Buyout for former 3rd overall forward gaining steam

Although the Hurricanes may not be as star-studded as other teams in the Eastern Conference, they have depth and can pose a threat to anyone. However, one risky move hasn't paid off as hoped: the offer sheet they extended to then-Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi. He was supposed to be a key piece of their young core, but he hasn't lived up to the hype, scoring under 30 points in two of his three seasons with Carolina. Now, there are suggestions that GM Eric Tulsky might buy out the 24-year-old.

With the Hurricanes recently signing Martin Necas to a new deal and looking to extend rising star Seth Jarvis, they have the depth to replace Kotkaniemi. Buying out Kotkaniemi could make sense, and if they choose to do so, it would cost them:

This is much more manageable than his current eight-year deal with a $4.8 million annual cap hit. With the team seeking flexibility for potential trade deadline moves, buying out Kotkaniemi seems increasingly sensible in the coming days.

Source: Blade of Steel
Carolina Hurricanes forward likely to become prime cap casualty