What happened: Nicolas Deslauriers has signed a contract extension to remain with the Carolina Hurricanes, the team announced as the franchise celebrated its Stanley Cup championship. The former Philadelphia Flyers forward, known for his physical, fourth-line role, will stay in Carolina rather than test free agency. The signing was confirmed during the team's championship parade.

Why it matters: Locking up a veteran enforcer signals Carolina's intent to keep its depth and identity intact heading into the 2025-26 season as it defends the title. Role players like Deslauriers provide the toughness and bottom-six stability that championship rosters lean on. Retaining a known commodity also lets the front office focus its offseason resources elsewhere.

What to watch: Watch for how the Hurricanes round out the rest of their bottom six this offseason. Deslauriers' deal sets an early marker as Carolina builds its title-defense roster.