The Carolina Hurricanes have signed free agent defenseman Jake Gardiner to a four-year contract worth $16.2 million – a $4.05 million cap hit.
The 29-year old was drafted 17th overall in the 1st round of the 2008 draft by the Anaheim Ducks.
Carolina Hurricanes: Hurricanes GM Don Waddell after signing Gardiner.
“Jake is a solid veteran blueliner with a proven history of contributing offensively, including on the power play,” said Waddell. “He’s had options this summer, but ultimately decided that Carolina is his best fit, and we’re thrilled to have him here.”
Puck Pedia: Some of Gardiner’s numbers.
- 3G 30P in 62GP
- 61% 5v5 GF
- 53% Expected GF
- 51.5% Corsi
- 1.06 P/60
With Gardiner signed at 4 years x $4.05M we now show the Carolina Hurricanes #Canes above the upper limit by $1.55M with a projected cap hit of $83M
This is with a roster of 24 (limit is 23)
Two players are exempt from waivers: Svechnikov & Necashttps://t.co/UOwu0C674D pic.twitter.com/EMYvAnsUQN— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) September 6, 2019
Thoughts from the media
Luke DeCock: “That is a very crowded blue line all of a sudden.”
Tom Gulitti: “Justin Faulk and Trevor van Riemsdyk are potential UFAs next summer, but Canes blue line is a bit crowded at the moment with Slavin, Hamilton, Pesce, Faulk at their top four.”
Adam Gretz: “Carolina might have the best defense in the league. Aho and Teravainen are outstanding. Full season of Niederreiter. Svechnikov looking like he could blow up at any time. *squints* Just need that goaltending to hold up…”
Chris Wassel: “Well that isn’t fair. Steal and a half!”
Patrick Johnston: “Huge win for Carolina. Add a great player at an incredibly low price.”
Matt Larkin: “So does Gardiner signing nudge Justin Faulk out? Trade time?”
Luke Fox: “Four years x $4.05 million for Jake Gardiner in Carolina. Hurricanes’ defence, already good, just got deeper. Will be a steal if Gardiner stays healthy.”
James Mirtle: “Carolina was one of three teams close on Jake Gardiner over the last little while. A good fit, as they need a LD to eat some minutes. Very good value at $4-million.”
Lance Hornby: “Jake Gardiner, four years $16.2 million with Hurricanes. Couldn’t wait any longer for Dubas to pull a miracle with Leaf cap.”
Dom Luszczyszyn: “jake gardiner got less money and term than tyler myers this league is incredible”
Murat Ates: “1. The Hurricanes’ defence, though!
2. The price. Could easily be a value contract.
3. The time it took to get here, which I suppose must have influenced #2.
4. Trade coming? Or is this just how the “bunch of jerks” rolls these days.