NHL Rumors: Insider speculates on Rod Brind'Amour's Hurricanes future, links him to $1.45 billion franchise

Rod Brind'Amour, the Canadian ice hockey coach and former player, is currently surrounded by rumors about his future with the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL. Insider Elliotte Friedman shared his thoughts on Brind'Amour's situation during an episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast.

Friedman explored the uncertainties surrounding Brind'Amour's future with the Hurricanes. He suggested a potential link to the New Jersey Devils, a franchise valued at $1.45 billion, according to Forbes.

Despite the speculation, Friedman acknowledged Rod Brind'Amour's apparent attachment to the Triangle region, where his family resides and is reportedly content.

"The feeling is he wants to stay there. His family's there. They're all happy there. I think what will bring them more is going to have to prove is that he really wants to leave. Now, that said, I think teams are going to ask." Friedman said.

However, Friedman said that other NHL teams are closely monitoring Brind'Amour's situation, recognizing his value as a coach and the potential opportunity his availability could present.

Specifically, Friedman mentioned the New Jersey Devils as a team likely to inquire about Brind'Amour should he become available.

"I think New Jersey will definitely ask, and I think everybody's going to look into it," Friedman said.

"I think immediately they're gonna get questions. What exactly is the case here? I will reiterate, though, Jeff. I think based on the best information I have, that they will work it out. But I don't think anyone's happy. It took this long. And, you know, we'll see what that means."

Rod Brind'Amour's contract with the Hurricanes is nearing its end. Since assuming the role of head coach in the 2018-19 season, Rod Brind'Amour has steered the Hurricanes to postseason contention each year.

His achievements were recognized in June 2021 when he signed a three-year contract extension and was awarded the prestigious Jack Adams Award, an honor reserved for the NHL's top head coach.

Rod Brind'Amour talks about Hurricanes playoff exit

Jordan Martinook and the Carolina Hurricanes were defeated in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference second round against the New York Rangers. The Hurricanes had a 3-1 lead going into the third period but it all fell apart due to Chris Kreider's hat trick in 8:58. This led to a 5-3 win for the Rangers.

Kreider’s first goal at 6:43 sparked the Rangers’ comeback, followed by a power-play goal and the eventual game-winner.

An empty-net goal sealed Carolina’s fate. Reflecting on the season, coach Rod Brind’Amour praised his team’s effort,

“This is a tough way to end a really good year. These guys played their butts off all year, but this is what you are going to remember, right? That’s the hard part," Brind’Amour said.

Rod Brind'Amour, like the team, shares the feeling of disappointment after another missed chance for the Hurricanes with playoff exit.