After 53 games played this season, the Carolina Hurricanes sit second in the Metro Division with 68 points and are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. After a summer of change around the organization, it was unclear whether this team could continue the success they had enjoyed the previous few seasons. The recent acquisition of Taylor Hall and Mikko Rantanen has put an exclamation point on first-year general manager, Eric Tulsky's expectations for this group.
When Tulsky was named the interim general manager, it was unclear what direction this franchise was going with so many important players heading to free agency. Many prized free agents left, which caused panic among Caniacs, but the empty spots were filled quickly. One player that was under the radar was Eric Robinson.
For a player brought in for just a one-year contract, making less than a million dollars, why would anyone take a second look at this guy? Tulsky had players that he felt were built the way Rod Brind'Amour played hockey. William Carrier was another player of this caliber and Tulsky showed everyone how much he wanted Carrier with a 4-year contract.
Robinson was a player who had stuck around the NHL with several teams but played responsible hockey and chipped in on the score sheet on occasion. Surely, he could provide that in Raleigh, and for such a short-term contract, it was worth the risk. I don't think even Robinson could have predicted the start he has had, registering 25 points, just two shy of his career high. His 12 goals are good for the fifth-highest on the team.
Making just $950,000 this season, he has been the bargain of the year. The player and team are a fit and it makes sense that this marriage continues beyond this year. Now would be the time to strike an extension for both parties. Robinson will not exactly be a hot commodity this summer, with almost 400 NHL games played before the age of 30, the Princeton graduate is due an extended opportunity in the league.
Robinson will not come at the bargain he is right now but the two sides would be able to agree on a fair price if the term is to the liking of Robinson and his agent. Carrier is making $2 million a year and that would be the target for Robinson over 2-3 years. If he remains at this level, this would again be a huge bargain.
It is important to remember that the NHL salary cap will be raised next year significantly so Tulsky will have some extra room to play with these players.