Hurricanes Solidify Center Depth With Mark Jankowski Contract Extension

There seems to be a trend for the Carolina Hurricanes when it comes to signing contract extensions. Last season, they signed Frederik Andersen and Taylor Hall to extensions during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Following their Round 2 sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2026 Playoffs, they announced on Monday, May 11, the extension of center Mark Jankowski. What does it mean for both sides following the announcement?

Two More Seasons of Jankowski

After being acquired in a trade with the Nashville Predators during the 2024-25 season, Jankowski seemed to fit in seamlessly with the Hurricanes. In the second year of his current two-year deal, the Hamilton, ON native tallied 11 goals and 21 points, while being a plus-7. During the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he has one assist but should also have two goals, but they were taken off the board.

On Monday, the deal was announced as a two-year, $3.7 million extension, which will keep Jankowski in Carolina through the 2027-28 season. The average annual value (AAV) will be $1.85 million over the next two seasons. He will be 33 years old when the contract expires, making him an unrestricted free agent. Following the announcement, general manager Eric Tulsky stated, “Mark has been an excellent fit for our organization throughout his time here. He’s proven he can contribute in different ways, and we are glad he’s chosen to remain with the organization.”

What helps Jankowski is the versatility he brings to the Hurricanes’ roster for head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Throughout his time in Raleigh, he has played 5-on-5, the penalty kill, and even the power play at times. Brind’Amour, along with assistants Jeff Daniels and Tim Gleason, is not afraid to play the 6-foot-4 forward in any situation. He has proven time after time how his size benefits the Hurricanes. His height, reach, physicality, and sneaky scoring touch have been pivotal at times.