3 Carolina Hurricanes who might see a performance dip next season feat. Shayne Gostisbehere

By Cole Shelton

Modified Sep 02, 2024 14:29 GMT

The Carolina Hurricanes are one of the top teams in the NHL. The Hurricanes made it to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season before being eliminated by the New York Rangers.

Entering the 2024-25 NHL season, Carolina once again has expectations of winning the Stanley Cup. However, a couple of players may regress in terms of their stats.

3 Carolina Hurricanes who might see a performance dip

#1. Shayne Gostisbehere

Shayne Gostisbehere signed a three-year, $9.6 million deal with the Hurricanes this offseason to return to the team.

The defenseman was traded at the deadline of the 2022–23 NHL season to Carolina for the Cup run but in that offseason inked a one-year deal with Detroit.

With the Hurricanes, Gostisbehere is expected to be on the third pitch, which will limit his ice time and, in turn, limit his offensive production. He also won't be running the top power play as he has in his career, which is why he's a prime candidate to regress this season.

#2. Jordan Staal

Jordan Staal, the Carolina Hurricanes captain, is the team's fourth-line center and is turning 36 years old later this month.

Last season, Staal recorded 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points, but in each of the last two seasons, he has taken a step back in terms of points. He is slowing down with his age and is focusing more on a defensive role, so he's a good candidate to have fewer points this season.

#3. Jack Roslovic

Carolina signed Jack Roslovic to a one-year, $2.8 million contract in free agency to boost the team's offense.

Roslovic is expected to be on the third line, which is the Hurricanes checking line and more focused on defense. Roslovic can add some scoring to the bottom of the lineup, but his role will likely be more focused on defense and shutting down opponents' top lines.

Thereby, he may see a dip in his performances on the offensive metrics.