The Carolina Hurricanes Have a Few Options Left in Free Agency to Choose a Forward

Now that two days of NHL free agency have been completed, the quietness will begin tomorrow for the July 4th festivities across the United States. The Carolina Hurricanes had to keep up on Day 1 with all the now former Canes out the door. New general manager, Eric Tulsky held his own and locked up solid replacements in Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere. The restricted free agents, more specifically Seth Jarvis, are now the main focus.

The scoring from up front has not improved but the summer is young and Tulsky will have to address to keep up with the rest of the Metropolitan Division. The New Jersey Devils made improvements including Stefan Noesen and Brett Pesce. The Capitals acquired Jakob Chychrun and the New York Islanders signed Anthony Duclair.

The best option for the Canes to improve the forward scoring will most likely be via trade. If Martin Necas is going to force his way out of the organization then Carolina will have to use that trade chip to acquire a top 6 scoring forward. This is even more crucial if Necas is going the other way in the trade. More draft choices for Necas will not help this team win a Stanley Cup at this point.

The free agent market is becoming dry, especially for forwards. The Canes do not need defensemen at this point with the depth they have in their prospects.

Some of the remaining free agent forwards may be worth a look but for a short-term project on a team-friendly contract.

Vladimir Tarasenko had a nice run in the playoffs to win the Stanley Cup but does seem to be interested in returning to South Beach. He is no longer the prolific goal scorer that he once was but still provides secondary scoring. He registered 23 goals between Florida and Ottawa last season and more importantly, played in 76 games.

Tyler Johnson is a useful little center who has been with a bad Chicago team and could get a huge spark from playing on a contender. At 33 years old, Johnson had 17 goals last season and could help on the penalty kill.

The only target worth a multi-year contract and to be honest, worth any contract left at this point is Daniel Sprong. Sprong has put together two straight years of over 40 points a season. 39 of his 89 points over the last two years have been goals. He plays a responsible game and is a right-handed shot. At just 27 years old he is coming into his prime and would have the opportunity to play with more talent in Carolina.