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The Carolina Hurricanes have taken a decisive step toward securing their future by locking down rising star Logan Stankoven with a monumental eight-year, $48 million contract extension. Announced on Tuesday, the deal averages $6 million per season and will officially kick in on July 1, 2026. With this extension, the 22-year-old forward is set to remain in Raleigh through the 2033–34 NHL season—solidifying a long-term commitment from both sides.
A trade deadline gamble that paid off
Stankoven arrived in Carolina Hurricanes as part of a significant trade deadline move on March 7, which sent Mikko Rantanen the other way. The young forward made an immediate impression, posting five goals and nine points in just 19 regular-season games. His impact deepened in the playoffs, where he contributed five goals and eight points across 15 postseason contests.
Slotting into a productive third-line role alongside veterans Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook, Logan Stankoven showcased a mature, gritty, two-way game. Though listed at just 5'8", 170 pounds, he played with a ferocity that belied his size—a hallmark of his Western Hockey League roots.
Rising role and long-term vision
Despite averaging just over 15 minutes of ice time per game during the regular season, Stankoven's presence is expected to grow. With opportunities looming on the second power-play unit and even in the top six, his role will likely expand significantly by the time his new deal activates.
The Carolina Hurricanes’ front office clearly sees Logan Stankoven as a cornerstone of their franchise.
“From the moment he arrived in Raleigh, it was clear to us that Logan was a Hurricane,” said general manager Eric Tulsky. “We’re thrilled that he agrees and is committed to being a big part of this organization long term.”
A perfect fit for Carolina Hurricanes' future
The contract aligns perfectly with the Hurricanes' long-term strategy. By securing Stankoven before his breakout seasons potentially drive up his value, the team has set themselves up for future salary cap flexibility. With the cap projected to exceed $104 million in the coming seasons, a $6 million annual hit for a player of Stankoven’s caliber could prove to be one of the savviest signings in the league.
Stankoven himself expressed nothing but enthusiasm for staying in Carolina. “First class for sure. I’ve enjoyed every minute of being here. The people within the organization and my teammates—I think I’ve been able to create a really good bond with everyone here. I love the city and just kind of the vibes around it,” he said during exit interviews.
Building around a talented core
Logan Stankoven joins a young, talented core that includes Seth Jarvis, Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, Scott Morrow, and Alexander Nikishin. With such depth and youth on their roster, the Carolina Hurricanes are positioning themselves to be perennial contenders well into the next decade.
The Stankoven extension is not just a player retention story—it’s a message. Carolina is all-in on building a championship team, and this move marks a significant step in that journey.
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