NHL Rumor Roundup: What's Next For Hurricanes And Canucks In The Summer?

Carolina Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky took a big swing that didn't pan out with Mikko Rantanen. That doesn't mean he'll stop swinging.

Tulsky acquired Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche on Jan. 24. However, he wound up trading the 28-year-old right winger only six weeks later when Rantanen declined to sign a contract extension with the Hurricanes. Carolina shipped him to the Dallas Stars, who signed him to an eight-year contract extension.

However, the experience hasn't dampened Tulsky's willingness to pursue another big name in the trade or free-agent market. He recently told Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic that he intended to use the Hurricanes' cap space for next season to be aggressive in this summer's free-agent market.

PuckPedia indicates the Hurricanes have a projected salary-cap space of $36 million next season with eight players eligible to become UFAs. They include defensemen Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov, left winger Taylor Hall and goaltender Frederik Andersen.

Tulsky told LeBrun he'd have around $20 million remaining if he re-signed everyone. That's plenty of room to make a big splash in this summer's free-agent pool.

During a subsequent report for TSN, LeBrun said he expected the Hurricanes would pursue Mitch Marner if the Toronto Maple Leafs right winger goes to market on July 1.

Marner is in the final season of a six-year contract with an average annual value of $10.9 million. The Hurricanes attempted to acquire the 27-year-old by offering Rantanen straight up to the Leafs before the trade deadline. However, Marner declined to waive his no-movement clause.

For his part, Marner remains tight-lipped about his future, putting his focus on the remainder of the season. Nevertheless, he will be the top target for clubs like the Hurricanes if available on July 1.

Turning to the Vancouver Canucks, Patrick Johnston of The Province replied to a reader's question about whether they'll pursue a top-six forward in free agency.

Johnston observed that Marner would be the best available player but isn't sure if he'll go to market. Winnipeg Jets left winger Nikolaj Ehlers could also be available, but Johnston questioned whether the Canucks need another small forward.

The Canucks have about $13.3 million of projected cap space for next season, with Brock Boeser and Pius Suter as their pending UFAs. Even if they let those two walk, they can't afford a big ticket free agent without shedding some salary first. They could have better luck boosting their roster in the trade market.

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