The start of free agency is often a bittersweet time for players, organizations, and fans. While it's always great to see teams sign new players, it usually comes at the expense of others who have been with the team leaving for new destinations. This offseason has been no different, as a few former Hurricanes have already found new places to play.
Thus far, four of the team's six unrestricted free agents, excluding non-qualified RFAs, have signed on the dotted line of their new contracts. Jack Roslovic and Dustin Tokarski are the lone holdouts, with Roslovic currently one of the top remaining forwards on the market. Here's where the other four have signed.
Riley Stillman joins the Western Conference champions
Though his time with the organization was short, Riley Stillman made an immediate impact in his Hurricanes debut, dropping the gloves with the Rangers' Sam Carrick. After signing a one-year deal last offseason, Stillman signed a two-year, two-way contract worth $1.55 million ($775k AAV) with the Edmonton Oilers when free agency began on Tuesday.
Stillman suited up for the Canes five times this season, failing to record a point. He was seldom used in his first three appearances before seeing a little more time during the final two games of the season. Stillman, the son of former Hurricane Cory Stillman, now heads to Alberta to play for the two-time defending conference champions, though he'll likely see more time in the AHL.
Spencer Martin is taking his talents to Russia
Goaltending additions from the waiver wire have worked out well for the Hurricanes. With both Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov on the shelf, the team sought help by claiming Spencer Martin from Columbus in January 2024. Days later, Martin was in the net, backstopping a 3-2 victory in Boston with the moms in town.
His play two seasons ago was solid, but things were less fruitful this season at the NHL level. He was much better in the AHL for the Chicago Wolves. When he hit the market on Tuesday, Martin took a different route, signing a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow of the KHL. He'll join a roster full of former NHL talent.
Dmitry Orlov is swimming at the Shark Tank
As one of the bigger names remaining after the first day of free agency, Dmitry Orlov took his time making a decision. Eventually, he landed in San Jose, agreeing to a two-year, $13 million contract to play for the Sharks. Two years ago, Orlov was the biggest name on the market when he signed with the Hurricanes.
Orlov had his fair share of ups and downs with the Hurricanes over the last two seasons. His postseason performance this year left plenty to be desired, signaling the end was likely on the way for him. He bet on himself by signing for only two years in 2023, but his new deal is for significantly less with a rising cap. Still, he's heading to a team in San Jose that remains firmly in a rebuild.
The Mountain Man strikes a deal a mile high
After three seasons in Raleigh, Brent Burns is embarking on what could be the last stop in his NHL career. The former Norris Trophy winner and longest active Iron Man signed a one-year, $1 million deal to play with the Colorado Avalanche. Burns played well in Raleigh, scoring 133 points in 246 games with the Hurricanes, but it was clear late in the season that the fans were ready to move on.
Burns has done just about everything in his career, except win a Stanley Cup. Now, he'll join Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Martin Necas in his efforts to get across the finish line. He's three games away from 1,500, which he'll certainly pass early in the season. Burns has also played 925 straight games, putting him within striking distance of the second-longest streak in NHL history.