The Carolina Hurricanes have more than a few needs heading into free agency today.
With the team set to lose nearly all of their UFAs at noon, the Hurricanes front office is going to need to work diligently to start plugging those holes.
The obvious needs for the team are one or two bottom pair defensemen, two to three middle six wingers and potentially a second line center as well, although who isn't looking for one of those all the time.
Despite the official opening of free agency being slated for noon, many players have already been linked to teams with full contracts already worked out so it's simply a waiting game until the floodgates open.
Let's take a look at some options on the blueline:
Defensemen Options
- Brady Skjei - LD, 30 (CAR)
Skjei is a high-end, two-way defenseman that has proven he fits very well within the Hurricanes' system.
His scoring may have priced him out of Carolina, but if the Canes can find a way, you'd love to keep him around.
- Tony DeAngelo - RD, 28 (CAR)
DeAngelo proved he can still fit within the Hurricanes' system.
Despite not playing much during the regular season, he came in during the playoffs and played dependable, solid hockey.
Both sides would be open to another year together.
- Oliver Kylington - LD, 27 (CGY)
Kylington took a long break from hockey to focus on his mental health last year and part of this season.
Before that though, he scored nine goals and had 31 points in Calgary and there's still a lot to like about this player.
- Alec Martinez - LD, 36 (VGK)
Martinez is a real hardened vet who's still playing well despite his age.
He's a guy who's responsible in his own end and can act as both a mentor for a younger partner and a dependable rock.
- TJ Brodie - LD, 34 (TOR)
Brodie had a really bad year in Toronto this past season, but before that he had a track record as one of the top defensive defensemen in the league.
That talent may still be in there and it's a potential buy-low option.
- Erik Brannnstrom - LD, 24 (OTT)
It's hard to live in the shadow of an elite player as Brannstrom has, being that he was a key piece in the Mark Stone trade.
Despite not being qualified by Ottawa, the Swede had strong underlying results in sheltered minutes and could see improvements with a coaching staff like the Canes have.
- Brenden Dillon - LD, 33 (WPG)
Dillon is a very physical defender who loves to lay hits. Could be a nice depth piece and physical deterrent for Carolina.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson - LD, 32 (FLA)
After being bought out by Vancouver, OEL took his talents to South Beach and won a cup with the Panthers.
Still a lot of talent left in the tank.
- Erik Gustafsson - LD, 32 (NYR)
Gustafsson looked to be on his way out of the league a few years ago but really turned his game around in the last two.
Steady offensive contributions.
- Sebastian Aho - LD, 28 (NYI)
I just think the chaos of it all would be hilarious.
- Lucas Carlsson - LD, 26 (FLA)
Carlsson hasn't played much in the NHL over the last three years, but he's been the AHL's top scoring blueliner in each of the last two seasons.
That's a guy that might be worth a small gamble.
- Calen Addison - RD, 24 (SJS)
Carolina had interest in Addison earlier last season and apparently had a deal in place to send Tony DeAngelo to Minnesota before the 24-year-old blueliner was sent to San Jose