Young Carolina Hurricanes forward potentially on the verge of being bought out

PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
August 5, 2024 (3:32 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Carolina Hurricanes are pushing hard for their first Cup since 2007, and with big decisions to make, they could ultimately buy out a disappointing forward.

While the Hurricanes aren't as star-studded as other teams in the Eastern Conference they run deep and pose a threat to anyone, but unfortunately, one risky move for the team didn't end up paying off. That would be the offer sheet extended to then Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who was meant to be a key piece of their young core to lead them forward.

Unfortunately, he just hasn't lived up to the hype, tallying under 30 points in two of his three seasons with Carolina, with suggestions now that GM Eric Tulsky could buy out the 24-year old.

With the Hurricanes recently inking Martin Necas to a new deal, with reports that they are looking to extend rising star Seth Jarvis as well, and with the depth to replace Kotkaniemi, it makes sense if they consider the move. If the 'Canes were to buy out Kotkaniemi, this is what it would cost them moving forward;

2024-25 to 2026-27: $835K per season
2027-28 to 2029-30: $455K per season
2030-31 to 2035-36: $835K per season

That is much more palatable than the eight-year deal that carries a $4.8 million annual cap hit, and with the team looking for flexibility as they potentially try to make moves at the trade deadline, this is a move that makes more and more sense in the coming days.

Source: Blade of Steel
Carolina Hurricanes forward likely to become prime cap casualty