5 worst contracts signed in Carolina Hurricanes history feat. Alexander Semin

By Cole Shelton

Modified Jul 25, 2024 16:05 GMT

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The Carolina Hurricanes became a team in 1997 after relocating from Hartford. During the Hurricanes' history, the team has made plenty of great signings, but also some poor ones.

That said, here are five of the worst contracts in franchise history.

5 worst contracts in Carolina Hurricanes history

#1. Alexander Semin

Alexander Semin was a solid player for the Washington Capitals but he decided to go to the KHL after six years in Washington. In his return to the NHL, Carolina signed Semin to a one-year, $7 million deal in 2012.

Semin had a great season as he recorded 44 points in 44 games. He was rewarded with a five-year, $35 million contract extension. However, Semin struggled mightily from then as he just played two seasons out of those five years and was waived as Carolina had to buy out the final three years of his deal.

#2. Tomas Kaberle

Tomas Kaberle was a solid defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs and with the Boston Bruins. The defenseman hit free agency in 2011 after winning the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011.

Kaberle signed a three-year, $12.75 million deal with Carolina but the contract did not pan out. Kaberle played just one season with the Hurricanes recording zero goals and nine assists in 29 games.

He was then traded midway through the year to Montreal as Kaberle did not fit in with Carolina.

#3. Scott Darling

Scott Darling signed a four-year deal with Carolina (Imagn)

Scott Darling's rights were traded to Carolina at the end of the 2017 season and he signed a four-year $16.6 million deal.

Darling was expected to be the Hurricanes starting goalie, but he struggled. Darling went 13–21–7 with a 3.18 goals against average and he was placed on waivers in 2018.

He ended up being traded to Florida who bought out the final two years of his deal.

#4. Joni Pitkanen

Joni Pitkanen signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2008.

Pitkanen was supposed to give an offensive boost on defense, but he recorded 40+ points just one time in his four years with the Hurricanes. His play decreased substantially and became an unreliable player in Carolina.

#5. Lee Stempniak

Lee Stempniak was given a two-year deal worth $2.5 million per season. Although the money wasn't bad, this shows how good Carolina has been in free agency, as the Hurricanes haven't given out many bad contracts.

Stempniak played just 119 games for the Hurricanes recording 49 points as he didn't give the offensive spark he was supposed to.