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5 free agents the Hurricanes can sign to get back to the playoffs

By Jeremy Lambert

OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 24: Cam Ward
OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 24: Cam Ward /
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BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 09: New York Islanders defenseman Calvin De Haan (44) looks to pass during a game between the Boston Bruins and the New York Islanders on December 9, 2017, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, The Bruins defeated the Islanders 3-1. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 09: New York Islanders defenseman Calvin De Haan (44) looks to pass during a game between the Boston Bruins and the New York Islanders on December 9, 2017, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, The Bruins defeated the Islanders 3-1. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Calvin de Haan

The Hurricanes already made a big move in the offseason to get their number one defenseman. With the addition of Dougie Hamilton, everyone on the Hurricanes backend gets moved down a peg.

Rumors are swirling that Justin Faulk will be the next man out of town. The Hurricanes need scoring help up front and Faulk could be the guy that lands them a coveted top-six forward. If that happens, they will need a suitable replacement for Faulk.

Calvin de Haan could be that guy.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding de Haan due to the shoulder injury he suffered last season. The defensive market is pretty bare now that John Carlson is off the board, so de Haan will certainly have no shortage of suitors.

Carolina makes sense for two different reasons. First, if he’s looking for term, Carolina has the cap space now and down the line. Their top guys are either locked up or won’t command a major raise in the next three years. Carolina can give de Haan that third year he might be seeking coming off shoulder surgery. If he plays well, he could be in line for one final big contract as he turns 30.

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If de Haan is looking for opportunity, he’ll have that in Carolina. With Faulk gone, he’d be a top-four defenseman and able to play without much pressure since expectations are low in Carolina. If he wants a one-year deal to prove his shoulder is just fine before cashing in next year, the Hurricanes can offer short-term money and playing time.

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