NHL Rumors: Elliotte Friedman believes Hurricanes are close to finalizing contract extension with $37,100,000 defenseman

The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly taking steps to secure defenseman Jaccob Slavin for the long term. Slavin’s current contract of $37.1 million is set to expire soon and the team is keen to avoid losing him to free agency.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has reported that negotiations are progressing well, with an extension likely before July 1st.

"Now, the other thing I wanted to mention is we have talked about Slavin and the fact that the belief is he will have an extension done by July 1. I don't know about the structure or anything like that. But I have heard the word is Slavin, whose extension is going to kick in after next season when he is 31 years old, is going to come in around eight times 6.5," Friedman said (via 32 Thoughts Podcast).

Friedman says Slavin might sign for about eight years at $6.5 million per year.

Slavin has been an important player for the Hurricanes. In the 2024 season, he scored 6 goals and assisted in 31 more, totaling 37 points.

His contribution continued into the playoffs, where he played an important role with 1 goal and 2 assists in 11 games.

Slavin is still a valuable player, having received only 8 minutes in penalties all season. The Hurricanes are carefully handling this crucial offseason.

Carolina Hurricanes' new GM and the free agency period ahead

The Carolina Hurricanes have 18 pending free agents that could significantly reshape the team. Eric Tulsky who was recently promoted to 10th general manager, will be leading the team through this challenging period.

“It’s an honor the organization has entrusted me with stewardship over our operation," Tulsky said talking about his promotion (via NHL.com). "That faith in me, that trust in me to keep things together, to have everyone feel valued and able to contribute, and put in a position to be successful, is really important to me.”

Tulsky has transitioned from a scientific career at QuantumScape to hockey management. He has been working with the Hurricanes since 2014. He built his way up from consultant to vice president of hockey management and strategy and eventually assistant GM.

“It’s truly shocking that I started where I did and ended up where I am. It is," Tulsky said. "I was lucky that I was able to pursue a passion and end up in a place that I really enjoy.”

His tenure begins with securing a three-year deal for Jalen Chatfield, but many crucial decisions loom with the NHL Draft and the start of free agency on July 1.