Over the last few weeks, we've looked at a few trade options, dream free agents, and top-end additions the Carolina Hurricanes could make when the market opens on July 1st. Now, we're looking at the opposite end of the spectrum. These are three players the Hurricanes might want to avoid when free agency begins in a few weeks.
With a lot of big names hitting the market this season, it's easy to fantasize about every player signing with your team. Truthfully, not everyone is a fit, or there are glaring issues that make signing certain players risky. I have nothing against any of the players I've named, and if the team were to sign them, I wouldn't put up much of a fight.
Claude Giroux
There are several high-end centers on the market this season, and Claude Giroux is among the best. His career has been full of incredible seasons, headlined by a 102-point campaign in 2017-18. The longtime Flyers captain was shipped to Florida at the 2022 trade deadline before making Ottawa his home over the last three seasons.
Giroux doesn't have any individual hardware to his name, though the seven-time all-star has always found ways to contribute. Even when he isn't scoring, Giroux is a solid two-way forward, earning Selke votes during the majority of his career, including this past year. There's a chance Giroux doesn't make it to the market, but there are no guarantees.
There is one glaring trend with Giroux's game. During his three seasons in Ottawa, Giroux's numbers have started falling. He has gone from 35 goals and 79 points in 2022-23 to 15 goals and 50 points this season. While he can still put up points, is he a solution to the Canes' holes in the Top 6? If there's one thing to like about his game, Giroux shows up in the postseason.
Ryan Donato
While he's been in the league for eight years, Ryan Donato has bounced around and hasn't stayed in the same spot for more than two seasons. The former second-round pick made stops in Boston, Minnesota, San Jose, and Seattle before signing with Chicago in 2023. After acting as a serviceable depth player for years, Donato finally broke out in 2024-25.
Donato doubled his career highs in goals and points, leading the Blackhawks in goals (31) and finishing second in points (62). It was a season that came out of nowhere. While it didn't benefit the Blackhawks in the standings, it couldn't have come at a better time for Donato, as he's set to hit the open market once again.
There's no reason to scoff at Donato's season, but is it enough to pay him a lot of money? Before this season, Donato averaged about ten goals and 22 points per campaign. His market might not require the Canes to back up the Brinks truck. My hesitation lies in where he fits in the lineup. He's a good player, but Donato might not qualify as the game-changer the Canes need.
Jonathan Toews
In his prime, Jonathan Toews was one of the most crucial pieces of the Blackhawks' dynasty. His numbers speak for themselves. Over 1,000 games played. Just shy of 900 points. A Selke Trophy win in 2013. 15 seasons as the captain in Chicago. A three-time Stanley Cup champion with a Conn Smythe win in 2010. He has a resume that should allow him to challenge for the Hall of Fame.
What stopped Toews is not his game. Toews' absence from hockey over the last two seasons is health-related. The former Blackhawk was diagnosed with Chronic Immune Response Syndrome and long COVID before the 2020-21 season, forcing him to miss the season. Those issues persisted in 2023, keeping him out for a few months before stepping away from the game to focus on his health.
Time waits for no man, even those who have undeniable skill and playoff pedigree. There is no shortage of contenders interested in signing Toews after missing two years. While there's no indication the Canes are in the mix, I'm sure they've done their homework. I doubt this time off has been easy for Toews, and I'm rooting for him to do great things as he makes his comeback.