Days away from August, the Carolina Hurricanes have just one player remaining without a contract. Restricted free agent, Seth Jarvis, remains without a contract but has been reportedly settled and waiting for the remainder of the offseason business to be completed by general manager, Eric Tulsky. Now that Martin Necas has settled on a two-year contract, expect a Jarvis extension to be announced shortly.
In what has been a roller coaster of a summer for the Canes and their fans, the one question is on all fans' minds, are they done?
In terms of salary cap space, Puck Pedia lists the Canes with just $6.4 million available without a contract for Jarvis. The roster has more than enough NHL-caliber players to make a lineup but more talent is desired after the recent success under this core of players.
Naturally, anything can happen from now until training camp with some quality depth pieces still on the free agent market waiting for contracts. These players will either sign a short-term deal before camp or enter with a PTO. One player that could fit the mold for the Canes is Tyler Johnson. He can play center or wing and will sign a team-friendly deal.
Despite new contracts for players like Necas, do not be surprised if he remains on the trade market either. More than likely, this will be the roster that goes to war on opening night. Like it or not, August and September are not the months for mega moves in the NHL.
This team appears to have taken a step back in talent after losing Brady Skjei, Jake Guentzel, Brett Pesce, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Stefan Noesen, and Teuvo Teravainen. These are all key losses but replacements have been filled with quality NHL players.
Players will be expected to take steps forward and in the case of Jarvis, he will be expected to continue his path to stardom. Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Necas are entering big years in their respective careers. Necas needs to prove that he deserves a big, long-term contract and Kotkaniemi needs to prove that he is worth his current contract.
The Canes will be competing for the playoffs and are not on a rebuild but if some players do not perform, changes can be expected by the deadline. Tulsky will be looking to make a mark on this team in his first season at the helm.
The Canes are done besides a surprise PTO entering training camp, but the NHL offseason is always full of surprises so stay tuned.