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5 Carolina Hurricanes players who may not return next season feat. Jake Guentzel
With the Carolina Hurricanes getting ready to begin their offseason, many questions emerge regarding their roster construction for next year.
Mainly, the Hurricanes have several restricted and unrestricted free agents to sign. Given cap considerations, the Canes may have no choice but to lose some notable players from this year’s squad.
Here's an early look at five players who may not be back in Carolina Hurricanes colors next season:
Five Carolina Hurricanes who won't be back next season
#1 Jake Guentzel
Jake Guentzel was a deadline acquisition from the Pittsburgh Penguins meant to provide offense for the Carolina Hurricanes down the stretch and into the postseason.
He did just that. Guentzel scored four goals and added five assists in 11 playoff games. However, it seems that Guentzel’s time in Carolina may be short-lived.
According to Josh Yohe, writer for The Athletic, Guentzel may re-sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins this offseason. Yohe was quoted by the Hockey News:
"Team sources have told me in recent days not to be surprised if he signs with the Penguins again this summer."
Guentzel said that he wanted to sign a long-term extension with the Pens. So, it seems that may re-sign in Pittsburgh following a brief run with the Canes.
#2 Tony DeAngelo
Tony DeAngelo played well enough at times for Carolina this year. Overall, he had a bit of a down year this season, scoring 11 points in 31 games. He added two assists in nine playoff contests.
Younger defensemen like Jalen Chatfield have bumped him down the depth chart, leaving DeAngelo as a healthy scratch at times. Given that he made $1.625 million this season, the Canes may be reluctant to re-sign him at that price point.
Moreover, if DeAngelo seeks a raise, he may price himself out of Carolina, especially, as Chatfield is an RFA.
#3 Antti Raanta
The Hurricanes’ goalie situation is somewhat murky. Pyotr Kotchetkov seems like the Canes’ future starter, which leaves Frederik Andersen, who will become a UFA after next season, in a secondary role.
Meanwhile, Spencer Martin has filled in at times, serving primarily as a third-stringer.
That leaves Antti Raanta out to dry. He was sent down to the AHL earlier this year and has not made his way back. He’s fourth on the team’s depth chart, meaning his best way to get back to the NHL would be with another club looking for goaltending depth.
#4 Teuvo Teravainen
Teuvo Teravainen may be the toughest choice for GM Don Waddell to make. He notched up 53 points in 76 games this year. He has been a reliable top-six option for the Canes and may price himself out of Carolina.
Teravainen represented a $5.4 million cap hit this year. While it’s unclear whether he may get a raise, his cap hit is substantial, considering that RFAs like Seth Jarvis, Martin Necas and Jack Drury all need new contracts.
Jarvis and Drury should get a significant pay increase, forcing the Canes to part ways with Teravainen.
#5 Brady Skjei
Brady Skjei and his $5.25 million cap hit may be too rich for the Canes. Skjei chipped in 47 points in 80 games, making him a solid top-four defenseman for any team.
With Chatfield, Dylan Coghlan and Brett Pesce all free agents, the Hurricanes may simply let Skjei walk away, using his cap space to keep younger players in the fold.
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