The Carolina Hurricanes continued their aggressive offseason strategy by securing another major roster piece under long-term control. Just days after acquiring K’Andre Miller and signing Nikolaj Ehlers, the organization finalized a significant eight-year deal with one of their key forwards—further strengthening a lineup looking to rebound from a disappointing playoff exit.
The deal was completed ahead of the July 1 free agency rush and played a crucial role in shaping the team’s cap structure heading into the new season. With core players now signed for the foreseeable future, General Manager Eric Tulsky has reinforced the franchise’s commitment to sustainable competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.
“We’re building a group that can win now and grow together,” Tulsky said following the series of signings. “This is a player we believe in—not just for his production, but for how he fits into our system and culture.”
Hurricanes bet on long-term upside
The forward in question is Logan Stankoven, who signed an eight-year, $48 million extension ($6 million AAV) to remain in Carolina. The deal begins in 2026 and runs through the 2033–34 season, taking the 22-year-old through his age-31 campaign.
Logan Stankoven #22 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after scoring a goal against Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers during the second period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 26, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Stankoven posted 14 goals last season across two teams and was praised for his defensive reliability, a key component in head coach Rod Brind’Amour’s system. The Hurricanes are banking on a step forward in his offensive numbers, projecting him to develop into a 20–25 goal scorer during the span of the deal.
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Context and cap strategy behind the deal
The Hurricanes’ decision to lock in Stankoven early gave them the financial structure necessary to pursue further moves, including the signing of Ehlers on July 3. With Mitch Marner off the market following his move to the Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina pivoted quickly to Ehlers, whose consistent 20-goal production offers offensive stability.
The early extension for Stankoven also reduces pressure, allowing the young winger to grow into a complementary role rather than carry immediate expectations. The organization sees him as a long-term building block rather than a short-term solution for their top line.
Long-term risk and reward
Stankoven’s choice to sign now carries opportunity cost. With the NHL salary cap projected to climb to $113.5 million by 2027–28, he may have commanded significantly more as a UFA in 2030. Instead, he’s locked in through 2034. Still, the $48 million figure is difficult to pass up in a physical league where injury risk looms large.
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Carolina, not operating in a no-tax state, has remained competitive over the last decade. Stankoven’s commitment signals belief in the organization’s direction, despite forgoing the potential for a bigger payday down the line.
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