Hurricanes hope to re-sign both Mrazek, McElhinney
Carolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said the team hopes to re-sign pending unrestricted free-agent goaltenders Petr Mrazek and Curtis McElhinney, according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer.
Mrazek and McElhinney formed an unlikely, cost-efficient duo for the Canes this past season. Mrazek signed a one-year $1.5-million contract with the club last summer, and McElhinney was claimed off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs while riding out the last campaign of his two-year, $1.6-million pact.
Together, they gave Carolina much-needed reliable play between the pipes.
| Stat | Mrazek | McElhinney |
|---|---|---|
| Rec. | 23-14-3 | 20-11-2 |
| GAA | 2.39 | 2.58 |
| SV% | .914 | .912 |
| SO | 4 | 2 |
Both netminders are likely in line for raises after their stellar seasons.
If both are retained, it could signal the end of fellow goalie Scott Darling's time in Carolina. After acquiring Darling from the Chicago Blackhawks in April 2017, the Hurricanes signed him to a four-year, $16.6-million contract. However, he struggled mightily in 2017-18 and spent the bulk of this past season in the AHL.
Waddell said no decision has been made on whether the club will buy out the remainder of Darling's contract, according to Alexander.
It could be a very busy offseason in Carolina. The Hurricanes have more than $28 million in expected cap space, according to Cap Friendly, but star forward Sebastian Aho's projected new deal will likely eat up a large chunk of that. Waddell said he'll talk to Aho's agent within the next few days, according to Alexander.
Waddell added that the club is looking to extend defenseman Justin Faulk, who will hit unrestricted free agency after next season.