Carolina Hurricanes
· 2026-07-15
The Carolina Hurricanes are sitting pretty at the top of the Eastern Conference, boasting a 53-22 record and a current winning streak. One of the key factors behind their success is their smart contract management, which has allowed them to maintain a strong roster while staying under the cap.
The Hurricanes' general manager, Eric Tulsky, has been praised for his ability to navigate the complex world of NHL contracts. By signing players like Jackson Blake and Jaccob Slavin to team-friendly deals, he has created a foundation for the team's future success.
On July 24, 2025, the Hurricanes signed Jackson Blake to an eight-year, $40.94 million deal, giving him an annual average value (AAV) of $5.117 million. This deal was a steal for the Hurricanes, as Blake was still in his entry-level contract (ELC) and had not yet reached his full potential. During the 2025-26 season, Blake had 22 goals and 53 points in 81 games, building off a 17-goal, 34-point rookie season the year before. He also led the Hurricanes in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 13 assists and 20 points.
If there was ever a player who took a team-friendly deal to leave room for cap flexibility, it's defenseman Jaccob Slavin. On July 1, 2024, the Hurricanes signed Slavin to an eight-year, $51.17 million extension, with the AAV being $6.369 million per season. This deal was a steal for the Hurricanes, as Slavin was projected to earn $9 million or more per season. However, he took a discount to help the Hurricanes sign other players.
The Hurricanes' smart contract management has put them in a fantastic position, with $11.105 million in cap space and almost the whole Stanley Cup team returning. This flexibility will allow the team to make strategic signings and trades, further solidifying their position as a top contender in the NHL.
As the Hurricanes continue to build on their success, they will need to stay focused on their contract management and roster stability. With the cap raising to $104 million, the team will have even more opportunities to make smart signings and trades. By continuing to prioritize cap flexibility and roster stability, the Hurricanes can maintain their position as a top team in the NHL.
The Carolina Hurricanes are a team on the rise, and their smart contract management is a key factor in their success. By signing players like Jackson Blake and Jaccob Slavin to team-friendly deals, the team has created a foundation for future success. As they continue to build on their success, the Hurricanes will need to stay focused on their contract management and roster stability. With the cap raising to $104 million, the team will have even more opportunities to make smart signings and trades. By continuing to prioritize cap flexibility and roster stability, the Hurricanes can maintain their position as a top team in the NHL.