Carolina Hurricanes Offseason Preview

Not seeing the Canes lift the Stanley Cup at the end of the season is a major bummer. In reality, 31 other teams will have their season end the exact same way. While it wasn't their year this time, now we can start building to next year. The NHL offseason is easily my favorite of the major sports. Everything is so close together that it lends to so much excitement. We have the draft on June 28 and 29 before free agency opens up on July 1. There are a ton of questions that need to be answered before the puck drops next season, so that's what I'm prepared to look at. I want to look at where we are right now, who could be on the market for the Canes to go after, and what we could look like when the season begins in a few months. 

State of the Organization

Forwards

Sebastian Aho ($8.46m, Signed through 2023-24)

Andrei Svechnikov ($7.75m, Signed through 2028-29)

Teuvo Teravainen ($5.4m, Signed through 2023-24)

Jesperi Kotkaniemi ($4.82m, Signed through 2029-30)

Martin Necas ($3m, Signed through 2023-24- RFA)

Jordan Martinook ($1.8m, Signed through 2023-24)

Jack Drury ($925k, Signed through 2023-24- RFA)

Seth Jarvis ($894k, Signed through 2023-24, RFA)

Ryan Suzuki ($863k, Signed through 2023-24- RFA)

Jamieson Rees ($839k, Signed through 2023-24- RFA)

Vasily Ponomarev ($795k, Signed through 2024-25- RFA)

Stefan Noesen ($762,5k, Signed through 2023-24)

On the surface, you might look at this list and note that a lot of these players are only signed through next season. The good news is that most of the guys whose contracts expire next season are going to be RFAs next offseason instead of UFAs, meaning the Canes still control their signing rights as long as the Canes give them a qualifying offer. Guys like Jarvis, Drury, Suzuki, and Rees are still on their entry-level contracts. Necas still has one more year as an RFA after next season and he could be given a major contract extension to avoid any excitement. The concerning names on this list are Aho and Teravainen. If I'm Don Waddell, I'm getting Aho locked up this summer to a long-term extension that will likely keep him here into his early 30s. This would also mean their only UFAs after next season would be Teravainen, Martinook, and Noesen and I think the Canes can wait a little longer to consider the next steps for them. 

In the Minors

Along with several names above that spent most of the season in Chicago, there are some interesting names in the minors. Noel Gunler (18 points in 31 games) is at the top of that list. He along with Alexander Pashin (10 points in 47 games), Tuukka Tieksola (24 points in 52 games), and Ville Koivunen (1 point in 12 games) are all going to be names to watch next season wherever the Canes' AHL affiliate is. They also recently signed Justin Robidas (78 points in 63 games in the QMJHL) after an incredible playoff run with Quebec in the QMJHL. 

Defenseman

Jaccob Slavin ($5.3m, Signed through 2024-25)

Brent Burns ($5.28m, Signed through 2024-25)

Brady Skjei ($5.25m, Signed through 2023-24)

Brett Pesce ($4.025m, Signed through 2023-24)

Jalen Chatfield ($765.5k, Signed through 2023-24)

5/6 of the Canes' defense is pretty much already set for next season, which is great considering they're one of the best defensive groups in the league. However, only two guys are signed beyond next season at the moment. Granted, they are your top two defensemen. I wouldn't be surprised if we see Pesce get an extension this summer because I don't like the thought of the Canes going into next offseason with just two guys under contract. The only big question for this group right now is going to be on the third pair. I see that being likely to be solved within the organization instead of on the market. 

In the Minors

The Canes are huge names all throughout the organization on defense. In Chicago, the group is led by Anttoni Honka (34 points in 70 games) and Ronan Seeley (25 points in 70 games). They also have Domenick Fensore (31 points in 37 at Boston U.) and Aleksi Heimosalmi (15 points in 45 games for Assat) signed to their entry-level deals. Though they aren't signed yet, there is a lot of excitement surrounding Scott Morrow (31 points in 35 games at UMass-Amherst) and Alexander Nikishin (55 points in 65 games for SKA St. Petersburg), though Nikishin can't sign until 2025. 

Goalies

Pyotr Kochetkov ($2m, Signed through 2026-27)

The Canes have one goalie with NHL experience signed for next season. Kochetkov will begin the first year of a four-year extension that he signed last November. He only has 27 games of regular-season hockey under his belt and a handful of appearances in the postseason, so it's not like he's been a starter in the NHL for long. With both Andersen and Raanta set to hit free agency this offseason, this is going to be a major focus for the Canes. 

In the Minors

There's only one other goalie under contract in the organization right now and he's yet to play a professional game. Yaniv Perets spent last season playing at Quinnipiac, winning a National Championship. He posted a 1.49 GAA and a .931 save percentage in 41 games for the Bobcats.  

UFAs

F Max Pacioretty (3-0-3 in 5 games)

The buzz surrounding Pacioretty when he was acquired for next to nothing last offseason was incredible. It would be short-lived with his Achilles injury during the preseason but when he did get into the lineup, it was almost surreal to see. He would re-tear his Achilles after five games, leaving all of us to ask "What if?". I think there's a decent chance we see Pacioretty back with the team next season. It would need to be at a reduced price since he didn't play much last season which is ultimately why I think we won't see him back next season. Prediction- Pacioretty becomes a free agent. 

F Jordan Staal (17-17-34 in 81 games)

Re-signing the captain has to be at the top of the Canes' priority list. As the leader in the locker room and one of the best defensive forwards on the team, Staal is one of the most important players on the team. The good news is that he stated his intentions to come back and that he wants to finish his career as a Hurricane. This is one of the biggest no-brainers for the team this offseason and could likely get done before free agency begins. Prediction- Staal re-signs for 1-2 years. 

F Jesper Fast (10-19-29 in 80 games)

After leading the team in goals this postseason and playing on one of the team's best lines this season, Fast might've turned himself into a big addition for any team this offseason should he opt to hit the market. I imagine that the Canes will make a significant push to get a deal done before July 1 to bring him back because he's too valuable for the team to lose. If he does hit the market, there's going to be a team that will overpay to add his services. Prediction- Fast signs a two-year deal to remain a Hurricane.  

F Paul Stastny (9-13-22 in 73 games)

At 37, the Canes brought Stastny in to add some veteran help as he aimed to win his first Stanley Cup. While it didn't happen, he served as a solid addition to the fourth line this season. He didn't produce in the same ways that we'd seen him do it in his career, likely due to his reduced role. If Stastny doesn't opt to retire, I don't see the Canes bringing him back, allowing him to hit the open market. Prediction- Stastny becomes a free agent. 

F Derek Stepan (5-6-11 in 73 games)

Stepan earned his one-year contract last offseason after originally being brought in on a professional try-out and he played almost every game this season. He didn't make the largest impact on the scoresheet this season, playing on the fourth line when he did play. I can't imagine him coming back next season. Prediction- Stepan becomes a free agent. 

F Mackenzie MacEachern (1-1-2 in 8 postseason games, 11-19-30 in 39 games for Chicago- AHL)

With Teravainen getting hurt in the first round, the Canes brought MacEachern into the lineup in Game 4, where he made an immediate impact. He scored both of his points in Game 4 against the Islanders. When he was in the lineup for Chicago, he was just as impactful. It's tough to predict what will happen with guys like this but I'd be willing to bet he'll get a chance elsewhere to play in the NHL. Prediction- MacEachern becomes a free agent. 

F Ondrej Kase (0-0-0 in 1 game, missed most of the season with a concussion)

Another veteran that was brought in last offseason, Kase's time as a Hurricane was short-lived after he suffered a concussion in the season opener. He wouldn't play the rest of the season and it sounds like he's going to return home to Czechia to play. Prediction- Kase becomes a free agent. 

D Shayne Gostisbehere (3-7-10 in 23 games, acquired at the trade deadline)

The trade to bring in Gostisbehere was a low-risk, high-reward deal for the Canes when they acquired him at the trade deadline. He certainly made the trade look good when he scored four points in his first two games. While he wasn't able to keep this pace for the remainder of the regular season, he was a major addition, playing on the third pair with Chatfield. I think re-signing Gostisbehere would cost a pretty penny, so I doubt he returns to Carolina. Prediction- Gostisbehere becomes a free agent. 

D Calvin de Haan (2-10-12 in 53 games)

When the Canes acquired Gostisbehere, de Haan was the odd man out in the lineup. Before the deadline, he spent most of the season on the third pairing with Chatfield and he produced a little more than I expected him to after being signed following a PTO. While he'd likely be a cheap option for the third pair, I don't anticipate he'll be back next season. Prediction- de Haan becomes a free agent. 

D Jake Gardiner (Hasn't played since 2021 after back and hip surgery)

After signing a four-year deal in 2019, Gardiner has missed the last two seasons, last playing in Game 1 of the Nashville series. Surgeries on his back and hip have kept him out for two full seasons. With his contract now over, I don't see him returning as he'll try to get his career going again with a new team. Prediction- Gardiner becomes a free agent. 

G Frederik Andersen (21-11-1, 2.84 GAA, .903 SV% in 34 games)

In some ways, Andersen had a bit of a career resurgence in Carolina during his two seasons. Last season, he won a share of the Jennings Trophy for the second time in his career and tied for a career-best fourth-place finish in Vezina voting. While he was limited by injuries this season, Andersen put together another solid season this year and was arguably the team's most valuable player in the postseason with a 1.83 GAA in nine games. The problem with keeping Andersen is that it would likely need to be for a fair chunk of change. He's proven to be a #1 goalie and I think it's more likely he does it elsewhere. Prediction- Andersen becomes a free agent. 

G Antti Raanta (19-3-3, 2.23 GAA, .910 SV% in 27 games)

For my money, Raanta was the Canes' best goalie this season. He went on the long point streak that took over four months to be broken. He also finished in the top five in GAA while losing six total games in 27 appearances. Raanta was solid from start to finish this season, even doing enough to earn the start in the first round against the Islanders. Between the two goalies hitting the market, I think Raanta is the more likely goalie to re-sign. He'd be the cheaper option and could be a great mentor to Kochetkov before he transitions into the role of the starter. Prediction- Raanta signs a one-year deal. 

AHL UFAs

F Malte Stromwell (18-33-51 in 68 games for Chicago- AHL)

F Ryan Dzingel (2-9-11 in 22 games for Chicago- AHL)

F Jack Dugan (11-18-29 in 59 games for Chicago- AHL)

D William Lagesson (10-22-32 in 65 games for Chicago- AHL)

G Zach Sawchenko (17-18-3, 3.10 GAA, .895 SV% in 41 games for Chicago- AHL)

I didn't pay as much attention to the Wolves this season, so I don't know too much about whether their free agents will stick around. Among the group are Malte Stromwell, the team's leading scoring, Ryan Dzingel, a journeyman that I thought would get some time with the Canes but never did, and Zach Sawchenko, the goalie that saw most of the time for Chicago. Prediction- All five players become free agents. 

RFAs

F Jesse Puljujarvi (0-2-2 in 17 games after being acquired at the trade deadline)

There is so much potential in Puljujarvi and I never felt like he truly found it after being traded to Carolina. Now, the sample size was small but he was in and out of the lineup in the postseason, so I'm not quite sure what his standing is right now. I think it's worth giving him a full year to figure out just how good he is. Prediction- Puljujarvi is qualified and signs a one-year deal.

D Dylan Coghlan (0-3-3 in 17 games)

I had high expectations for Coghlan when he came over in the Pacioretty trade. I expected him to spend the season on the third pairing and get some decent playing time. After just a few games, my confidence in him shrank quite a bit. I'll forever remember his season for the tough game he had against the Devils at PNC Arena in January. I think his lack of playing time is an indication that he likely won't be back. Prediction- Coghlan is not qualified and becomes a free agent. 

D Maxime Lajoie (11-34-45 in 63 games for Chicago- AHL)

Lajoie only got three games with the Canes this season, spending most of his time tearing up the AHL with Chicago. His 45 points were third on the team overall and the most among all defensemen. I still think he factors into the immediate future and could be a cheap option for the Canes to fill the vacant slot on the third pair with his former Chicago teammate, Jalen Chatfield. Prediction- Lajoie is qualified and signs a one-year deal. 

AHL RFAs

F Dominik Bokk (24-25-49 in 43 games for Lowen Frankfurt- DEL)

F Stelio Mattheos (2-4-6 in 20 games for Chicago- AHL)

D Cavan Fitzgerald (2-8-10 in 30 games for Chicago- AHL)

I have a little more faith in this group that they'll be back with the organization next season. The odyssey of Dominik Bokk continues to be a big one among the prospects in the organization. He was back in Germany for the entire season and was very good, scoring 49 points in 43 games. Maybe this can translate back to North America as he tries to earn a spot with the Canes. Prediction- The Canes qualify all three players and sign them to new deals. 

The Draft

The Canes own nine picks in this season's draft. We know they'll pick 30th overall in the first round after being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Final. They own all of their own picks, except for their third-round pick after trading it to San Jose for Bren Burns. However, they own Philadelphia's third-rounder, Vancouver's fifth-rounder, and Chicago's sixth-rounder. I wouldn't be surprised if we see the Canes trade out of the 30th pick to gain more draft capital. This franchise is famous for turning picks outside of the first round into solid players.

The Team's Needs

1. A natural goal-scorer

The Canes missed Andrei Svechnikov so much during the postseason. He's the only player on the team that I think truly possesses a "one-shot" ability, meaning he can score from just about anywhere on the ice. Max Pacioretty is another guy that can do that but the Canes played without him for most of the season. I won't sit here and groan about the Canes not doing anything at the deadline to acquire one of the big snipers on the market because no one would've anticipated Svechnikov getting hurt after that. The Canes need to go out and sign or trade for a sniper that can guarantee about 30-40 goals in a season. The free agent market is a little sparse, so a trade might be more likely. 

2. A clear idea of their goalie situation

It feels like a guarantee that Pyotr Kochetkov will be one of the two goalies on the team next season as he begins his contract extension. The question is whether the team is ready for him to start or not? The market for goalies this offseason looks really bad. I'd go as far as to say that the Canes' two UFA goalies are the two best goalies hitting the market. That's why I think it's likely the Canes try to bring back Antti Raanta to serve as a 1A/1B with Kochetkov as he eases into the role he'll eventually assume. Once they determine what Kochetkov's role will be, we should see some quick movement. 

Trade Candidates

Mitch Marner (RW, 26, 30-60-99 in 80 games with TOR, 2x$10.903m left with an NMC)

Just to clarify, I'm not pulling this idea out of thin air. It's been widely reported that the Canes and the Maple Leafs have mentioned Marner's name in discussions. Now, I don't think things have gotten very far and I don't suspect that anything will happen. Still, Toronto is in a position where they need to do something to get over the hump and Marner feels like the most likely to move despite the hefty price tag. Marner has been a point-per-game player his entire career, including three seasons of 94+ points. The deal to get Marner would probably be ridiculous, which is why I don't think Carolina makes much sense. Toronto will need to make a decision before July 1 before his no-move clause kicks in. 

William Nylander (RW/LW, 27, 40-47-87 in 82 with TOR, 1x$6.962m left with a 10-team NTC)

If the Maple Leafs don't move Marner, Nylander would be another possibility. Of the "Core 4" guys in Toronto, Nylander is likely the easiest to move due to his contract. However, I think teams are more likely to use that against Toronto in trade negotiations. Nylander is coming off a career year in which he set new highs in goals, assists, and points. It's his first 40-goal campaign so for as cheap as his contract is compared to the other big guns on Toronto's roster, he might be their most valuable scorer. He's also been their most consistent scorer in the playoffs for the last few years. I think Marner is more likely to be traded but don't sleep on Nylander.

Nikolaj Ehlers (RW/LW, 27, 12-26-38 in 45 games with WPG, 2x$6m left with a 10-team NTC)

With Winnipeg exiting the playoffs early and likely to do some shuffling, I'd take a serious look at Ehlers. Injuries kept him out of the lineup for a good chunk of the season but he produced when he was healthy. He's not quite the sniper the Canes are looking for, never hitting 30 goals in his career, but he almost guarantees 20 a season. This was the first time since his rookie season that he didn't hit 20 but he likely would have with a full season under his belt. He's another player with a no-trade clause in place, though I don't see why Carolina would be on that list. He could find a spot anywhere in the top nine with this roster. 

Tyler Toffoli (RW, 31, 34-39-73 in 82 games with CGY, 1x$4.25m left)

The Flames just missed the postseason this year and with changes likely coming, Toffoli could be a name floated around the rumor mill. He just finished his second 30-goal season in which he set a new career-high in goals, assists, and points. He has a cheap contract, making him even more intriguing to a team like Carolina that isn't looking to break the bank. I'm not expecting him to 30 goals again next season but he could certainly be an upgrade for the middle-six forwards. 

Travis Konecny (RW/LW, 26, 31-30-61 in 60 games with PHI, 2x$5.5m left)

I'm the type of person that doesn't love when two division opponents make a trade at any point but I don't hate the idea of Konecny becoming a Hurricane. Despite only playing 60 games last season, he set a career-high in goals and tied his previous high in points for a bad Flyers team. He's signed for two more seasons, so he'll likely cost more than someone like Toffoli. I don't see Konecny as the sniper the Canes need. He's more of a playmaker in a similar vein as Aho. He would be a great addition to the top six, though I stand by not wanting to give Philadelphia much since they're in the same division. 

Free Agents

Vladimir Tarasenko (RW, 31, 18-32-50 in 69 games with STL/NYR)

In a free-agent class that doesn't have many snipers in it, Tarasenko stands out as one of the better options. Injuries limited him to just 69 games last season but he served as a valuable part of New York's stretch run after being traded before the deadline. Tarasenko and the Canes were seemingly inseparable in trade rumors for a few years, so the rumors could come full circle now. Tarasenko made $7.5 million on his last contract, but I don't think he's worth that much. Still, Tarasenko might be out of the price range that the Canes are willing to pay. However, if the trade market doesn't yield any results, this could be the route they take. 

Ivan Barbashev (LW, 27, 16-29-45 in 82 games with STL/VGK)

With no other guys that can score at will that are within reason for the Canes, the remaining players I've selected could fill a role as a mid-to-bottom six player. Barbashev was another player that moved at the deadline that really impressed me once he changed locations. With Vegas, Barbashev seemed to be everywhere on the ice. He had 16 points in 23 games after his trade and was a strong contributor in the postseason. I could see him playing with Jordan Staal on the third line as a bit of a bruiser that can find the net. 

Andreas Athanasiou (LW/RW, 28, 20-20-40 in 81 games with CHI)

Another guy that might fit well on the third line is Athanasiou. He's so fast. You know when he's on the ice because his motor is working at about 200% every time. He scored 20 goals for a very bad Chicago team and he's scored 30 goals once in his career, so he knows how the find the net. That's not the strongest part of his game though. He would fill more of a bottom-six role but could really add some speed to any already fast team. 

Tomas Tatar (LW/RW, 32, 20-28-48 in 81 games with NJD)

I feel like Tatar is a player I suggest almost every year that he's a UFA. He's usually good for about 20 goals each season. He reached that mark this season with the Devils and nearly clipped 50 points. Tatar could slot anywhere in the lineup, though I like him more in the middle six. My only big concern with him is whether he's able to contribute in the postseason. He scored just one point in 12 games for New Jersey in the postseason and was largely a non-factor. 

Opening Night Preview

It's hard to specular what the team is going to do during the offseason, so I can only work with the pieces that are already here or the ones that I think are likely to be back. Fortunately, we have a decent idea of what could possibly be in place. I'm going to leave some holes in the lineup where I see fit but will explain why after. 

My Shell of a Lineup for Opening Night

Andrei Svechnikov-Sebastian Aho-Seth Jarvis

1-Jesperi Kotkaniemi-Martin Necas

Jordan Martinook-Jordan Staal-2

Stefan Noesen-Jack Drury-Jesse Puljujarvi

Jaccob Slavin-Brent Burns

Brady Skjei-Brett Pesce

3-Jalen Chatfield

Pyotr Kochetkov

4

I feel there are really four spots that are left to be decided and here's how I think each will play out:

1- This team's great need is a top-six forward that can play on either wing on the top two lines. It sounds like Max Pacioretty likely won't be returning so unless something changes, this is likely to be filled through a trade. Mitch Marner's name has been mentioned but I think that price would be too steep. I have no clue who could fill this role. If no one is brought in, Stefan Noesen could move up in the lineup, though a lot of fans would be underwhelmed. 

2- This is ideally where Jesper Fast would be if the team decides to re-sign him. If not, there are a few options. They could either go out and fill the spot by signing someone or they could move Noesen or Drury up to the third line and bring up a rookie like Ryan Suzuki, Vasily Ponomarev, or Jamieson Rees to fill a roster spot. I'm hoping Fast is the guy that lines up here after signing another contract. 

3- This is another spot where the team could opt to use what they already have. This is where someone like Max Lajoie would fit in nicely. There are a few other defensemen in the organization that could fit in here but Lajoie at least has some NHL experience, making him the easy pick to jump in. 

4- Filling this spot is more dependent on how the Canes view Pyotr Kochetkov going into next season. If he's your starter, then you're signing a backup goalie that can fill in. If you're going to wait a season or aren't quite sure, then bring back one of your two goalies to help ease him into it. I think the latter is the option that is likely to happen, so I think the team will bring Antti Raanta back for a year to start the season as the man in the net before Kochetkov quietly transitions in during the season.