Carolina Hurricanes: 2019 offseason outlook

Offseason Needs

What do the Carolina Hurricanes need to address this summer? And who’s out there who could help them do it? Let’s take a look at their needs and targets.

Top-Six Right Wing

If Williams re-signs, this problem is solved. But if the captain doesn’t, top prospect Martin Necas is their best internal option. The Hurricanes could look for his replacement outside the organization because this is a fairly deep free agent class for right wings.

Gustav Nyquist (22 goals and 38 assists for 60 points during the regular season) would make a lot of sense. Mats Zuccarello (40 points in 48 games) would be a perfect fit, but I wonder how long the Hurricanes would be willing to sign a 31-year-old forward. Joonas Donskoi (14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points) is a more budget-friendly option.

Regardless of what they choose, I don’t think the Hurricanes are going to splurge to solve this issue. It’s not their style.

Goaltender

I’m not ashamed to admit I have no idea what the Hurricanes are going to do here. One can assume Nedeljkovic is going to be a part of the solution. But what are the Hurricanes plans? Do they want a true number one goalie or will Nedeljkovic be a part of a tandem like Mrazek and McElhinney this year?

Brian Elliott, Cam Talbot, and Semyon Varlamov could all make sense. Mrazek would too. My guess is they’ll go with either Mrazek or Varlamov. Both have recent experience and success as a starting goalie.

Forward Depth

The Carolina Hurricanes could use some more skilled forward depth. Their third forward line is alright, but if Svechnikov sees more time in the top six (which appears likely), someone needs to be on that third line to make it better.

If the Hurricanes re-sign Ferland, that should do it. But if he’s too expensive for them, Carolina would be wise to make an upgrade. Necas is likely going to be a part of the solution here. But adding someone else certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Ryan Dzingel would be a nice guy to target if his price is right. He can play either wing position and center. As an added bonus, Dzingel can slot in the top six in a pinch. Marcus Johansson would be a good fit as well, but his price tag keeps rising thanks to his impressive postseason. Donskoi could be an option here too.

Outlook

The Hurricanes are well known to be a budget team. They rarely spend to the salary cap. I think Dundon’s ownership group is different. But frankly, until they prove they are different, I’m a bit skeptical of what they’re going to do.

Give Dundon credit. He’s won over the fanbase with his commitment to improving the team. Extending Teravainen and trading for Hamilton, Ferland, and Niedereitter proves he’s committed to winning. Now it’s time for him to show it by helping Carolina take the next step.