The NHL is a league where loyalty is essential, and superstar players don’t often switch teams. But every offseason, significant moves shake up the odds for the Stanley Cup, creating new favorites and leading to glory.
While the 2020s have not happened long, several major moves have occurred. Let's reflect on massive off-season player personnel changes that have shifted contender odds on sportsbooks and changed NHL fans' perceptions.
Panthers Acquire Matthew Tkachuk
When the Panthers acquired Matthew Tkachuk in 2022, they were fresh off a hugely disappointing playoff exit. They traded Jonathan Huberdeau, Mackenzie Weegar, and more to acquire Tkachuk, and many thought it a mistake. The Panthers’ Stanley Cup odds likely were barely altered by this move on most Canadian betting sites. However, since that trade, Tkachuk has been a force of nature. He has led the Panthers into two Stanley Cup Finals, including a victory this season. He has been over a point per game in the regular and postseason and helped establish a physical identity for the squad.
Golden Knights Sign Alex Pietrangelo
The Golden Knights have never been afraid to make a splash, and they certainly did when they signed Alex Pietrangelo to a seven-year, $61.6 million contract in 2020. Pietrangelo is one of the league’s best two-way defencemen, and he has drastically improved the Golden Knights. He led the team to a Stanley Cup in 2023, playing shutdown defense while handling a significant offensive role. He has turned the Golden Knights into a perennial favorite and is one of the most critical players on the roster. Expect more great seasons on the back end of that deal.
Oilers Sign Zach Hyman
The signing of Zach Hyman is now drawing rave reviews. It is easy to see why, when he is fresh off a season, he combined to score 70 goals in the regular and postseason, and the Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup. But many thought it was an overpay when he was signed in 2021 to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract. Hyman had a previous career high of 21 goals and 41 points before arriving in Edmonton. He has shattered those marks in his three seasons playing for the Oilers and is one of the game's premier power forwards.
Lightning Sign Jake Guentzel
Blue Jackets Sign Johnny Gaudreau
Not all major offseason moves have to work out. It seemed to represent a franchise turning point when the Blue Jackets signed Johnny Gaudreau in 2022 to a seven-year, $68.25 million contract. Thus far, that has not been the case. The Columbus Blue Jackets have been one of the worst teams in the league since Gaudreau arrived, and his performance has not reached his peak levels. However, there are still many years until this massive deal pays dividends. Gaudreau will still be a star if the Blue Jackets' young core can step up.
Devils Acquire Jacob Markstrom
Consider this something of a prediction. Despite a hugely talented roster, the New Jersey Devils have struggled with inconsistent goaltending over the past several years. This offseason, they addressed that in a trade for Jacob Markstrom that establishes them as one of the Stanley Cup favorites. Markstrom can be inconsistent, but when on, he is a top-tier goalie. If the Devils continue to provide one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, Markstrom could be the missing piece that yields a serious Stanley Cup run. This could be a trade we consider a home run for the Devils.
Penguins Trade for Erik Karlsson
When the Penguins made a splash trade for Erik Karlsson in 2023, he was fresh off a Norris Trophy-winning season. It was a major move that signaled the Penguins’ commitment to their aging core and added a ton of money to their books. To this point, the addition has not worked out. Karlsson’s numbers cratered last year, and the Penguins missed the playoffs. Considering Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin’s ages, every season is pivotal. The Penguins need Karlsson to re-emerge as a superstar to drive this team back into the playoffs. If he can do so, the front office will look like geniuses.
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