Season in Review
Overall, the Hurricanes had a strong season despite significant offseason exits. Carolina lost (deep breath): Teräväinen, Noesen, Pesce, Skjei, Guentzel, Lemieux, Kuznetsov, Bunting, and DeAngelo, plus Fast to LTIR, and Necas and Drury to trades during the season.
The team finished second in the Metro with 99 points. Despite injuries to Jarvis, Carrier, and Andersen (among others), the group managed to fend off the New Jersey Devils to put together a solid regular season. Aho led the team with 79 points, narrowly edged by Jarvis for the goal-scoring lead with 32. Four Hurricanes had more than 20 goals — Roslovic and Svechnikov being the others.
I had low hopes for this year, if I’m honest. I pegged the Canes as a Wild Card team behind the Devils, Capitals, and Rangers. I still believed this was a playoff team, but clearly a step behind contenders — especially after entering the offseason with half the roster out of contract.
The Postseason
I’ll be brief with this one. We crushed the Devils and Caps before getting worked by the Panthers. We were better than New Jersey, well-matched against Washington, and played our best — but were overpowered by a superior Florida team. No arguments from me there.
I believe the Canes outperformed expectations this postseason.
Offseason Outlook
Before diving in, it’s worth acknowledging that both Tulsky and Brind’Amour have drawn criticism for different reasons. Rod is a proven winner as both a player and coach. Despite the challenges this year, I still have confidence in Tulsky. The first-year GM inherited a tough situation after Don Waddell’s departure, with a long list of pending free agents.
Carolina’s biggest needs in my eyes: second-line center, defensive depth, and goaltending.
Before we get into potential moves, let’s take a look at players likely to move on. While nothing is official, it’s likely that Burns, Orlov, and Roslovic won’t return. Roslovic and Orlov are expected to get UFA offers that Carolina won’t match.
Though improbable, Burns may be the likeliest of the three to return. The sticking point would be removing any guarantee of protecting his ironman streak. With Morrow entering the final year of his ELC — assuming he isn’t traded — the coaching staff will want to see what he can bring. Burns would also likely need to take a substantial hometown discount on a short-term deal (one year, most likely) to stay.
Robinson seems like a logical candidate to re-sign. The soon-to-be 30-year-old undrafted winger was a UFA addition last summer and played all 82 regular season games. He tallied 32 points, posted a +18 rating, and averaged over 11 minutes per game in the playoffs on the fourth line. Robinson proved to be a reliable depth contributor who could return on a budget-friendly deal after his $950k contract.
Free Agent Additions
The front office will have significant cap space heading into free agency. The twist is that Morrow, Nikishin, Blake, and Stankoven are all entering the final year of their ELCs. Assuming Robinson re-signs for, let’s say, $1.2M — and assuming no other trades (which I don’t foresee) — Carolina would have just over $25M to spend. Those ELCs could command a combined $20M–$24M next year, meaning management will likely target short-term deals this summer.
The Marner & Pettersson Elephants in the Room
Marner is likely to headline this year’s UFA class. The love seems lost in Toronto, and sweeping changes are reportedly coming to the Leafs. Few can argue against Marner’s skill, but I don’t see him fitting in Raleigh. Despite strong regular season performances, he has struggled in the playoffs. Simply put, the Hurricanes don’t need to commit the type of money he’s reportedly asking for. Word on the street (and on X…and podcasts…and everywhere) is that Marner wants $13M+ per year with full protection and maximum term. I don’t see Carolina locking themselves into that kind of contract for someone who hasn’t proven himself in the postseason. We know what Marner can do — I love a gamble, but I’m not betting $90M+ on him in the playoffs.
There’s also been chatter around Elias Pettersson. After signing an $11.6M extension late last year, he turned in a disappointing campaign, averaging well under a point per game. The latest reports suggest Vancouver isn’t looking to move him. Regardless, I don’t see Carolina gambling nearly $12M on a reclamation project — not unlike the Marner situation.
Free Agent Targets
Mikael Granlund (C/W, UFA)
Granlund quietly turned in a strong bounce-back season in San Jose and now enters free agency as a potential value add. The 32-year-old veteran doesn’t bring flash, but his high hockey IQ, smart puck distribution, and defensive responsibility would make him a seamless fit in the bottom six. He could slot in at second-line center if the Canes move on from Kotkaniemi or decide he’s not the long-term answer. His poise under pressure would be especially valuable in the postseason. Expect a short-term deal in the ~$5M AAV range — right in Carolina’s wheelhouse.
Projected Contract: 2 x $5.25M
Nick Perbix (RD, UFA)
A lesser-known name who fits Carolina’s system, Perbix is an under-the-radar UFA who could thrive in a structure-driven, puck-moving environment. Formerly with Tampa Bay, he brings a calming right-side presence, moves the puck efficiently, and limits mistakes under pressure. He won’t light it up offensively, but could provide steady third-pair minutes to support incoming rookies. If Carolina parts ways with Morrow — an idea floated by Cory Lavalette on Daily Faceoff — Perbix could be a low-cost, right-handed replacement.
Projected Contract: 2 x $2.7M
Eric Robinson (LW, UFA)
One of last summer’s most underrated signings, Robinson brings speed, tenacity, and defensive awareness. He excels on the forecheck and contributes to the penalty kill — the kind of energy winger who doesn’t need power play time to influence a game. Expect a short-term deal in the $1–$1.5M AAV range. For a team seeking depth scoring and matchup-winning reliability, he could be a smart re-signing.
Projected Contract: 1 x $1.2M
Trade Additions
If Tulsky showed us anything in his first season, it’s that he’s not afraid to swing big. As a fan, I appreciate that — partly because I wouldn’t have the guts to make those calls, and partly because it shows the front office is relentless in its pursuit of winning.
John Gibson (G, Anaheim) – Trade Target
After years of speculation, it feels like Gibson’s time in Anaheim may finally be up — and Raleigh could be a realistic destination. Elliotte Friedman noted on 32 Thoughts that both the Ducks and Gibson were frustrated a trade didn’t happen at the deadline, and that a move is now likely.
One thing is certain: the Hurricanes can’t ice a Cup-caliber roster with goaltending as the Achilles’ heel. I try not to be negative, but Andersen simply hasn’t been healthy enough to be counted on consistently.
Anaheim is also one of the few teams that could absorb a bad contract. In Carolina’s case, that’s Jesperi Kotkaniemi. This opens the door for a potential combined deal, something like:
| Trade | Carolina Receives | Anaheim Receives |
| Gibson Acquisition | – John Gibson (Car takes on 100% of Contract) | – 2nd Round Pick (Car 2026) – 3rd Round Pick (Car/Dal 2027) – B-Tier Prospect |
| Gibson & Kotkaniemi Trade | – John Gibson (Car takes on 100% of Contract) | – Jesperi Kotkaniemi (Ana takes on 100% of Contract) – 1st Round Pick (Car/Dal 2028) – 3rd Round Pick (Car/Dal 2027) |
Jonathan Marchessault (RW, Nashville) – Trade Target
With Nashville reportedly exploring options to move Marchessault just one year after signing him, the Canes could capitalize. He carries a $5.5M cap hit through 2028, and still offers top-six scoring and playoff experience — the exact type of proven production this roster lacked at key moments. His north-south, shoot-first style fits Brind’Amour’s blueprint, especially with Necas gone. Carolina could take the full contract and potentially get a mid-round pick from Nashville as a sweetener. He brings both Cup and Conn Smythe pedigree — an asset you can’t teach. This does all depend on Marchessault’s willingness to move, but Carolins should present a heck of an opportunity to put his name on the Cup for a second time.
| Trade | Carolina Receives | Nashville Receives |
| Marchessault Acquisition | – Jonathan Marchessault (Car takes on 100% of Contract) – 3rd Round Pick (Nas 2026) | – B-Tier Prospect – 6th Round Pick (Car/Tor 2026) |
Additional Moves
More deals are likely on the horizon. As mentioned, the front office must navigate next summer’s RFA crunch carefully. Still, expect at least one or two more moves before the season starts — and potentially another at the deadline. Players like Conor Garland and Ryan Lomberg will almost certainly be on Tulsky’s radar.
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