As July 1 rapidly approaches, NHL teams are deciding on how best to address their pending free agents. Who stays and who goes is not always an easy decision for various reasons. Many times it’s not that the team doesn’t want the player, but simply that they cannot afford them. This leads to a priority list that General Managers have to work through. Unfortunately, fan favourites and impactful players end up on the outside looking in. This edition of NHL Rumours looks at the Carolina Hurricanes facing one of those situations.
NHL Rumours
Teuvo Teravainen Likely Heading to Free Agency
Rumour: David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period provides that unless a last minute offer surfaces Teuvo Teravainen is likely to hit free agency.
Analysis: While Teuvo Teravainen may not be at the top of the potential free agents list, there is no secret that he is a talented and impactful player. Originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Teravainen came to Carolina via trade in 2016 as part of a cap dump of Bryan Bickell‘s contract. After winning a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks, Teravainen was looking at a new opportunity with a Carolina team hoping to progress back into the playoff picture.
With Carolina, Teravainen has fit well and been impactful. His best season came in 2018-19 when he hit 76 points (21 goals, 55 assists). But he also managed to eclipse the 60 point mark two other times. After a down year in 2022-23, he rebounded this past season with 25 goals and 28 assists. At the beginning of the season he was one of Carolina’s best players.
As a player, Teravainen has a pretty quiet but impactful game. Known more for his hockey IQ and playmaking ability, Teravainen also possesses a quick snap shot that can surprise many goalies. He can play both sides of the ice and in all situations. Carolina used him on essentially every line at some point as well as the power play and penalty kill. Usually partnering with fellow Finn Sebastian Aho, Teravainen was a sneaky penalty killer. He ended the year with one shorthanded goal and four shorthanded points.
Looking Forward
While Teravainen has struggled with some injuries and may not be a 76 point player anymore, he is still an impactful player that Carolina will miss if he walks. There is something to be said about building chemistry and at times his chemistry with Aho was incredible. But ultimately this is the business and tough decisions are made. With Carolina seemingly focusing on their big name UFA Jake Guentzel, Teravainen’s price may be too much for the Hurricanes. As hard as it will be to see him go, Carolina will have to use this offseason as an opportunity to re-tool and figure out how they want to march forward.
Teravainen has only played his NHL career with Chicago and Carolina. This would be the first time he has tested a new home in free agency. Wherever he goes will likely provide a higher salary than Carolina could offer due to cap constraints. But, no matter how things look you never really know what will happen. Could we see Carolina pull out a “midnight deal” to keep Teravainen? Looking a little like no but this time of year the sky is the limit with unexpected turns.
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
