The Carolina Hurricanes have extended young forward Jeff Skinner to a six-year contract extension worth $34.35 million.
Skinner will receive $4,350,000 in 2013-14 and $6 million per season thereafter until the 2018-19 season. According to CapGeek.com, Skinner’s cap hit will be a $5,7250,000 starting next season.
“Jeff is a cornerstone player for our team, and his long-term commitment to the Hurricanes is great news for our franchise and our fans,” said general manager Jim Rutherford in a statement. “At 20 years old, he is still in the very early stages of his career, and we felt it was important to ensure he would be spending much more of it in Raleigh.”
Skinner was drafted in the first round, 7th overall by the Hurricanes in 2010. The 20 year-old forward from the Kitchner Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League began his NHL career in the 2010-2011 season. In 82 games played, Skinner netted 31 goals and added 32 assist for a remarkable 63 points. In his second season, last season, Skinner suffered a concussion that limited his play to only 64 games. Still, the talented young forward had 20 goals and 24 assists for 44 points. He is now healthy and expected to continue his top level play, looking to help the Hurricanes reach the post-season.
Carolina has not made the post-season since the 2008-2009 season, and have not won a Stanley Cup since 2005-2006. In part, the inability to string together more successful seasons was due to the lack of depth. Recently however, the team has acquired a few key off season acquisitions to not only increase their depth, but definitely bolster their offense.
The Hurricanes traded for younger brother Jordan Staal of current Captain Eric Staal. J. Staal played with the Pittsburgh Penguins last year, contributing 25 goals and assists for 50 points. The team also signed free agent Alexander Semin from the Washington capitals. Semin has a stigma about his work ethic, but has had 50 plus points in his last four seasons.
The Carolina Hurricanes have made a smart move, considering some teams are making ridiculous offers to restricted fee agents. This move, in conjunction with the other additions and the current roster, should bolster the team to a playoff spot and potentially a Stanley Cup contender.
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