Ben Shelley: Hurricanes will need to be prepared for an expensive 2021 offseason

Hamilton at 27/28, consistent offensive producer with double digit goals and 40+ points a year that eats up tons of minutes while also being good on the defensive side.

Basically that is breaking into the realm of what Pietrangelo just got. The only differences is AP just came off a cup win, but is a couple years older. No question over 8 million, but the case could easily be made for 9 million for an 8 year term.

Hamilton at 27/28, consistent offensive producer with double digit goals and 40+ points a year that eats up tons of minutes while also being good on the defensive side.

Basically that is breaking into the realm of what Pietrangelo just got. The only differences is AP just came off a cup win, but is a couple years older. No question over 8 million, but the case could easily be made for 9 million for an 8 year term.
- Glak18

Six months ago I would have completely agreed that Hamilton would have a great shot at $9M. After seeing the trade/free agency market this year though, I think it'll depend whether teams are willing to give out more money next offseason. If the market doesn't really recover all that much, I think $8M - $8.5M might be more likely.

Svechnikov is following the path of Pastrnak and if he can eclipse the 30 goal / 65-70 point range he should be in line for a reasonable bridge of at least 6.5m over 3-5 years.

That just leaves 12 million for Foegele, Geekie, Bean, 2 goaltenders and 2 forwards. That's not a good position to be in with the cap. Someone north of 5m per with have to be traded or hopefully picked for expansion.

Six months ago I would have completely agreed that he'd have a great shot at $9M. After seeing the trade/free agency market this year though, I think it'll depend whether teams are willing to give out more money next offseason. If the market doesn't really recover all that much, I think $8M - $8.5M might be more likely.
- Ben Shelley

Logically I would say players/agents will understand what is going on with the world during the pandemic, but realistically business is still business. Players don't stop wanting to be paid and may actually try to cash in more because of uncertainty with future seasons. If Carolina doesn't pay, I'm positive someone else will. I thought Pietrangelo would take less to stay with St. Louis, but I did not think a team with cap issues would hand out that kind of money either. So anything is possible.

Svechnikov is following the path of Pastrnak and if he can eclipse the 30 goal / 65-70 point range he should be in line for a reasonable bridge of at least 6.5m over 3-5 years.

That just leaves 12 million for Foegele, Geekie, Bean, 2 goaltenders and 2 forwards. That's not a good position to be in with the cap. Someone north of 5m per with have to be traded or hopefully picked for expansion.
- Glak18

The Hurricanes could fill the backup goalie position internally and two fourth line forwards at under $3M total.

Good chance that Foegele could bridged again at a slightly higher AAV and Geekie is pretty much a sure bet to get a bridge-deal as well.

Then Bean is a good bet to be selected in expansion and if he's not, it means other money is coming off the books. Also doesn't include Gardiner, who the Hurricanes are shopping. While they may be a bit crunched when looking ahead to next season with the current roster, they're in a pretty good spot to be able to create the room in time for next offseason.

Also doesn't include Gardiner, who the Hurricanes are shopping.

Good luck trying to find someone to take on that contract...especially in this uncertain financial climate.

Good luck trying to find someone to take on that contract...especially in this uncertain financial climate.
- dcz28

Personally, I actually don't think it's a bad contract. He did have a down year but had a much better back half of the season. I think it's not a terrible price for what you're getting (given he does fully bounce back next year) and the term isn't terrible.

However, like you said, this market isn't going to make it easy to move.

Personally, I actually don't think it's a bad contract. He did have a down year but had a much better back half of the season. I think it's not a terrible price for what you're getting (given he does fully bounce back next year) and the term isn't terrible.

However, like you said, this market isn't going to make it easy to move.
- Ben Shelley

I just never understood why Carolina signed him in the first place. I didn't think they needed him to begin with.

Not the worst contract but given how few teams have cap space and the fact he has 3 years left with his actual salary going up every year...i don't see any teams wanting him. Like Tyler Johnson, i think they could put him on waivers and nobody would claim him right now. I think they would need to attach a 1st plus something else for a team to take him.