Carolina Hurricanes Expected To Take Run At Marner In Free Agency

1 week ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors  /  Read Time: 1 minute 31 seconds

The Carolina Hurricanes have not been shy with making big moves in the season or the offseason to acquire stars. That very well may continue in the summer as their attempt to upgrade in a major way didn't go as planned and the team had to settle with Logan Stankoven, two first-round picks, and two third-round picks by sending Mikko Rantanen away to Dallas after trading for him earlier.The Hurricanes are going to have a lot of cap space to work with and are looking for a star to stick around. According to Pierre LeBrun, Carolina is expected to pursue Mitch Marner if he becomes a free agent this year.This won't be as easy as it sounds. While the Hurricanes may have a lot of cap space available this summer, they have a reputation for not wanting to spend big. It wasn't the fit that forced the team's hand in trading Rantanen away before the deadline, and according to the player, he was willing to sign. Marner is going to demand a lot of money and a long-term deal. The Hurricanes have committed to other players, but the highest cap hit on their team is Sebastian Aho's $9.75 million AAV. Marner is going to well exceed that.If Carolina isn't willing to pony up and off something attractive in terms of money, the situation in Carolina isn't enough for what will be the most sought after free agent on the market if he gets there.The longer the Toronto Maple Leafs go without signing Marner, the worse it looks for them and the better it looks for the Hurricanes. Marner reportedly thought about it when asked if he'd want to go to Carolina. Someone who is committed to Toronto and what they have built and could accomplish would have an answer right away.Maybe there is too much star power in Toronto and the spotlight is too bright. Carolina is a quieter place to play and Marner would fly more under the radar. The Hurricanes better be willing to pay if they are going to sign anyone significant, especially Marner this offseason. If not, they should still be good, but will miss out on a big star that doesn't come around very often.Photo credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images...

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