The Carolina Hurricanes could not win the Stanley Cup in 2025. They have largely been successful over the last several years. Carolina has made the playoffs in each of the last seven seasons. In three of those seasons, they have made the Eastern Conference Finals.
Unfortunately, they have little to show for it. In fact, all they have is a singular win. The Hurricanes defeated the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the 2025 East Final. Beyond that, they have lost every East Final game under Brind’Amour, which works out to a record of 1-12.
This is not for a lack of trying by any means. In January, Carolina made a bold move when they traded for superstar winger Mikko Rantanen. Unfortunately, this did not work out, and Rantanen was eventually shipped to the Dallas Stars.
The search for a long-term superstar continues. Carolina does have several players who can produce at a high level. Sebastian Aho has the potential to produce at a point-per-game level, for instance. Seth Jarvis scored 32 goals this year, as well.
However, they have lacked a bona fide superstar for some time. Since relocating to Raleigh in the late 1990s, Carolina has exactly one 100-point scorer in its history. This was Eric Staal, who scored an even 100 points in 2005-06. Coincidentally, this was the only time Carolina won the Stanley Cup.
Adding a superstar is never easy, but this year, there is a realistic shot for the Hurricanes to do so. Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner is hitting NHL Free Agency on July 1. If he reaches the market as expected, Carolina should move heaven and Earth to sign him.
Mitch Marner Could Solve Hurricanes’ No. 1 Issue
Claus Andersen/Getty ImagesMitch Marner could represent the end of a long search for a superstar by the Carolina Hurricanes.
Marner has emerged over the last few seasons as an elite offensive presence. The Maple Leafs star recorded his first 100+ point season in 2024-25, as well. He scored 27 goals and 102 points during the regular season.
Over the last three seasons, he has scored the eighth-most points of any skater in the NHL, according to Evolving Hockey. Among these eight skaters, he ranks sixth in terms of points per game. He also ranks within the top-15 for Wins Above Replacement during this span.
Marner would immediately be the best player the Hurricanes have had in decades. He would become the face of their franchise almost from day one. And he could be the final piece of the puzzle on Carolina’s quest for the Stanley Cup.
Marner’s Postseason Efforts Could be Concerning
There is a common talking point around Marner and his free agency. The Maple Leafs star is one of the best players in the league during the regular season. However, once the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin, it’s a bit of a different story.
Marner can rack up points in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It isn’t as if he becomes a pumpkin in the postseason. In saying this, he struggles mightily when it comes to scoring goals. He has just eight goals in his last 50 playoff games.
The Hurricanes need a player like Marner. And there are some who believe he can thrive outside of Toronto. In saying this, his playoff performances need to be considered during contract negotiations. Especially if the Hurricanes are prepared to make him the highest-paid player in the NHL.
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