Report: Hurricanes "Not Close" In Talks with Other Pending UFAs

The Carolina Hurricanes are fresh off handing out the biggest contract in franchise history, locking up Sebastian Aho for eight years. But things are moving much more slowly with several other key players who are set to play out their contracts this coming season. 

Waddell says the Hurricanes aren’t close on extensions with any of their other 2024 UFAs

— Cory Lavalette (@corylav) July 26, 2023

GM Don Waddell tells us that the team “isn’t close” on extension talks with the likes of Brett Pesce, Teuvo Teravainen and Brady Skjei, all of whom will be unrestricted free agents next July, if not re-signed. 

Of course, trade rumors have swirled around Pesce plenty this offseason, and it seems a good possibility that he might not be around when the 2023-24 season rolls around. Waddell admitted as much, saying that if an extension can't be reached, a trade of Pesce would happen sooner rather than later. 

Pesce has $4M left on his deal, expiring next season, and is said to be looking for an AAV of $6M+ on his next deal, understandable for a defenseman of his caliber. 

Teravainen, coming off a down season, is also heading into his walk year, coming off his five-year deal with a $5.4M cap hit. But the 28-year-old managed just 12 goals and 37 points in 68 games, down considerably from the previous year's 22-goal, 65-point season. Again, understandable how the two sides aren't close on any potential new contract. He's almost certain to enter UFA status next summer, if he isn't traded before then.

Pesce's defense partner, Skjei, will also be playing out his contract after coming off a breakout 18-goal season this past year. 

So lots of work, and cap gymnastics ahead for Waddell, who's also in the mix for trying to land Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson this summer. 

Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports