Gardiner on the free agent process and his back issue
Lance Hornby: Jake Gardiner said that his back issue from last season is 100 percent and that it was just “an unfortunate injury.”
He said that he had many one-year contract offers but was not interested in becoming an unrestricted free agent again next summer.
Gardiner wouldn’t comment on whether Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas was leaving a small window open for a potential return the Leafs.
Faulk back to the rumor mill
Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Don Waddell after signing Jake Gardiner.
“He’s a top-four defenseman who gives us some flexibility,” Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell.
The Hurricanes basically have five defensemen that are top-four worthy.
They can look to trade Justin Faulk if they are not able to re-sign him.
The Hurricanes had been talking with Gardiner for most of the summer. Gardiner’s asking price lowered as training camp approached and the Hurricanes moved in.
After the signing, the Hurricanes are now about $2 million over the cap ceiling with RFA Saku Maenalanen left to sign. James Reimer and his $3.13 million could be moved between the AHL and NHL. Trading Faulk or an extra forward is also an option.
Elliotte Friedman: With the Carolina Hurricanes signing defenseman Jake Gardiner, there will now be more uncertainty surround the future of defenseman Justin Faulk.
Pierre LeBrun: The Hurricanes did talk with Faulk’s camp this offseason about a contract extension but they couldn’t come to an agreement.
The Hurricanes have spoken with teams about Faulk. Not saying that he will get traded, but there is the definite possibility that it will happen.
Sara Civ: The Hurricanes had been looking at possibly moving Faulk dating back the NHL draft in June.
Was told as recently as three weeks ago that extending Faulk still isn’t off the table.
Reneau Lavoie: Faulk has a year left at a $4.83 million salary cap hit. Can expect Faulk’s name to come up in trade rumors.
Shawn Simpson: If a team were to acquire Faulk and extend him right away, it should increase his value.
The Montreal Canadiens could use someone like Faulk but doubtful the Hurricanes would trade him to Canadiens unless they overpaid.
Pesce back to the right side?
Cory Lavalette: Just speculation but signing Gardiner may push Brett Pesce back to the right side – his natural side. It also opens the door for a potential trade.