Carolina Hurricanes' 3 Worst Contracts of 2023-24

The Carolina Hurricanes have a very deep team in every aspect of their lineup, but aren't without a few bad contracts throughout. It's a good thing that nobody on the team is paid a ridiculous amount so that the Hurricanes are able to ice such a strong roster. These are the three worst contracts on the team this season.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Jesperi Kotkaniemi is still just 23 years old, but already in his sixth season in the NHL. A ton of expectations has been placed on him throughout his career and he isn't even in his prime yet. The young centerman still has a lot to learn, but because of his experience from a young age at the NHL level, more has been expected of him at this point. He was on an upward trajectory last season setting a career high in goals and points, but has fallen off again this season and is on the fourth line. At $4.8 million AAV, the Hurricanes are still hoping he can grow into that money sooner than later.

Dmitry Orlov

Dmitry Orlov has been good for the Hurricanes in the first of a two-year contract, but he is paid a lot more than he should for the role he plays. He got $7.75 million AAV because of how well he played for the Boston Bruins after being dealt there at the trade deadline, recording 17 points in 23 games and playing solid all around hockey. There just isn't enough playing time to go around to allow him to even come close to repeating that performance, and with how great the top-four is for the Hurricanes, Orlov is settled in on the third pairing playing 17 minutes a game. In comparison, he has 25 points in 70 games this season and doesn't play enough to warrant even over $4.5 million AAV this season, never mind over $3 million more than that.

Antti Raanta

It was a tough call deciding between Antti Raanta and Tony DeAneglo, but since Raanta has been sent down to the AHL twice this season and is the fourth string goalie now, the decision made itself. The once very good goaltender has a cap hit of $2 million AAV and is even behind a mid-season waiver wire pickup on the depth charts. Despite winning 12 games this season, he has a .874 SV% and the wins came because of the strong team in front of him.