RALEIGH, N.C. — Despite facing yet another tough exit in the Eastern Conference final, the Carolina Hurricanes see the journey so far in a positive light. Under the leadership of general manager Eric Tulsky and coach Rod Brind’Amour, the team has transformed from one that went nearly a decade without playoff action to one that consistently succeeds in the postseason. With seven consecutive seasons of winning at least one playoff series, Carolina’s recent defeat to the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, marked their third trip to the Eastern final in this time frame. Tulsky, who assumed the GM role last summer, now faces the ongoing challenge of enhancing the roster to meet growing expectations.
“We set the bar very, very high,” Tulsky stated in an end-of-year press conference alongside Brind’Amour. “Every year we expect to be at least competing for a Cup, and our goal is to win one or more. … I love that we are where we are, and we’re going to keep pushing to achieve our ultimate goals.”
Over the past five seasons, the Hurricanes have amassed 519 regular-season points, ranking them at par with the Colorado Avalanche for the NHL’s top spot. Although Carolina’s 35 postseason victories fall short of the Edmonton Oilers and the Panthers, the team remains confident. Notably, core players such as forwards Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Andrei Svechnikov, along with defenseman Jaccob Slavin, are secured with long-term contracts. Additionally, deals were recently extended for trade acquisition Taylor Hall and goaltender Frederik Andersen. With forward Logan Stankoven on board for another year before restricted free agency, the Hurricanes are positioned for continued success.
The team also benefits from an estimated $28.4 million in cap space for the upcoming season—a figure that ranks them fifth overall and best among playoff teams. After two losses to the Panthers in the Eastern final in three years, the Hurricanes plan to leverage their assets in cap space and draft capital to enhance their roster potential.
Reflecting on their playoff defeat, Brind’Amour remarked, “You take a step back and realize only four teams are still playing, and we’re feeling down. Yet, this is where we want to be. It sets a high standard for the organization.”
In terms of blue-line strategy for the future, the fate of unrestricted free agents Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov remains a key consideration. Both had pivotal roles, with Burns forming the top pair with Slavin and Orlov pairing with Jalen Chatfield as second-line defense. Carolina retains Chatfield, offensive standout Shayne Gostisbehere, and Sean Walker, while prospect Alexander Nikishin, who debuted in four playoff games, is anticipated to emerge as a regular next season.
Within the forward ranks, unrestricted free agents Eric Robinson and Jack Roslovic stand out. Robinson achieved career-highs and completed all regular-season games, while Roslovic contributed significantly yet faced postseason lineup challenges. On the injury front, Jarvis is managing a shoulder issue that recurred this season. Choosing rehabilitation and strengthening over surgery, Jarvis aims to remain an impactful competitor.
“It’s not an organizational decision; it’s a personal one,” Tulsky said regarding Jarvis’s choice. “He was effective this year, and I’m optimistic he’ll continue helping us strive for a championship.”