the burden on young players like center Connor Bedard as they develop into NHL stars. The 30-year-old's ability to play all three forward positions and his two-way play was expected to improve Chicago's performance this season.
Teräväinen sits third among Chicago's scorers with 16 points in 31 games. However, he's been shuffled around the lineup and is skating on the third line. That has more to do with the club's need to fill in gaps in their roster than poor play on his part.
Previous Grade: B+
Current Grade: Unchanged
Patrick Kane, Detroit Red Wings
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A free agent following 2022-23 after a hip resurfacing procedure, Patrick Kane signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract in November 2023 with the Detroit Red Wings. He rewarded them with 47 points in 50 games, helping them come within a whisker of qualifying for the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Kane could have tested the UFA market last summer but opted for a one-year, bonus-laden deal worth $4 million. It was hoped a full season with the 36-year-old future Hall-of-Famer and three-time Stanley Cup champion could help the Wings end their eight-year postseason drought.
Things haven't gone according to plan for Kane and the Red Wings. He missed five games with a lower-body injury and has been held to 11 points in 25 games thus far skating as their second-line right wing. He's ninth among the team's leading scorers.
Most of Kane's production came in October, collecting just three points since Nov. 2, including an eight-game points drought since Nov. 13. There's still time for him to regain his scoring form but age and the wear-and-tear of his 18 NHL seasons could be catching up with him.
Previous Grade: B+
Current Grade: C
Tyler Bertuzzi, Chicago Blackhawks
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Chicago wanted to surround franchise player Connor Bedard with veteran help in the offseason. It made two significant signings, inking Teuvo Teräväinen to a three-year deal and Tyler Bertuzzi to a four-year contract. The 29-year-old winger got an average annual value of $5.5 million plus a modified no-trade clause for the first three years of the deal.
Bertuzzi earned this deal based on his reputation as an energetic, hard-working forward with a good scoring touch. He'd reached or exceeded 40 points in five of his eight previous seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs. He also proved himself a gritty playoff performer in Boston and Toronto.
It's been a difficult first season for Bertuzzi in Chicago, though. He's seeing top-six minutes but has managed 13 points in 31 games, sitting sixth among their leading scorers.
Bertuzzi's production has declined since his career-best performance of 30 goals and 62 points in 68 games with the Red Wings in 2021-22. One reason could be his physical style of play is taking a toll on himself. He has plenty of time to bounce back this season, but his performance thus far is disappointing.
Previous Grade: B+
Current Grade: C
Max Domi, Toronto Maple Leafs
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After playing for seven NHL teams since 2018, Max Domi sought stability approaching the 2024 UFA market. He found it by staying with the Toronto Maple Leafs, signing a four-year contract extension with an AAV of $3.8 million. The deal also included a 13-team no-trade list.
Domi earned that contract with a 47-point performance during his one-year deal with the Maple Leafs in 2023-24. A feisty playmaker who can play center or wing, the 29-year-old forward was expected to see duty as the Leafs middle-six center.
However, Domi struggled at the center position this season and has occasionally been relegated to third-line winger. His production has also suffered, with just eight points in 23 games. He also missed eight games with a lower-body injury.
Bouncing around the lineup plus the injury hasn't helped his offensive game. Nevertheless, his performance isn't up to expectations thus far. He could bounce back as the season progresses, especially if he can find some regular linemates to settle in and help him find his scoring touch.
Previous Grade: B+
Current Grade: C
Sean Monahan, Columbus Blue Jackets
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Sean Monahan signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 1 to reunite with his close friend and former Calgary Flames linemate, Johnny Gaudreau.
He signed a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million with a full no-movement clause in the first three years, followed by a no-movement for waiver purposes and a 15-team no-trade list in the final two years
Monahan was among last season's inspiring stories. He'd overcome career-threatening hip surgeries that led to his trade to the Montreal Canadiens, and a nagging lower-body injury that prematurely ended his 2022-23 season with the Canadiens. The skillful playmaking center tallied 26 goals and 59 points between the Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets last year.
Monahan has proved to be an inspiration, and he sits third on the Jackets with 25 points in 31 games.
Skating as the Blue Jackets' first-line center, Monahan is providing this rebuilding team with experienced skills and much-needed leadership at a time when it is still dealing with Gaudreau's death. He's been worth every penny to the club.
Previous Grade: B
Current Grade: A-
Anthony Duclair, New York Islanders
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The New York Islanders sought to bolster their popgun offensive via free agency by signing Anthony Duclair to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $3.5 million. He also has a full no-trade clause in the first two seasons and a 16-team no-trade list for the final two.
Duclair joined his ninth NHL club since his NHL debut in 2014-15. Despite some early-career struggles, the 29-year-old had developed into a reliable middle-six forward.
He netted a career-best 31-goal, 58-point performance with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22 and had 42 points last season split between the San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Things got off to a promising start for Duclair with the Islanders, netting three points in his first five games, but he's been sidelined since Oct. 19 with a lower-body injury.
Duclair should return to action against the Carolina Hurricanes on Dec. 17.
Previous Grade: B
Current Grade: To Be Determined
Chris Tanev, Toronto Maple Leafs
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Before the free-agent market opened on July 1, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired the rights to defenseman Chris Tanev. They signed him to a six-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million with a full no-movement clause for the duration of the deal.
Tanev has a well-earned reputation during his previous 14 NHL seasons as a solid shutdown defenseman. Nevertheless, there was concern over the Leafs signing a 34-year-old blueliner to such a lengthy deal.
So far, Tanev has acquitted himself well. He's averaged over 19 minutes of ice time per game, including a team-leading 2:57 of shorthanded ice time. The veteran blueliner also leads the team with 86 blocked shots.
Tanev's contract isn't likely to age well as he progresses into his late 30s. For now, though, he's providing a welcome measure of physical shutdown stability on the Leafs defense.
Previous Grade: B-
Current Grade: A-
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