REPORT: Hurricanes Expected To Sign Defenseman Caleb Jones

Entering Thursday, the Carolina Hurricanes had less than $1 million in cap space, severely limiting their options on the free agent market.

That didn’t stop Don Waddell and the front office from strengthening their roster, as Carolina is expected to sign defenseman Caleb Jones, according to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.

Hearing UFA defenceman Caleb Jones is signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes. A little over league minimum.

— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) August 10, 2023

The deal is reportedly for one year with an AAV of $775,000.

Jones, who turned 26 in June, spent the last two seasons in Chicago alongside his brother, Seth, appearing in 124 games for the Blackhawks.

He played in a career-high 73 contests last season, recording four goals and 12 assists.

The Arlington, Texas native debuted in 2018 with Edmonton and would see action in 93 games with the Oilers over three seasons. Jones was a fourth-round selection of Edmonton in the 2015 NHL Draft.

While this signing may not move the needle for the Hurricanes, it may signify that a corresponding move is on the horizon.

Adding in Jones gives Carolina nine NHL defensemen on the roster, which at the very least, leaves multiple blue liners on the outside looking in.

Thursday’s transaction makes the second move in as many days for the Hurricanes, as they traded for forward David Kase from Philadelphia on Wednesday.