The Carolina Hurricanes have locked in veteran forward Nicolas Deslauriers with a two-year agreement that will pay him $850,000 in the 2026-27 season and $900,000 the following year.
A Physical Presence Returns to Raleigh
The deal comes after the team acquired Deslauriers from the Philadelphia Flyers on March 6, 2026, a move that was part of a broader strategy to add grit and depth to the lineup.
In his limited stint with Carolina, Deslauriers posted a single assist in seven regular-season games and contributed a hard-hitting 33 penalty minutes in 24 appearances for the Flyers during the 2025-26 campaign.
Across 708 NHL games spread over multiple franchises, the 33-year-old has compiled 53 goals and 799 penalty minutes, underscoring a career defined by physical play and reliability.
Deslauriers’ journey to the Hurricanes began when he was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2009 NHL Draft, a pathway that eventually led him to Raleigh after stints with the Flyers and other clubs.
Eric Tulsky, a senior executive in the Hurricanes’ front office, was among those who highlighted the signing as a boost to the team’s defensive identity.
Coach Rod Brind’Amour, speaking after the announcement, emphasized that Deslauriers brings a veteran presence that can help younger players navigate the playoffs, especially as the Hurricanes look to build on their recent successes.
The contract reflects the Hurricanes’ willingness to reward experience while maintaining fiscal discipline, with the salary structure designed to fit within the team’s broader cap management plan.
Fans in Raleigh and across North Carolina have reacted positively, viewing the signing as a nod to the team’s blue-collar ethos and a promise of more hard-hitting hockey in the upcoming seasons.
With the new deal in place, the Hurricanes aim to solidify their forward depth and continue their push for a deep playoff run, leveraging Deslauriers’ physicality and veteran savvy.