Bold 2024 offseason predictions: Goalie trades, Draisaitl’s contract & more
We’re days away from the playoff field shrinking to four teams, which is a reminder of how close we are to the offseason.
Looking ahead, Roundtable members: What is your boldest offseason prediction for the summer of 2024?
MATT LARKIN: I predict we see multiple star goaltenders traded. It makes very little sense for the Boston Bruins to keep Linus Ullmark when they have Brandon Bussi in the AHL and when they’ve ended the 50/50 rotation by leaning on Jeremy Swayman in the playoffs. Ullmark was reportedly asked to waive his no-trade clause this season and nixed a deal at the deadline. Meanwhile, Jacob Markstrom had a trade to the Devils vetoed by Calgary Flames upper management. Between those two and the in-demand Juuse Saros, I’m expecting fireworks. We have multiple contenders out there determined to make major changes in net, from the Devils to the L.A. Kings and perhaps even the Edmonton Oilers, depending on how the rest of the postseason plays out for them.
SCOTT MAXWELL: I’m not entirely sure how bold this one is, but I’m going to say that Leon Draisaitl does not sign an extension this summer. The Edmonton Oilers center will be entering the final year of his eight-year contract next season and is eligible to sign an extension on July 1st, but I could see a scenario where he waits it out a little bit before signing. First off, he took a step back production-wise this season (which was still 106 points, but he has usually produced at a higher rate in his prime years), and I could see him banking on another performance closer to what we’ve seen in recent seasons to up his value, although it’s also possible that his playoff production keeps that value up anyways. Secondly, and this depends on how the rest of the playoffs go for the Oilers, but I could also see patience waning between Draisaitl and Connor McDavid if they’re out in the second round again this year, or even early in the third round, and maybe they start eyeing other options to win a Cup. And from an Oilers perspective, I could see them maybe wanting to wait until around the 2025 Draft to have a better idea of their cap situation for McDavid’s extension before locking in a likely expensive deal for Draisaitl, and then sign both players around the same time. I wouldn’t be shocked if he waits until at least the middle of the season before signing a new deal.
STEVEN ELLIS: I think the Chicago Blackhawks will end up being the most active team this summer. Bold enough? I don’t know. I still don’t think they’ll make the playoffs, but with about $33 million in cap space, and without any big-name players to re-sign, I think they’ll go all out. And that starts with the draft, with the Hawks picking second overall. They have seven selections in the first three rounds alone, and with two picks in the first round of the next two drafts, I can see them moving at least a few selections to get quality roster players. Then, with that extra cap space, they have to go out and build a foundation around Connor Bedard and start opening up the competitive window. Pittsburgh and Edmonton didn’t waste much time trying to get competitive after selecting Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, respectively, and I don’t think the Hawks want to enter the 2025 NHL Draft selecting in the top five again – that fanbase wants more.
MIKE GOULD: I think Jesperi Kotkaniemi gets bought out. It’s crazy to think he’s still just 23 given how long he’s been around the league, but Kotkaniemi is coming off a disastrous season with the Hurricanes and could likely use a change of scenery. After collecting just 27 points in 79 games during the regular season, Kotkaniemi managed but a single assist in 11 playoff contests. This is a guy who has six years left on his contract at a $4.82 million cap hit. If Carolina wants to take a run at re-signing Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Brady Skjei, or even Brett Pesce, they’re going to need to clear up some room, especially given that Seth Jarvis and Martin Necas are also RFAs this summer. Since Kotkaniemi is so young, he costs very little to buy out — less than $1 million per year. The only problem? That’ll go on for 12 whole years. We’ll see whether Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon has any appetite to go down that route, but it does make some sense for a team that needs to make some big changes after losing to the Rangers in the second round.
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