3 Priority Contract Extensions for the Carolina Hurricanes This Season

As we draw closer to the start of the 2026-27 season, there have been a plethora of moves since the start of the new calendar year for the NHL. Between trades, signings, rumors, etc., there is no dull moment in the offseason. Regarding the Carolina Hurricanes, it’s been relatively quiet. That said, some players on the roster are eligible for contract extensions. Which three players could get one before July 1, 2027?

Jordan Martinook

One of the names that makes the most sense is forward and ultimate hype man, Jordan Martinook. He is entering the final year of his three-year, $9.23 million deal, with an average annual value (AAV) of $3.12 million. According to AFP Analytics, he is projected to sign a two-year, $3.434 million AAV deal ($6.868 million overall).

The 33-year-old Brandon, Manitoba native will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA) when the deal ends on July 1. While he will be 34 by the time it ends, a two- or even a three-year deal makes sense for the first player acquired under owner Tom Dundon. Even if the AAV reaches $3.5 million or even $4 million, it’s well deserved for Martinook, who’s been part of the Hurricanes’ turnaround in Raleigh.

During the 2025-26 season, Martinook tallied 12 goals and 29 points in 77 games and was a plus-6 on the top shutdown line. While he did not play on the power play, he had three shorthanded goals and three game-winning goals for Rod Brind’Amour’s side. He also averaged 14:50 of ice time throughout the season.

During the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Martinook had two goals and five points in 19 games, en route to his first-ever Stanley Cup. One of the things that will be remembered from the playoff run for Martinook was his double-overtime game-winning goal in Game 2 of Round 1 against the Ottawa Senators. If not for his clutch goal in Game 2, who knows how that series would have played out.

For someone who’s stuck around for the last eight seasons and is now a Stanley Cup champion, it makes sense to see him finish his career in Raleigh. He is well-loved by the organization, his teammates, and the Caniacs. When “Marty” begins to heat up, it’s always a party in the 919. Even when there is no more “Mista Svechnikov” being shouted before every game, the hype is always there.

When it comes down to it, Martinook should retire as a Hurricane. Whether it’s a two- or three-year extension, a deal needs to get done before he’s a UFA next July 1.

Shayne Gostisbehere

When it comes to the blue line, one of the two guys who needs an extension is Shayne Gostisbehere. “Ghost” is entering the final year of his three-year, $3.2 million AAV deal. After signing with the Detroit Red Wings in 2023-24, the Hurricanes brought Gostisbehere back in 2024-25, and he’s been a huge part of the team since returning.

During the 2025-26 season, he tallied 13 goals and 50 points in 55 games. If he were not out of the lineup due to four different injuries, he would have beaten Brent Burns’ single-season point record for a Hurricanes defenseman (61). Heading into the 2026-27 season, he could be slotted on the third defensive pairing with Alexander Nikishin, barring any contract extensions with the Russian defenseman. If he manages to stay healthy and play around 80 to 84 games, he could easily set the new point record in Hurricanes history.

According to AFP Analytics, Gostisbehere is projected to sign a three-year, $5.297 million AAV deal ($15.892 million overall). While he will be 34 when the current deal expires, the 33-year-old Pembroke Pines, FL native is another player who should retire with the Hurricanes. He has been a key part of the power play during his tenure in Raleigh and is still someone who can be relied upon to quarterback the top unit. Furthermore, he is one of the leaders in the locker room, even if he doesn’t have a letter on his sweater.

The way he plays the game fits the Hurricanes’ system well, and Gostisbehere can be someone who can help lead the next crop of defensemen in the system. With Charles Alexis Legault, Joel Nystom, and others in the system who have the promise to be part of the next core, they could learn from someone like Gostisbehere. Furthermore, the AAV still gives the Hurricanes room in the future, especially with the cap being at $104 million for the 2026-27 season, and is projected to go up to $113.5 million next season.

As of now, Gostisbehere staying in Raleigh past this upcoming season makes sense for the long and short-term. Just like Martinook, he should finish his career in Carolina.

Jalen Chatfield

The last player the Hurricanes should prioritize signing to an extension is defenseman Jalen Chatfield. He is entering the final year of his three-year, $3.025 million AAV deal. The 30-year-old Ypsilanti, MI native will be a UFA on July 1 along with Gostisbehere, Martinook, Jordan Staal, and Pyotr Kochetkov. During the 2025-26 season, he had two goals and 17 points in 72 games, along with a plus-15.

While he missed some time due to a concussion, Chatfield had a solid season overall, bouncing between the top four of the defense. Throughout the season, he was paired up with Jaccob Slavin and K’Andre Miller, showcasing his speed and why he’s important for the Hurricanes in certain situations. After getting significant time with the roster since 2022-23, Chatfield has been a big part of the Hurricanes’ blue line.

Per AFP Analytics, he is projected to sign a four-year, $4.832 million AAV deal ($19.331 million overall). While he will be 31 years old by the time the current deal ends, a four-year extension makes sense to carry him until he is 35. His speed and skating ability have proven to help the Hurricanes offensively and in transition from their zone to the attacking zone. Plus, his backchecking ability has negated a lot of rush chances for opponents over the last few seasons.

While there are players like Legault, Nystrom, and others in the pipeline, having guys they are familiar with in Chatfield, and even Gostisbehere, makes sense. Those two guys were part of the 2026 Stanley Cup championship team and are on the younger side of 30, plus their AAVs are reasonable. By bringing back Chatfield, along with Gostisbehere, the defensive core that won a Cup could give the Hurricanes more opportunities to win more titles in this current window.

However it plays out, it’ll be interesting to see what general manager Eric Tulsky and the Hurricanes front office do during the 2026-27 season. While they have to worry about the present and the future, they are in a solid spot overall with prospects and a current roster that’s all intact after winning a Stanley Cup. It just comes down to how many guys return for 2027-28, especially with five currently in the final year of their deals. It’ll be something to watch over the course of the NHL’s first-ever 84-game regular season.