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The Carolina Hurricanes Offseason Wishlist

By Austin Isham

TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 13: Dougie Hamilton #19 of the Carolina Hurricanes is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 13, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 13: Dougie Hamilton #19 of the Carolina Hurricanes is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 13, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Inking a Hamilton and Svechnikov Extensions

The Carolina Hurricanes have two stars on their last season

With one year left on his current contract, Dougie Hamilton is eligible to sign a contract extension. The two sides should take advantage of this exclusive negotiation window to see where they are in terms of numbers and term before heading into training camp.

If recent history is any indicator of how things will play out, if the two sides are too far apart, Hamilton will be shipped off for additional assets rather than being lost for nothing to free agency. Luckily, Dougie seems to enjoy playing for the Hurricanes and the organization clearly likes having him.

If they can come to terms on a team-friendly deal locking him up will help solidify the team’s core for the long haul. However, if he should ask for 10+ million per, a number he would be able to get on the open market, a trade may be the only option.

As much as it pains me to say it, Carolina isn’t in much of a position to shell out that much money on someone like Hamilton given that their highest-paid player (Aho) is only at 8.45.

Another big piece eligible for a new deal is Andrei Svechnikov. A guy who is quietly becoming one of the leagues better offensive players, he on the other hand could surpass the mark set by Aho if his extension is long term.

Almost doubling his point total from last year during the shortened season, he is without a doubt a major piece to the team’s core. While it’s not necessarily a must to get it done in the offseason, an early extension could help remove the lingering distraction from both parties.

Like Fleury (who needs to be signed to a need this summer/fall to play next year) a bridge deal makes the most sense. Shorter-term will allow Svech to continue to develop and cash in at a higher rate later while buying time for the NHL’s new TV deal to kick in. The TV deal will see an increase in the salary cap, allowing both sides some more clarity long term.

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