Carolina Hurricanes: Best Addition & Worst Subtraction Of 2025 NHL Offseason

The NHL season is just about here, which is undoubtedly exciting news for hockey fans. Due to this, we here at NHL Trade Rumors will be starting a series looking at each team's best addition and worst subtraction of the 2025 NHL off-season.

In this latest edition of the series, the Carolina Hurricanes will be the club discussed.

Best Addition: Nikolaj Ehlers

The Hurricanes made a major splash this summer when they signed star winger Nikolaj Ehlers to a six-year, $51 million contract in free agency. He is now expected to be a major part of the Hurricanes' top six as they look to win their first Stanley Cup since 2006. In 69 games last season with the Winnipeg Jets, he recorded 24 goals, 39 assists, 63 points, and a plus-14 rating.

Worst Subtraction: Dmitry Orlov

The Hurricanes lost a notable defenseman from their blueline this summer, as Dmitry Orlov signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the San Jose Sharks in free agency. In 76 games last season with the Hurricanes, the veteran defenseman posted six goals, 22 assists, 28 points, and a plus-16 rating. Overall, he had a solid year for the Canes. However, the Hurricanes also acquired defenseman K'Andre Miller this offseason, so they found a good replacement for Orlov.