3 Carolina Hurricanes Not Expected Back Next Season

The Carolina Hurricanes usually leave a lot to be desired. The 'Canes have consistently been one of the best regular season hockey teams throughout the past decade, however, can't seem to get over the hump and win multiple playoff rounds.

This season, the Hurricanes didn't make a huge splash at the trade deadline, despite making trade offers for Vincent Trocheck, Brayden Schenn and Elias Pettersson. Look for changes this offseason, as GM Eric Tulsky will be looking to re-tool on the fly, regardless of how the team performs this spring.

Here's three Hurricanes who aren't expected back next season:

Frederik Andersen

Andersen is a pending free agent and frankly, his body is starting to feel the wear and tear of being one of the league's best goaltenders year over year. Andersen, 36, is very likely heading for retirement this summer, and if he winds up playing another NHL season, don't expect it to be in Carolina, as they have both Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov under contract for next season.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi

Talk about failed attempts to make a move, Kotkaniemi certainly tops the NHL's list, as the Hurricanes have tried to move him for over a year and a half. Kotkaniemi is signed through the 2030 season at $4.8 million AAV. The former top pick holds a 10-team no-trade list, and Carolina will have to retain some money, but that won't hold Tulsky back trying to facilitate a trade at the NHL Draft in June.

Mike Reilly

Rielly is one of the only Hurricanes defencemen who aren't under contract for next season. With a slew of prospects in the farm system, don't expect to see Tulsky re-sign Reilly, and look for the Hurricanes to let a couple of their top prospects fight it out for the seventh spot at training camp.

Photo credit:  James Guillory-Imagn Images