Depth defenseman Jalen Chatfield signs $9 million contract

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Tyler Ball
June 13, 2024 (6:33 PM)

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Today Eric Tulsky made his first move as the interim General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes signing defenseman Jalen Chatfield to a big extension.

The Carolina Hurricanes are known for being one of the best organizations when it comes to drafting players, developing them, and then re-signing them. They have once again developed and now re-signed another defenseman in Jalen Chatfield.

After spending one season in the AHL and two more on the Hurricanes roster Jalen Chatfield has earned himself a 3 year extension. The contract in total will pay him up to 9 million dollars.

Hearing #Canes have agreed to terms to retain pending UFA defenseman Jalen Chatfield: 3 years x $3 million.

The signing has been met with mostly positive reactions. Jalen Chatfield at 28 years old looks to be a player ready for a bigger role on a contending team. Keeping the term lower on a player about to enter their 30s is a good look as well.

That is a very good deal for the Hurricanes. Chatfield was an elite bottom pair defenseman who stepped up in the playoffs, playing in a increased role at times. We would have expected quite a bit more on the open market.

My favorite part of these posts is the replies. You can easily pick out those that watched Canes games all season vs those that didn't and just look at a box score.

Chatty's defensive game is bordering on elite and his offensive prowess hasn't shown because he was a 3rd pair D.

With reports of several Hurricanes defensemen potentially leaving the team this summer locking up Jalen Chatfield was a must. Now they can try him out in an increased role and if he does well this price tag for three seasons will be looked back on fondly.

Now the Eric Tulsky Carolina Hurricanes have several other needs to address as the season goes on. As far as first moves go this could be a home run for the new GM of the Carolina Hurricanes.