THN.com/podcast. Max Pacioretty [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk4MjIwMzkyNzMxNTE4NTEw/usatsi_19892280.jpg] Max Pacioretty For the second time since 2019, the Carolina Hurricanes reached the Eastern Conference final. And for the second straight time (and the third since 2009), they were swept in four games, this time by the underdog Florida Panthers. ESPN.com's Kristen Shilton [https://www.espn.com/nhl/insider/insider/story/_/id/36105915/offseason-nhl-plans-all-teams-free-agents-draft-plans] looked at what the off-season could hold for the Hurricanes. They have some big decisions to make regarding several pending free agents. Topping the list is sorting out their goaltending, as Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta are both eligible to become UFAs on July 1. Shilton speculates one or the other could be brought back to share the goaltending duties with promising Pyotr Kochetkev, who's not ready yet for full-time starter duties. Forwards Max Pacioretty, Paul Stastny, Jesper Fast and captain Jordan Staal are also slated to become UFAs this summer. Pacioretty was supposed to bolster their scoring but missed most of the season to injuries. Shilton observed the Hurricanes have room to grow and change throughout their lineup this summer. With the right moves, she believes they should remain among the NHL's best teams. Pacioretty might be given another opportunity with the Hurricanes. The Raleigh News & Observer's Chip Alexander [https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/article275776166.html] wrote that indications suggest they plan to re-sign the 34-year-old left winger. Staal could also return on an affordable short-term deal. CapFriendly [https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/hurricanes]indicates the Hurricanes have about $24.1 million in projected cap space for 2023-24 with 17 active roster players under contract. Alexander believes team owner Tom Dundon will spend to the cap to be a Cup contender next season. Adam Proteau [https://thehockeynews.com/news/three-areas-for-the-carolina-hurricanes-to-address-this-off-season] suggests using some of that cap space to get bigger and better on their forward lines. He suggested targeting a free agent such as Boston's Tyler Bertuzzi or Philadelphia's James van Riemsdyk.
