​LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 14: Goaltender Frederik Andersen and left wing Nikolaj Ehlers celebrate the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup victory in game six against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. The celebration also highlighted their Danish roots, following the Hurricanes’ win on June 14, 2026. (Photo by Matthew Bolt/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
In a major development, the Hurricanes’ pursuit of defenseman John Carlson ended with a surprising turn. After Carolina traded for his rights at the NHL Entry Draft, Carlson ultimately signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning for an AAV of $8.5 million over two years, despite earlier rumors that the price could reach $10 million per year or more. The result suggests Carolina’s bid may have been closer to the mark, but Carlson chose Tampa instead. The Canes likely matched the offer, but Carlson chose the Lightning, and that decision is now in the past.
Another big move saw Frederik Andersen sign a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. Andersen had a standout playoff run for the Hurricanes but battled injuries and inconsistency in the regular season, leading to a 5-year tally of a .906 save percentage with Carolina, including declines to .874 and .899 in the last two seasons. He started 51 games in his first year with the Canes, then 33, 16, 22, and 35 games in subsequent seasons. In Edmonton, his base salary is $1 million, plus $1.8 million in potential performance bonuses. Andersen was a consummate professional and popular teammate, and he will be missed in Carolina.
There were several other signings announced yesterday, and further moves are ongoing in free agency. For more details on all the deals and remaining available players, you can follow the full list here. https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/free-agency/
Even with Carlson off the table and Zach Werenski stepping back from trade talks, the Hurricanes still have questions to answer. Will they re-sign Nikishin, or might they trade him? Are they pursuing Connor Hellebuyck, or do they have another plan in mind? What other surprises might Carolina have up its sleeve to strengthen the roster?