3 biggest mistakes by Carolina Hurricanes in 2024 NHL free agency

The Carolina Hurricanes were eliminated in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the New York Rangers. Since then, Carolina has had a disappointing offseason.

The Hurricanes haven't made any significant free-agent signings, while several OF their key players have left. But GM Eric Tulsky is confident that he has time to improve the roster.

“There is plenty of time between now and training camp to adjust the roster,” Tulsky said on July 1. “We plan to keep exploring all of our options. We have some ideas in mind that we are still actively pursuing. There are a lot of teams right now that are trying to figure out how they can get out of contracts very similar to the ones being signed (on July 1).”

Despite the GM's optimism, the Hurricanes do have serious issues confronting them. After the first wave of free agency, here are the three biggest mistakes Carolina made.

3 biggest mistakes by Carolina Hurricanes in 2024 NHL free agency

#1 Letting Skjei & Pesce walk

The Carolina Hurricanes had a great defensive core last season, but that has completely changed.

Carolina saw Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce both leave in free agency for nothing. The Hurricanes did re-sign Jaccob Slavin, but Carolina needed to bring back two of the three to keep their defensive unit one of the best in the NHL.

Instead, they saw Skjei go to Nashville and Pesce to their divisional rival the New Jersey Devils.

#2 Shayne Gostisbehere contract

Shayne Gostisbehere signed a three-year deal with Carolina [IMAGN]

After losing Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei in free agency, Carolina signed Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere in free agency.

Gostisbehere played in 23 regular season games and 15 playoff games with Carolina in the 2022-23 season, after being acquired at the deadline. The defensemen left in free agency last year to sign with the Red Wings.

However, Carolina signed up Gostisbehere to a three-year deal worth $3.2 million per season. Although the contract isn't too expensive, Gostisbehere isn't the best defensive player and is a liability at times on his own end. So, there is some concern with the fit.

#3 No Martin Necas trade

Martin Necas was the biggest trade chip Carolina had going into the NHL Draft and free agency.

Necas is a pending RFA and has asked for a trade, but the Hurricanes couldn't pull one off. Now, after the first wave of free agency, it will be harder for them to make the trade as fewer teams are interested in him.

Necas may have to be brought back, but Carolina could've gotten plenty for him in a trade to help out their depth scoring and defense.