Hurricanes Cap Advantage Shapes 2026 Offseason Path

Carolina enters free agency with nearly $12 million in projected salary-cap space following their Stanley Cup victory.

Hurricanes Retain Most of Their Core

The Hurricanes have 13 of their 14 forwards under contract for 2026-27, five of seven defensemen and two of three goaltenders according to PuckPedia. Fifteen players already carry contracts beyond the coming season, limiting any need for a rebuild. Eric Tulsky therefore faces only incremental decisions rather than wholesale roster surgery.

Frederik Andersen becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1 while Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov remain under contract. The 36-year-old netminder could therefore be the odd man out if the club elects to carry only two goalies. Alexander Nikishin, a 24-year-old restricted free agent without arbitration rights, is not guaranteed a roster spot despite his development.

Last summer’s major addition of Nikolaj Ehlers already addressed a top-six need. Kristen Shilton of ESPN reported that Tulsky is unlikely to pursue another large free-agent splash and will instead focus on smaller roster adjustments.

Golden Knights Confront Severe Cap Constraints

Vegas projects only $4.625 million in cap room for 2026-27 while needing more than $14 million to retain Rasmus Andersson and Pavel Dorofeyev. Andersson is a pending unrestricted free agent and Dorofeyev is a restricted free agent coming off consecutive 30-goal seasons, making him a potential offer-sheet target.

The club can exceed the cap by 10 percent in the offseason but must be compliant when the regular season begins in October. Alex Pietrangelo’s placement on long-term injured reserve could generate $8.8 million in relief, yet that amount alone may prove insufficient.

Adin Hill carries five years remaining on his contract at a $6.25 million average annual value and holds a 10-team no-trade list. Ryan S. Clark of ESPN noted that Hill’s recent performance issues could still attract interest from teams seeking an experienced starter, potentially creating the necessary cap space.

Trade and Signing Scenarios Ahead

The Golden Knights must decide whether to move Hill or another veteran before free agency opens to create meaningful room. Without additional relief, the team risks losing Dorofeyev to an offer sheet or failing to re-sign Andersson entirely. Carolina, by contrast, can address any remaining gaps without compromising future flexibility.

Tulsky’s measured approach preserves the core that just captured the Cup. Vegas faces the opposite reality: multiple contracts must leave before both pending free agents can stay.