The Carolina Hurricanes have a few key areas to address this offseason if they’re serious about taking the next step in their pursuit of the Stanley Cup. While the search for an impactful winger or two is definitely on the agenda, the most pressing concern lies at center. Specifically, they need a reliable second-line center to support Sebastian Aho—a player who can find the back of the net consistently and take some of the scoring load off Aho’s shoulders.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi had the chance to step into that role for the majority of this past season. He kicked things off on a strong note, tallying 10 points in his first 14 games and enjoying a five-game point streak in January. However, that promising start fizzled out, and Kotkaniemi ultimately finished the season with 12 goals and 33 points. This marked no improvement in his goal total from the previous season, and while he did manage a slight increase in overall points, it simply wasn’t enough production for a team with championship aspirations.
His performance in the postseason further underscored the concerns: just four assists over 14 playoff games, and he even found himself a healthy scratch during Game 2 of the conference finals. Kotkaniemi has shown glimpses of potential, but those flashes haven’t translated into the consistent performance needed for a second-line center.
With trades often being tough to forecast due to the unpredictability of player availability—especially for those signed to long-term deals—the Hurricanes find themselves in an intriguing position this offseason. They’re close to becoming serious contenders, with only a few strategic moves standing in the way of making an impactful run. General manager Eric Tulsky should absolutely consider reaching out to gauge the availability of top-tier options.
One name that could be on the table is Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks. The Hurricanes showed interest in him before, particularly around the time they acquired Mikko Rantanen, and it’s a possibility that could resurface. Despite a down season that saw him score just 15 goals and 45 points across 64 games—which included missing significant time due to injuries—Pettersson is still a player to watch. Two seasons ago, he put up 102 points and has a solid history as a two-way center.
However, Pettersson comes with his own challenges. Standing 6’2″ but not overly heavy, he is known more for his lethal shot than physicality. Additionally, while he had a stellar performance in the 2020 playoff bubble, he has not had the most productive postseason recently, putting up only six points in 13 games this past spring.
Then there’s the matter of his contract. Pettersson signed an eight-year, $92.8 million deal that carries an average annual value of $11.6 million and features a no-movement clause kicking in this July. The price to pry him away from Vancouver will be significant, but the Hurricanes have the cap space, a strong prospect pool, and the draft capital to make it happen.
Another possibility is Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres. At 6’6″ and 220 pounds, he is a formidable presence on the ice, proving himself as one of the league’s elite snipers. With two seasons of 40-plus goals under his belt, including a standout 44-goal campaign this past season, Thompson could bolster any power play.
His contract is also noteworthy—he’s in the third year of a seven-year deal worth $7.14 million per year, which is a fantastic rate considering his scoring talent. However, Thompson’s defensive capabilities could raise some questions, as he’s never been particularly strong in the faceoff circle, finishing no better than 43.3% in that area as a full-time NHL player.
Playoff experience is another box Thompson hasn’t checked off yet, having started and ended his career in Buffalo, a team still in its rebuilding phase. Nonetheless, should he become available, he would instantly become one of the prime targets on the market. The Hurricanes might see a chance to make a bold move, striking while they are on the brink of something special as they seek to solidify their lineup for a deeper playoff run. With a few key acquisitions, the Canes could transform themselves into serious contenders for the Cup next season.
