Its Free Agency in Carolina! Big Trades, Depth Signings, Futures of UFA Veteran Defensemen

The Carolina Hurricanes made some big and perhaps unexpected moves on the opening day of Free Agency

Free Agency is in full swing, and the Carolina Hurricanes have stepped up to bat, adding several new talents and extending a beloved one. So why don’t we go over how they got here, why they got here, and how it could shake out when the time comes to drop the puck!

Who are the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2025 Free Agency Additions?

Cayden Primeau

On the evening before free agency, Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cayden Primeau was traded to the Hurricanes in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. The trade piqued the interest of many fans, due to the connection he already had to the Hurricanes via his father, Keith, who served as the team’s Captain in the 1998-99 season.

By the evening of July 1st, the restricted free agent signed a one-year, $775,000 contract, adding depth to Carolina’s depleting pool of goaltenders. Primeau is expected to be the third man in line for the net, a position he previously held with the Habs.

During his recent season in the AHL, he posted a save percentage of .927 and a goals against average of 1.96, the second and third best in the league, respectively.

Amir Miftakhov

A rumor floating around since April has finally come to fruition as goaltender Amir Miftakhov also signed a one-year, $775,000 contract.

Last season in the KHL, he managed a save percentage of .927% while his goals against average sat at 2.18. Standing at 6’1”, he is noted most for his speed and fearlessness at challenging shots. The 25-year-old goalie also has a little zest to his game, not afraid to mix it up.

Much like Primeau, Miftakhov has his own connection to the Hurricanes–this time in Andrei Svechnikov.

“He and I are like brothers”, Miftakhov said in a previous interview. “We’ll always help each other, always giving life advice, hockey advice. . .we call each other very often, despite our difference in time zones.”

Though he previously posted substandard numbers during his time in the AHL and ECHL as a prospect for the Tampa Bay Lightning, his two seasons with Ak Bars Kazan may have given him the polish he needed for a run with the Hurricanes and their affiliates.

Mike Reilly

Building their depth on the back end, the Hurricanes added left-handed defenseman Mike Reilly. With a team-friendly one-year contract worth $1.1M, the journeyman will most likely serve as their extra blueliner to step up if an injury occurs.

Last season was cut short for the ten-year veteran. In an early November game against the Buffalo Sabres, he received a concussion after coming down head-first onto the ice. Then, when medical personnel were evaluating his recovery, they discovered a heart condition that required surgery to repair.

He was given the go-ahead to return in March, helping the New York Islanders to a victory against the Florida Panthers in his first game back. Yay!

K’Andre Miller

Out of all the Hurricanes’ offseason moves, this is the one that has garnered the most attention, both good and bad. Hoo boy.

In only the sixth “sign-and-trade” deal in NHL history, the New York Rangers dealt K’Andre Miller to the Hurricanes. Initially an RFA, it was reported that the Hurricanes considered slapping an offer sheet at him, which ultimately developed into a trade (likely due to the Hurricanes lacking a third-round pick to give for compensation). With an eight-year contract worth $60M ($7.5M AAV), the Rangers sent him on his merry way to Carolina, while receiving Scott Morrow, a conditional first-round pick, and a 2026 second-round pick.

On the surface, the trade seemed to be a decent return for each team. However, many have criticised various aspects of the deal. From the term and price (which is more than their top defenseman, Jaccob Slavin, will make on his new contract), to the assets dealt, and even to Miller’s current abilities, a lot of individuals are left scratching their heads on this one.

However, considering the Hurricanes’ history in polishing the lackluster skills of players, Miller could grow into a highly reliable defenseman. He has some nastiness to his game, which the Hurricanes could stand to utilize. With an excellent reach at 6’5” and a quickness on his skates, coaches have some strong key points to work with as well.

Perhaps this isn’t the player fans wanted, but maybe it is just the one the Hurricanes needed.

Keep an open mind, y’all!

Logan Stankoven

Alright, Caniac Nation, you can breathe now.

Your favorite 5’8” left wing is going to be a Hurricane for a long time. On the morning of July 1st, before free agency even began, Logan Stankoven was given an eight-year extension worth $48M ($6M AAV). The 22-year-old forward will be 31 by the time it expires.

What Happens Next

I imagine the Hurricanes front office isn’t ready to start singing ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’ any time soon. While much of the free agent market has dried up, there are likely more targets that we may see gradually brought in over the summer.

But with all of the hype of new members, there will also be goodbyes.

Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky confirmed that Spencer Martin, who is pursuing a new opportunity, will not be returning, while Dustin Tokarski will not be re-signed as the Hurricanes are pushing towards a more youthful group. Additionally, Tulsky mentioned that both Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns are not expected to return. However, he did not shut the door on the idea of the blueliners making a comeback, saying that it “could change with a phonecall”.

Other players confirmed not to be returning to the organization are Anttoni Honka, Yaniv Perets, and Ty Smith, who became UFAs after the Hurricanes declined to tender them qualifying offers. Meanwhile, Riley Stillman signed with the Edmonton Oilers.