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Carolina Hurricanes: Top 5 Free Agents That The Hurricanes Should Pursue

By Matthew Nidiffer

RALEIGH, NC - MAY 03: Head coach Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes makes remarks to the press following a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders in Game Four of Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 3, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - MAY 03: Head coach Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes makes remarks to the press following a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders in Game Four of Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 3, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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ST. LOUIS, MO – MAY 15: San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) during a NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final game three between the San Jose Sharks and the St. Louis Blues, on May 15, 2019, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Mo. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – MAY 15: San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) during a NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final game three between the San Jose Sharks and the St. Louis Blues, on May 15, 2019, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Mo. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Erik Karlsson

Erik Karlsson rolls in quite easily as my #1 pick for UFA’s the Hurricanes should pursue. I guarantee you he is on every team’s radar, and is on almost every list like this, and for good reason.

Erik Karlsson is a puck-mover, first and foremost. Karlsson has, however, been known to be a bit sloppy or (for lack of a better word) ‘weak’ on defense. His offensive production, especially on the powerplay, more than makes up for his lackluster defensive skill.

Karlsson had solid numbers this season, turning in 3 goals and 42 assists for a combined 45 points in 53 games played. 18 of these points, all assists, came on the powerplay.

The Hurricanes are in desperate need of help on special teams, and Erik Karlsson could provide that in droves. Karlsson’s cap hit during the 2018-19 season was $6.5mil, but he is easily worth $7mil-$8mil AAV in a multi-year contract.

Related Story. Carolina's Upcoming Free Agents. light

All in all, the Hurricanes have plenty of options this postseason, especially if they are unable to re-sign any of their current UFA’s. This scenario is not very likely, but as mentioned before in this article, crazier things have happened. This summer is going to be filled with news, trades, and signings, Caniacs. I, for one, am excited to see what happens and am ready to welcome any and all new Jerks with open arms and some good ol’ Southern Hospitality.

Question for CC Readers: Do you agree with my list? Who would your Top 5 Free Agents be?

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