-Gabriel Dorris-

With July 1st rapidly approaching, the Carolina Hurricanes find themselves primed to potentially lose several key players, including forwards such as Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, and Stefan Noesen. If they can’t find a way to get these players re-signed, then the Canes will have to find replacements either through trade, their prospect pool, or free-agency. If the Canes do choose to go the latter route, who are some players who could fill their needs?

Sean Monahan (WPG)

As a player, Sean Monahan embodies a lot of what the Carolina Hurricanes are. He’s a forward who can player across the lineup and on both sides or at center. He’s a strong forechecker who won nearly 55% of his faceoffs in the 2023-24 season and he very rarely takes penalty minutes. He also fills many of the Canes’ needs, being an effective second line center (a position that was arguably the Canes’ biggest weakness last season) and bringing size to a top six that at times seems to lack it. He also has a great shot which he frequently uses and has proven himself to be a consistent 25-35 goal scorer. The biggest concern with Monahan is his injury history, although the Canes have shown themselves to be a team willing to cast that aside when they see a player they want at a price they can manage.

Player details: 6′ 2″, 202lbs, 29yrs old, can play center and both wings

2023-24 stat line: 26G and 33A for 59P in 83GP

Potential contract: 5yrs x $5m

Vladimir Tarasenko (FLA)

The Canes were supposedly really close to signing Tarasenko last offseason. Like really close, to the point that everybody thought they had for a few days until he fired his agent and reset everything. Needless to say, Tarasenko did not begin the 2023-24 season on the Canes. The Canes have seemingly been rumored to be working at Tarasenko every offseason and trade deadline for years now, and there’s a reason for that; he’s a good player and a good fit. If the Canes do end up trading Martin Necas, they will need a 2nd line right winger; Tarasenko fits the bill perfectly. He dominated both xG% on ice and G% on ice last season, despite spending so much of it on a struggling Ottawa Senators team. One concern with the 32-year-old Tarasenko would be his age, but if the opportunity to sign him to an affordable contract comes up, the Canes will surely think it through.

Player details: 6′ 0″, 225lbs, 32yrs old, right winger

2023-24 stat line: 23G and 32A for 55P in 76GP

Potential contract: 3yrs x $4m

Steven Stamkos (TBL)

If the Canes want to make a big splash, this offseason would be a good time to do it, as both Steven Stamkos and the Panthers’ Sam Reinhart have yet to sign contracts to prevent themselves from hitting free agency July 1st. Second line center, like previously said, is one of the Canes’ biggest holes, and Stamkos would immediately turn it into a massive strength. He can also play left wing and fill the cap which could potentially be left if Jake Guentzel goes elsewhere. Stamkos is also a proven playoff performer, having won twice in his career while scoring 101 points in his 128 career playoff games. I wouldn’t consider Stamkos signing in Raleigh a likely possibility, as the Lightning will do everything in their power to keep him, but I don’t think it’s impossible either (and it would definitely be awesome).

Player details: 6′ 1″, 194lbs, 34yrs old, can play center and left wing

2023-24 stat line: 40G and 41A for 81P in 79GP

Potential contract: 3yrs x $8m