How Would the Carolina Hurricanes Use a Franchise Tag

If the NHL had a Franchise tag option, like the NFL and other sports, how would the Carolina Hurricanes utilize it?

In the NFL the Franchise tag is more of a deal maker rather than what you might think a franchise tag is by the name. For Instance, the way the NFL uses a franchise tag, the Carolina Hurricanes would have used it on Sebastian Aho this summer to avoid the offer sheet fiasco. But who doesn’t love a good little fun with Montreal right?

In this situation, the Canes could have prevented Aho from becoming a free agent, for at least one season keeping him in Raleigh. At the end of the day everything worked out for the best with Aho and we are grateful for that as the best fans in the NHL.

In a nutshell, the franchise tag is a one-year deal that holds the player’s rights with a team. This prevents that player from becoming a free agent. Each team only gets one tag per year, but not every team uses it. – Charles McDonald with SBNation

Let’s look at what a franchise tag could be, and how the Canes would use that.

The Real Franchise Tag: A lifelong player.

When you hear franchise tag, the first thing that comes to mind is franchise rights. That meaning the certain player would belong to the team for the entirety of their career. Similar to how Alexander Ovechkin has been with the capitals his entire career, only at the decision of the team.

Obviously this tag would be a transaction between agent and team like any normal contract, but bigger and better. Think of something along the lines of “You play for us until you retire, or we take the tag off of you, and in return we guarantee you will be the highest paid forward in the NHL.”

This seems like quite a big commitment, for the player and the organization to spend that kind of money. So it rises the question: Who would the Hurricanes be willing to pay top dollar for until they retire, if anyone?

Let’s dive right in and look at some of the possible front runners and what they mean to the team. We will be looking at how they contribute with skill, youth, fan engagement, over all potential compared to production, and leadership.

2. Sebastian Aho

Ah yes, of course the first young super star the Canes consider is none-other than the kryptonite of Montreal, Sebastian Aho.

Aho Definitely has the skill and production. Just take a look at what he can do on the ice.

Now potential is where the waters do get shaky for the young Fin. When Aho is hot, he’s HOT. but when he is cold, it’s as bad as the ice they play on. It took Aho quite a few games this season to get going, but now that he is, watch out. Let’s not even mention the post all-star break drought either. Is Aho unpredictable? No, but he needs to find out how to always stay hot.

Now in Aho we trust, and will for the next five years thanks to our Canadian friends. Aho will do special things with this franchise, but should the Canes franchise tag him with an amazing 5 year deal at 22 years of age? No.

You must be thinking, who is left?? The Golden child, that’s who.

3. Andrei Svechnikov

At 19, Svechnikov leads the way for a bright bright Canes future. Svechnikov has it all. The goals, the assists, the potential; he is the complete package. And did you guys know he’s only 19?!?

This is a kid (technically still a teenager) that is so good, he almost didn’t play in the 2018 Summerfest because he was already ready for the NHL. Svechnikov is 19 games in with 21 points, over half way to his rookie number of 37 with no signs of slowing down. We can Expect great things from this kid in Raleigh.

Also who doesn’t love this guy? Everyone loves him and he knows it!

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While yes there are areas to improve, mainly dumb penalties, those will clear up with time. And to say he isn’t a leader is awfully wrong. Svechnikov is always out there grinding, helping and standing up for others. If you were to say that Svechnikov was here to stay as a Cane until he retired, Raleigh would through a block party just for him.

Svechnikov will be coming up as an RFA in 2 years, at 21 with the talent he has he will be a hot target. The Canes should be able to get him back in for a long term deal, but that would be the perfect time if this franchise tag was a thing, to use it.

Svechnikov is our boy, and will be for a long time.

Question for CC readers: who else would you consider in this franchise tag debate?