The Carolina Hurricanes recently fortified their defensive depth by signing Riley Stillman to a new contract, a move aimed at bolstering their roster ahead of the upcoming NHL season. The defenseman inked a one-year, two-way deal with a salary cap hit of $775,000 for the 2024-25 season. This contract structure allows for flexibility, as Stillman’s salary in the minors is set at $150,000, ensuring he receives a guaranteed $350,000 regardless of where he plays.
General Manager Eric Tulsky highlighted Stillman’s strengths, describing him as a dependable player known for his competitiveness and penalty-killing abilities. Tulsky emphasized Stillman’s experience at both the NHL and AHL levels, underlining his potential to enhance the Hurricanes’ defensive depth significantly.
Stillman’s career has seen him traverse several NHL teams over the past five seasons. Initially drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2016, he spent two seasons with them before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in April 2021. His tenure with the Blackhawks saw him play a career-high 52 games during the 2021-22 season, where he achieved personal bests with two goals and 12 points. Following stints with the Vancouver Canucks and the Buffalo Sabres, Stillman continued to refine his skills, accruing a total of 158 NHL games, contributing four goals and 22 assists over his career.
Beyond his NHL contributions, Stillman has also made significant strides in the AHL, amassing nine goals and 23 assists in 136 games, further underscoring his versatility and experience in professional hockey.
Before turning pro, Stillman enjoyed junior hockey success with the Hamilton Bulldogs, where he clinched the OHL Championship in 2018, showcasing his early promise and potential.
Carolina’s signing of Stillman marks another step in solidifying their roster for the upcoming season. With 38 standard player contracts already secured and over $14.6 million in projected salary cap space, the Hurricanes are strategically positioning themselves to compete effectively in the Metropolitan Division.
The broader landscape of the NHL’s free agency has been equally dynamic, with significant moves reshaping team rosters across the league. Notable signings include forward Sam Reinhart’s lucrative contract extension with the Florida Panthers, securing his services for an extended period. Other impactful deals include Steven Stamkos’ move to the Nashville Predators and Jake Guentzel’s signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning, signaling substantial investments in proven talent to bolster their respective lineups.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers have been active in shoring up their roster depth, recently signing forward Anthony Richard to a two-year, two-way contract. Richard brings with him a wealth of experience from the AHL and NHL, having showcased his scoring prowess and versatility throughout his career.
In contrast, the Columbus Blue Jackets opted to bring back veteran defenseman Jack Johnson on a one-year deal, highlighting their focus on adding experience and stability to their defensive corps. Johnson’s return to Columbus underscores his familiarity with the organization and his proven track record as a reliable defenseman over the years.
Additionally, the Detroit Red Wings secured forward Tyler Motte on a one-year contract, further illustrating teams’ strategic moves to augment their rosters with seasoned players capable of making immediate impacts.
These signings reflect ongoing efforts by NHL teams to balance their rosters with experienced veterans and promising young talent, all while navigating the complexities of salary cap management and player acquisitions. As the offseason progresses, teams will continue to refine their lineups in preparation for the upcoming season, aiming to achieve a competitive edge in a tightly contested league landscape.
Overall, Stillman’s signing with the Hurricanes serves as a testament to the team’s commitment to enhancing its defensive depth, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead filled with promise and potential in the NHL.
