The Carolina Hurricanes lost in the Eastern Conference Final again this season. It ended a wild season, which saw them trade for Mikko Rantanen and then trade him away after contract negotiations fell through. The big piece that came back was Logan Stankoven, who was a perfect fit with Rod Brind'Amour. The Hurricanes have re-signed Logan Stankoven on an eight-year contract, per an official team announcement.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that Stankoven's deal is worth $6 million per season until 2034, when he will be 31 years old. Stankoven scored five goals and nine points in 19 regular-season games with the Hurricanes. He added eight points in 15 postseason games.

The Hurricanes were one of many teams that came into July 1 with a boatload of cap space. With Martin Necas and Mikko Rantanen gone, they were seen as potential players in the UFA market. The Stankoven contract does not prevent that, as CapWages has Carolina's cap space at $29.4 million. Stankoven's deal does not kick in until July 1, 2026.

Article Continues Below

Now that Stankoven is locked in, the Hurricanes should switch their focus to the blue line. Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns are unrestricted free agents and could be on the way out. With Jaccob Slavin on a team-friendly deal, they have an opportunity to build an elite blue line.

While the Hurricanes have not made the Stanley Cup Final, they have been perennial contenders under Rod Brind'Amour. Part of the reason they did not keep Rantanen is that he was not seen as a good fit. They saw Stankoven as a strong fit in their system, and considering he is only 23 years old, he can be there for a long time.

The Hurricanes still have space and two picks from the Rantanen deal that they could trade. Don't expect Carolina GM Eric Tulsky to stop his July 1 moves with Stankoven.

More Hurricanes News
Winnipeg Jets left wing Nikolaj Ehlers (27) skates with the puck during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena
Hurricanes snag last free agency star following Nikolaj Ehlers signingChristopher Hennessy ·
New York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller (79) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Madison Square Garden
Hurricanes GM makes K’Andre Miller admission that fans will loveChristopher Hennessy ·
New York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller (79) looks on against the Florida Panthers during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena.
K’Andre Miller drops truth bomb on why he’s a perfect fit with HurricanesMichael Whitaker ·
New York Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller (79) looks on against the Florida Panthers during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena.
Rangers trade K’Andre Miller to Hurricanes amid free agencyChristopher Hennessy ·
Jordan Martinook and Frederik Andersen on the outsides. Mystery player in the middle. hurricanes logo in the background.
3 players Hurricanes must trade in 2025 NHL offseasonBryan Logan ·
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) celebrates his 200th career NHL goal with the Penguins bench against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at PPG Paints Arena.
2 best trade destinations for Penguins’ Erik KarlssonTristin McKinstry ·