It’s time for another batch of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the conclusion of the 2023-24 NHL season. However, that doesn’t mean the rumour mill has taken a break. The start of free agency on July 1st is upon us and there’s plenty to talk about. Judging by the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final, a certain type of player may be in demand. The Carolina Hurricanes have a pair of these players that are unrestricted free agents. This edition of NHL rumours looks at if these Hurricane skaters may score big in free agency.
All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Carolina Hurricanes Forwards Might Get Looks
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek on 32 Thoughts said that heavier forwards could be in demand this coming offseason. Both Stefan Noesen and Jordan Martinook were two names that were mentioned specifically.
Post-Game 1 32 Thoughts reaction, news and interview podcast.
Links to your preferred platform, here:https://t.co/io7Mr1QEpm
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 9, 2024
Analysis: It seems that more-rugged forwards are the type of player that will get looks this free agent period. Players like Matthew Tkachuk and other tough forwards might be the blueprint for a team. Friedman and Marek named Vancouver Canucks forward Dakota Joshua as the prized target this offseason. In contrast, the two insiders did mention a number of players that could get a second look this free agent period. William Carrier was another person that was named by Marek and Friedman.
All positions are going to be signed when free agency starts on July 1st. However, it seems the portable forward that can move up and down the lineup is one item that’s on a lot of teams’ shopping lists. Skaters that have a bit of everything to their game seem to be something that executives will go after in the summer.
Getting Heavy
Marek mentioned that pretty much everyone in the league can skate. This isn’t the old days where the big heavies were a bit slow. Conversely, having some “snarl” with their game is something that’s a desired trait. It seems that a combination of skill and grit is what most teams are desiring in the open market. The Florida Panthers have reached two straight Stanley Cup Final series thanks to their physical game. Players like Tkachuk seem to be what teams want when building a lineup.
The field has leveled a bit as Marek would further state. Having players that can play the heavy game is what could get a team over the top. Florida was able to lean on the skill players from the other teams and beat them.
The Canes Pair
Both Martinook and Noesen are players that can get physical when needed. The two players are also 31 years old, are over 6-feet tall and around 200 pounds. This seems to be the prototype that can shift up and down the lineup and play on any of the bottom-three lines.
Carolina is still looking for a general manager and could be in line for numerous changes. Does interim General Manager Eric Tulsky make an offer one or both of these veteran forwards? It’s a hard situation for Tulsky to be thrown into with the Canes roster looking to be in transition this offseason. Defencemen Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce are both slated to be UFAs in the offseason. The team also needs to solve its goalie situation sooner rather than later.
Players like Martinook and Noesen may not have much time left in Raleigh, North Carolina, but they should have no problem finding a new home if they hit the open market. These big-bodied veterans might be what a contender needs to play the game with the Panthers or other teams that can get a little rough on the ice.
Main photo by: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
