The Hurricanes would like Mrazek and McElhinney back and an Aho deal done sooner than later
Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell said they would look into bringing back both pending UFA goaltenders Petr Mrazek and Curtis McElhinney.
Pending free agent forward Justin Williams said he’ll take some time with his family before deciding if he’ll retire or not.
Restricted free agent center Sebastian Aho will eat a bit of their salary cap. They had one of the lowest in the league last year.
They could talk contract extension with Justin Faulk who has a year left on his deal.
Both Aho and the Hurricanes would like to do a long-term deal and have it done sooner than later.
“We’ll see where they’re at at this point,” Waddell said. “The end goal is we’re going to get him signed and I hope it’s not something we’re still here talking about in August and September.”
Cory Lavalette: GM Waddell said they hope to bring back both Mrazek and McElhinney. Alex Nedeljkovic doesn’t require waivers next year so the three of them could work. If they only bring back one, Nedeljkovic could be ready for more NHL time.
Hurricanes and Faulk to talk contract extension
Kurt Dusterberg of NHL.com: The Hurricanes will talk with Mrazek and McElhinny but they may also want to see what other options could be out there.
“We’re under the feeling that we would like to have both of them back,” Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said Tuesday. “Saying that, they both have the right to be unrestricted free agents. We will begin shortly talking to their representation, but our goal would be to bring them both back if we could.”
Waddell said earlier this week that they haven’t made any decision on Scott Darling. Darling has two years left on his deal at a $4.15 million salary cap hit.
The Hurricanes won’t be looking to re-sign Micheal Ferland before the start of free agency. After July 1st Waddell said they could circle back.
Justin Faulk is eligible for a contract extension after July 1st, and Waddell called his agent already.
“I actually put a call in to his representation this morning,” Waddell said. “We will talk to him and see what he is thinking. He had a great year for us this year. He was solid back there. We’d like to extend him.”