If you'd hoped to see a ton of fireworks once free agency began on Tuesday, then Monday's signing frenzy couldn't have come at a worse time. Tuesday was one of the most anti-climactic starts to free agency we've experienced in a long time. Most of the big fish were signed, or signed and traded in Mitch Marner's case, before we could get to noon on July 1st.
The Hurricanes tried their best to make things exciting. They announced Logan Stankoven's extension, signed a KHL goalie that'd been long rumored to be heading to Raleigh, executed a sign-and-trade of their own, and added another veteran defenseman in Mike Reilly. The offseason has only just begun, but here are a few questions to be addressed heading into Day 2 and beyond.
Where is the upgrade on the wings?
Heading into the weekend after the draft, several interesting forwards were heading to free agency. Chief among them was Mitch Marner. By Tuesday, the market had dried up significantly. Marner was traded to Vegas with a fat extension. Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett re-signed in Florida. Most of the big names were gone. Still, two names stood out in Nikolaj Ehlers and Brock Boeser.
Both Ehlers and Boeser made it to noon without new contracts, along with much speculation about where each could land. It was quickly reported that Ehlers wasn't going to make his decision on Tuesday, taking the top name out of the conversation for the rest of the day. Not long after, Boeser opted to return to Vancouver, signing a seven-year deal with the Canucks.
In just a few short days, Ehlers has become one of the most desired players on the planet. The Hurricanes are firmly in the mix, as confirmed by General Manager Eric Tulsky on Tuesday evening, but so is everyone else. The Canes were considered the frontrunners for Ehlers, but there's plenty of reason for uncertainty. If they don't land him, there's not a lot to fall back on.
Will the Hurricanes add a right-shot defenseman, too?
Left | Right |
|---|---|
Jaccob Slavin | Jalen Chatfield |
Shayne Gostisbehere | Sean Walker |
K'Andre Miller* | |
Alexander Nikishin | |
Mike Reilly* | *acquired on Tuesday |
You'll notice on this depth chart that one side is slightly longer than the other. With the Hurricanes completing a trade for K'Andre Miller on Tuesday, they sent Scott Morrow, a right-shot defenseman, to the Rangers. It's still early enough in the offseason that we don't have to worry about what the Opening Night pairs will look like. However, it is in the back of my mind.
With Aaron Ekblad re-signing with the Panthers before hitting free agency and several more signing on Tuesday, the right-shot defenseman market is incredibly scarce. Brent Burns might be the best guy available. The trade market isn't much better. Rasmus Andersson is the best name available, but it's being reported he'd only sign an extension with Vegas, so is he worth going after?
The Canes have plenty of time this offseason to figure out what they're going to do. Most likely, the solution will be amongst the defensemen already in the room. One of the lefties will probably have to play on the right side. Who that will be is up to the coaching staff. I'm very glad I don't have to make that decision.
What more is there for the Hurricanes to do this summer?
The only other major area the Hurricanes need to address is their second-line center position. It's long been one of the team's most prevalent issues, especially in the postseason. Again, the market isn't looking like the place to address it. The best option (Bennett) was re-signed by Florida, and the next-best (Mikael Granlund) signed with Anaheim on Tuesday.
Otherwise, the Canes are in a neat spot. They still have a little cap space remaining after their work on Day 1, leaving them with over $18 million. Looking ahead, they could start thinking about extensions for Jackson Blake and Alexander Nikishin, both of whom are restricted free agents after next season. However, both of those might be better suited for during the season.
Most of what the Hurricanes need to do the rest of the way hinges on Nikolaj Ehlers. If he signs with the Canes, there isn't much else I can see the team doing, unless they're swinging to make another big trade. It feels like they're looking good, which could allow us to have an enjoyable summer before things get kicking in the fall.