Raleigh, NC -- The Carolina Hurricanes had a busy first day of free agency.
The departure of Dougie Hamilton and the arrival of Tony DeAngelo are likely to grab the attention of casual fans. However, hardcore fans will note that the forward group underwent a shake-up today too.
Gone are both Brock McGinn and Warren Foegele.
McGinn Signs With Pittsburgh
To take the former first, McGinn signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. It's a four-year deal worth $2.75m/year.
McGinn, 27, was drafted in the second round by the Canes way back in 2012 and has spent his entire career within the organization.
A stalwart on the Canes PK unit, McGinn was typically first on the ice, along with Jordan Staal, to kill off opposing powerplays. His toughness, hustle, and workmanlike attitude made him a fan favorite in Carolina.
And oh yeah, he scored the game-seven double OT winner against Washington back in the 2019 playoffs.
Foegele Traded to Edmonton
While McGinn moved on as part of free agency, Foegele was moved in a trade.
Once it was clear that Dougie Hamilton wasn't staying in Carolina, Don Waddell pulled the trigger on a trade to bring Ethan Bear to Raleigh. The trade bait Waddell used to entice Edmonton? Warren Foegele.
Ironically enough, Foegele also had a standout performance in the first-round series against Washington back in 2019.
A third-round pick by the Canes back in 2014, Foegele has put up decent numbers for the Canes, typically playing a bottom-6 role. He's also killed penalties and filled in on the top two scoring lines when needed.
At 25, Foegele was entering restricted free agency with arbitration rights. In Edmonton, Foegele should find a better chance at cracking the top-6 forward group. In return, Carolina got some help at RD, which is much needed after Hamilton's departure.
Martinook Stays in Carolina
After losing so many familiar faces (Hamilton, Nedeljkovic, McGinn, Mrazek, Foegele), it came as a surprise to see Carolina extend Jordan Martinook.
Certainly, some of the appeal for the Carolina front office was Martinook's modest contract: three years at $1.8m/year.
While McGinn took home a $10m+ contract over four years, Martinook's $5.6m over three years was more to Don Waddell and Tom Dundon's liking.
Martinook, 29, has served as an alternate captain for Carolina and will likely continue that role next season.
Full press release from the Carolina Hurricanes:
RALEIGH, NC - Don Waddell, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with forward Jordan Martinook on a three-year contract. The deal will pay Martinook an average annual value (AAV) of $1.8 million.
"Jordan has played a tremendous part in helping to change the culture of our organization over the past three years," said Waddell. "He's an asset to our team and our community, and we're a tougher team to play against with him on the ice."
Martinook, 29, recorded 13 points (4g, 9a) in 44 games during the regular season and added three assists in 11 playoff games with the Hurricanes in 2020-21. The 6'1", 204-pound forward ranked fifth on the team with 90 hits last season and ranks second on the team in hits since 2018-19. Martinook was also named an alternate captain prior to the start of the 2019-20 season. The Brandon, Man., native has registered 51 points (20g, 31a) in 171 games with Carolina during the regular season and tallied 10 points (2g, 8a) in 29 playoff games since 2018-19. Originally drafted by Arizona in the second round, 58th overall, of the 2012 NHL Draft, Martinook was acquired by the Hurricanes from the Coyotes on May 3, 2018, with a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft (Luke Henman) in exchange for Marcus Kruger and a third-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft (Ty Emberson).
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