'A destination place.' Hurricanes active on first day of NHL free agency
Posted July 1, 2023 1:30 p.m. EDT
Updated July 5, 2023 9:05 p.m. EDT
The Carolina Hurricanes did not wait around on the first day of NHL free agency, bringing back their top two goaltenders, while adding a key defenseman and a gritty forward from Eastern Conference rivals.
The Hurricanes re-signed forward Jesper Fast (two years, $4.8 million) and goaltenders Frederik Anderson (two years, $6.8 million) and Antti Raanta (one year, $1.5 million) on Saturday. Carolina added defenseman Dmitry Orlov from Boston (two years, $15.5 million) and ex-Toronto forward Michael Bunting (three years, $13.5 million).
Quite a haul for an organization looking to take the next step.
Carolina had the second-best record in the regular season and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. The Hurricanes have reached the playoffs five consecutive years, but are searching for an elusive appearance in the Stanley Cup Final.
"Things have changed here," Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said. "We used to chase players, have to overpay players. We've become a destination place. We're getting those calls first."
Waddell said Carolina and Philadelphia have a deal in principle to bring back defenseman Tony DeAngelo, perhaps an indication of more movement to come among the Carolina defense.
In Orlov, the Hurricanes added a puck-moving defenseman who can join the offensive rush, fitting coach Rod Brind'Amour's preferred style. Waddell said the Hurricanes considered Orlov the best free agent defenseman available.
"I needed to make a decision for me and I wanted to play on a good team," Orlov said Saturday evening. "I think I made the right decision and I'm happy to be with Carolina right now."
Orlov had 36 points (seven goals, 29 assists) — setting career highs in points and assists — in 66 games last year with Washington and Boston.
"We felt that Dmitry was the best available defenseman on the free agent market," Waddell said. "He is a versatile player with a lot of offensive upside, and this signing only strengthens our defensive group heading into next season."
Bunting had 23 goals and 26 assists in 82 games for Toronto last season.
"We wanted to add to our forward group, a player that brings lots of intangibles," Waddell said of Bunting. "He can score, a feisty guy."
The Hurricanes were able to bring back both of their top two goalies — on reduced salaries from 2022-23. Anderson and Raanta were a formidable and effective pair for the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes also have goalie Pyotr Kochetkov, who was expected to have a larger role with the team this year.
Andersen, 33, was 21-11-1 with a 2.48 goals-against average in 33 regular-season games for Carolina last year. Raanta, 34, was 19-3-3 last season with a 2.33 goals-against average and four shutouts in 27 games. He went 12-0-1 from Dec. 17 to March 3. In two seasons with the Hurricanes, Raanta is 34-8-7.
"We'll probably be able to play all three goalies throughout the season," Waddell said. "When you look at it like that, I say, OK, what's it going to cost me to carry all three goalies?"
The Hurricanes are paying all three goalies less than $7 million total next season, less than some teams pay one goalie.
"I felt we needed the insurance to have all three of them back," Waddell said.
The Hurricanes previously resigned captain Jordan Staal to a four-year, $11.6-million deal.
Fast's deal includes a modified no-trade clause. Fast, 31, scored 10 goals and had nine assists in 80 games with the Hurricanes last season. He had two overtime game-winning goals in the postseason. Fast has been with the team since 2020.
Waddell called him "a true pro," and praised his work alongside linemates Staal and Jordan Martinhook, saying they don't get enough credit.
“Jesper is an extremely hard worker on both ends of the ice, and his consistency has played a key role in our success over the past three seasons,” Waddell. “He is the kind of person and player that every team is looking for, and we are thrilled to have him back in our locker room.”
Waddell said the franchise has managed its cap space well, allowing it to add Orlov and Bunting without mortgaging the future or trading assets to acquire them.
Carolina forward Max Pacioretty, who missed all but five games of the season after two Achilles injuries, has signed with the Washington Capitals.
