Latest news with #Hurricanes'
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Everything to know about Evan Bouchard's $42M deal: How the Hurricanes' aggressive threat that changed everything
Oilers swiftly secured Evan Bouchard with a four-year, $42 million contract amidst pressure from the Hurricanes (Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers moved swiftly this offseason to lock in rising star defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $42 million contract. But behind the scenes, there was more urgency than fans realized—and it had everything to do with the Carolina Hurricanes. Oilers wanted long-term deal but had to compromise under pressure According to 32 Thoughts podcast host and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Hurricanes pressured Edmonton with the threat of an offer sheet. While one never officially materialized, the aggressive posturing from Carolina was enough to jolt the Oilers into action. 'The reason Evan Bouchard's extension got done in Edmonton so quickly was because they threatened the Oilers with an offer sheet,' Friedman revealed. Initially, the Oilers aimed to secure Bouchard on a maximum eight-year extension. But the defender's camp reportedly saw more value in a shorter-term deal, especially with the salary cap projected to rise in coming seasons. General manager Stan Bowman explained how the negotiations unfolded: 'We certainly were hoping to do an eight-year deal, but that was never really in the cards,' Bowman admitted. 'In the negotiations, an eight-year term was really never in the cards.' That pressure—combined with the Hurricanes' reported interest—forced Edmonton to settle for four years at $10.5 million per year, a higher-than-expected number. Friedman noted that the Hurricanes' tactics likely pushed the average annual value beyond the initial projection of $9.5 million. Bouchard bet on himself and cashed in after breakout season The urgency wasn't unwarranted. Bouchard is coming off a breakout season where he racked up 67 points in 82 regular-season games and added another 23 points in 22 playoff appearances. His offensive upside and poise under pressure have made him a cornerstone on Edmonton's blue line. By agreeing to a four-year deal, Bouchard is betting that he can elevate his play even further—and cash in again before turning 30. Also Read: Toronto Maple Leafs face mounting pressure to replace Mitch Marner after free agency failures The Hurricanes may not have landed the defender, but their behind-the-scenes maneuvering undeniably impacted the NHL offseason. Meanwhile, the Oilers now have their key blueliner locked in—at a steep price, but with their Stanley Cup window still wide open. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Mike Commodore questions Hurricanes' direction after Nikolaj Ehlers' $51M signing
Mike Commodore questions Hurricanes' direction after Nikolaj Ehlers' $51M signing (Image Via Twitter) After the Hurricanes' announcement of signing the forward to a six-year contract worth $51 million, debates flowed throughout the NHL . While the team looks to add speed on offense and scoring punch, it is not a unanimously agreed-upon decision. Former Stanley Cup-winner Mike Commodore, once an instrumental piece of Carolina's 2006 crown, expressed his concern regarding the physical composition of the team. These critiques had fans responding in droves, some agreeing with his point and others countering. Mike Commodore questioned physical balance after the signing of Nikolaj Ehlers — commie22 (@commie22) Shortly after the deal broke, Commodore took to X. He foisted praise upon Ehlers but questioned if the Hurricanes were losing their physical edge: 'Ehlers is an excellent player…but end of day….are the Canes trying to get smaller?' He was concerned about the size and toughness of the team, hinting that Carolina's roster might currently lean too much toward finesse rather than force. The 6-foot, 172-pound winger, Ehlers, tallied 24 goals in 69 games last year, with an additional of five in the playoffs. His talent is never a question; however, it seems that Commodore's concern has something to do with the balance between skill and toughness. This opened the floodgates of responses from fans, many agreeing with his viewpoint, while others doubted and said scoring needed to come first. This opened the floodgates of responses from fans (Image Via Twitter) User GenXAB responded: "Mike I agree with you whole heartedly. Tulsky doesn't get enough criticism for his analytically built small, soft rosters. I don't think he's solved any of the consistent playoff problems the Canes have had.' A more measured comment came from Xerxsion: 'You say this as though players that fit that category were available this summer. The trade market is dead with nobody wanting futures and due to Florida's success recently nobody wants to move out those grittier players. Not sure what people expect Carolina to do.' Several others gave more overt support to Commodore. Jake The Snake said, 'Agree with you, but that would have to come via trade (might be working on it).' Responses from fans (Image Via Twitter) Trav added: 'Nikishin and Miller bout to bring the boom Mike! Agreed that we do need a feisty big forward to go along with them tho.' Fan Whaler_Cane said: 'Agree with what you are saying but we needed more talent up front. We only had 3 true top 6 forwards talent-wise imo. Power forwards who can score are hard to find, teams don't let them go. I would have no problem adding a big, angry asshole in the bottom 6 though.' Fan the Wolfpack, baby! hinted at passing frustration because of the restrictions. 'If they're not 'allowed' to play that way, which has been rumored…doesn't much matter. Don't forget Max Domi, not the same guy here.' Also Read: Zach Werenski and Odette Peters embark on dreamy pre-wedding tour across 8 countries However, the conversation launched by Mike Commodore's comments makes for a greater question: Can a team today survive on speed and skill alone? Whereas Nikolaj Ehlers has the offensive talent, Carolina's gamble will only reveal itself over the course of time, whether it pays off or whether it goes down in flames for lacking playoff grit. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hurricanes' Jesper Fast makes retirement decision after missing 2024-25
The post Hurricanes' Jesper Fast makes retirement decision after missing 2024-25 appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Carolina Hurricanes lost to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. Their embarrassing defeat, the third in the East Final in seven years, could prompt some changes. One player the Hurricanes won't be getting back is Jesper Fast, as he has decided to retire. The former Rangers forward did not play while dealing with a neck injury during the 2024-25 season. 'I never took for granted the privilege of playing in the best league in the world,' Fast told the Hurricanes website. 'I am grateful for all of the teammates, coaches, staff, and fans from the Rangers and Hurricanes who made my time in the NHL so special, and for my family for everything they did to help me achieve and live my dream. I'd also like to thank Nässjö HC and HV71, organizations that played a vital role in my development into an NHL player.' Advertisement Fast played seven seasons with the Rangers and four with the Hurricanes. scoring 91 goals in 703 regular-season games. He was a depth forward who played a key role in eight playoff berths in his 11 seasons. A neck injury cost him the 2024-25 season and is now forcing him to retire. Fast did not play in the final year of a two-year contract that paid him $2.4 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if he had not retired. This move does not impact the Hurricanes' plans for free agency, which should lead them to add scoring this summer. Fast suffered the neck injury in the 2024 season finale against the Blue Jackets. It knocked him out of last year's playoffs, which saw them lose in the second round to the Rangers. After missing this year, the Finnish forward hangs up the skates. From a sixth-round pick to over 700 games played, it was a great career for Fast.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
ADM coach Rachel Harada discusses 3-1 loss to Waverly-Shell Rock in state semifinals
Rod Brind'Amour Admitted This After Hurricanes' Playoff Exit The Carolina Hurricanes' season came to an end after their 5-3 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final. Overall, the Panthers simply had the Hurricanes' number in this series. 1:20 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Vancouver Sun
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Oilers' Kapanen's Stanley Cup Final Game 1 performance eerily similar to his dad's
In Game 1 of the 2002 Stanley Cup final, Sami Kapanen had two assists, as his Carolina Hurricanes beat the Detroit Red Wings in overtime. Twenty-three years later, his son, Kasperi, put up a two-assist performance for the Edmonton Oilers in a Game 1 triumph over the Florida Panthers. Call the numerologist. Cue The X-Files theme music. And, there's more to this case of history repeating itself through generations. The coach of that Carolina team in 2002? Paul Maurice, who is now behind the Panthers' bench. 'I saw that this morning, that he had two assists and two shots like me, the same ice time on the same day,' Kasperi said ahead of Game 2 Friday. 'It's a little spooky.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. But, Oilers fans will hope the parallels stop there. After that Game 1 win in 2002, the Hurricanes felt the wrath of the super-powered Red Wings roster. Detroit won the series in five. Kasperi said his dad will fly to Edmonton in time for Game 5, which falls on June 14. That happens to be Sami's birthday. But, does Kasperi remember his early childhood in North Carolina? For the most part, no. He said most of his recollections of his dad's playing days come from when Sami was a Philadelphia Flyer later in his career, and the family lived in the Jersey suburbs. While his dad isn't set to get to Edmonton till Game 5 (and we're still at the stage where we need to put in the qualifier 'if necessary'), Kasperi and Sami do regularly chat. 'We don't talk about hockey as much,' said Kasperi. 'He just wants to see how I'm doing, asking me how I am doing emotionally. Obviously, we've been playing well so it's mostly been positive.' And, while Kasperi doesn't remember much from his dad's time in Carolina, his dad has spoken about his relationship with Maurice. 'I think he loved him,' said Kasperi. 'I think there are so many positive things to say about Paul. Obviously, he's a tremendous coach as well. Nothing but good stuff.' Maurice, though, was happy to share his favourite Sami Kapanen story. It came from when the Hurricanes' enforcer was Darren Langdon, back in the early 2000s. Sami, like his son, was a blur on skates. Langdon was not. 'He took off in front of me, and I'd never seen a guy skate that fast in my life,' Maurice said. 'And I was standing beside Darren Langdon one day… he was a tough lad. And (Sami) took off in front of us, and Darren said, 'Man, just once in my life I'd like to skate like that.' So, I went over and told Sami that. I am not going to pretend that I can do his accent, but he said, 'Yeah, but if I could fight like that once, I'd kill everybody.'' Sami twice won fastest skater at NHL All-Star Games. Kasperi now has the chance to do something his dad couldn't — and that's to hoist the Stanley Cup. Earlier this season, Kasperi's career was left for dead when he was placed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues in November. He had just one point in 10 games. The Oilers claimed him off the waiver wire, and, after sitting in the press box through the first round of the playoffs. He added energy to the Oilers when coach Kris Knoblauch dressed him for Game 3 of the second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights. Since then, he's made himself a fixture on the Oilers second line with Leon Draisaitl, and Edmonton is the only place on the planet where the Rocket Richard Trophy's trio would be called the second line. Kasperi's greasy net-front overtime goal sealed the Oilers' series win over the Knights. Now, Kasperi's on hockey's biggest stage. 'It's hard to put into words, I guess,' Kasperi said. 'It's always something you dreamed about when you're a kid. You dream about a lot of stuff, but you never know if it's going to happen. I'm finally here. I'm excited. I am going to cherish every moment.' Because he knows from his dad's experience, you might get to the biggest stage once, and never get back there again. Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters . You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post, and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun
