NHL

Carolina Hurricanes Create ‘Cornerstone’ Commitment To Re-Branded Seth Jarvis

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Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than three decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published01 Sep 2024

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NHL SETH JARVIS SIGNS DEAL (1)

Coming off a relatively successful, 40-point rookie campaign in 2021-22, Seth Jarvis was told by Carolina Hurricanes’ management to change.

Jarvis, one of the NHL’s top offensive prospects, received instructions to revamp his offseason conditioning. He needed to focus on improving his defensive skating and positioning.

“A lot of times, maybe a high-end guy comes in and didn’t have to be that,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said, as reported by The Athletic. “He’s got the puck all his life. Now you get to the NHL, you have the puck 10 percent of the time. So there’s 90 percent of the time that you weren’t really focused on, and now you’ve just gotta change your way of thinking while still maintaining all that other stuff that you have. That’s really the trick.”

Jarvis accepted the challenge and entered last season with a re-branded identity. His offensive opportunities dwindled, collecting 39 points despite appearing in 14 more games.

The Hurricanes’ front office witnessed a more complete player and rewarded the third-year forward with an eight-year, $63.2 million contract extension.

Hurricanes Make Seth Jarvis Long-Term Commitment  

Jarvis’ deal, which was announced Saturday, features $29.2 million in signing bonuses. The 22-year-old was a restricted free agent and general manager Eric Tulsky worked to lock up a “cornerstone player of our franchise.” 

Following a second summer refining his all-around game, Jarvis placed second on the club with 33 goals and 67 points last season, both career highs. He produced in all situations, securing 13 power-play goals, nine game-winning tallies and two short-handed markers. 

“He took another huge step last season, playing in all situations and displaying the skill and competitive drive that will make him a star in this league in the years to come,” Tulsky said via press release. 

Jarvis also proved his grit after suffering a torn labrum and rotator cuff early last season and was forced to wear protective gear.  

“I think it made me play a little more fearless, just knowing I could play through that kind of pain and still have success,” Jarvis told ESPN.

Jarvis Proves Postseason Toughness; Jesper Fast Lost For Season

Some may start taking Jarvis’ toughness for granted. 

In the 2024 playoffs, Jarvis suffered a broken finger in the first round against the New York Islanders, but remained in the lineup as Hurricanes topped the Islanders in the first-round series, 4-1, but fell in six games to the New York Rangers in the second round. Jarvis recorded a team-best five playoff goals. 

Attempting to build a strong core after losing regulars Jake Guentzel, Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei, Tulsky added Martin Necas and Jaccob Slavin. Coach Rod Brind’Amour also agreed to a new deal. 

With Jarvis locked up for the long term, the Hurricanes’ new GM confirmed the team had a new short-term concern. Jesper Fast likely will miss the entire season after undergoing neck surgery Aug. 6. 

 Fast, 32, injured his neck during the regular-season finale last April. He missed the postseason. 

When asked by ESPN what it was like to miss the postseason, Fast said: “It’s definitely one of the toughest periods in my career.” 

A bottom-six forward, Fast collected six goals among 19 points in 73 games last season. 

While Fast’s career remains in question, Jarvis’ enhanced skills led to time skating short-handed, helping the Hurricanes to a No. 2 ranking among the league’s penalty-killing units. 

“I love it,” Jarvis told The Athletic. 

Jarvis may have improved his 200-foot game, but he knows the offense is why he earned a cornerstone contract. 

“A lot of me wants to get 40 (goals), wants to get 50,” he said. “But it’s just a mentality I have that you may as well aim for as high as possible. 

“I think I can reach those levels and make that kind of impact.”