Hurricanes working to sign Andrei Svechnikov to extension

Carolina Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell told reporters on Thursday that the club is in contract extension discussions with 20-year-old top-line winger Andrei Svechnikov.

Svechnikov can become a restricted free agent after next season. 

According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Waddell said that he has "no doubt" Carolina will sign Svechnikov to an extension that could be a "bridge" agreement that bumps Svechnikov's pay leading to a long-term contract. Theoretically, that long-term deal would be signed at some point down the road.

Such a deal would allow the Hurricanes to save cash amid financial hardships caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  

Across 68 regular-season games, Svechnikov tallied 24 goals and 37 assists for 61 points. He had four goals and three assists in six postseason contests.