Hurricanes Extend Mark Jankowski’s Deal Amid Playoff Sweep

The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Monday that forward Mark Jankowski has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $1.85 million, covering the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. The deal was finalized during the team’s break between the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs, after the Hurricanes became the first club to sweep both rounds since the league adopted best-of-seven series for all four rounds in 1987.

Hurricanes sign Mark Jankowski to two-year, $3.7M contract extension

Jankowski was acquired from the Nashville Predators on March 7, 2025 in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound forward immediately assumed centering duties on Carolina’s fourth line, supplanting Jesperi Kotkaniemi. His responsibilities have expanded to include penalty-kill duties and occasional power-play deployment, and he has won more than 51 % of his face-offs since joining the Hurricanes.

Hurricanes sign Mark Jankowski to two-year extension

A first-round selection (21st overall) by the Calgary Flames in the 2012 NHL Draft, Jankowski spent four seasons at Providence College, winning the NCAA championship in 2015. He has appeared in 482 regular-season NHL games, tallying 79 goals and 66 assists for 145 points, and added four points in 31 playoff contests with Calgary, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Nashville, and Carolina. In the 2025-26 season he recorded 11 goals, 10 assists (21 points) and a +7 plus/minus rating in 68 games, averaging just over 11 minutes of ice time per night. During the current postseason he logged one assist in eight games, contributed 17.6 % of his minutes on the penalty kill (ranking fifth among Hurricanes forwards when short-handed), and saw two overtime goals overturned on video review.

Canes Sign Mark Jankowski To Two-Year ExtensionHurricanes sign Mark Jankowski to two-year extensionJankowski signs 2-year, $3.7 million contract with Hurricanes

The extension doubles Jankowski’s salary from $800,000 (his 2025-26 salary) to $1.85 million per season, providing financial security through 2027-28. The agreement replaces his expiring two-year, $800,000-per-year contract with the Predators.

Hurricanes sign Mark Jankowski to two-year extension

Jankowski’s versatility—providing secondary scoring, reliable face-off performance, and strong penalty-kill minutes—bolsters the Hurricanes’ depth as they prepare for the Eastern Conference Final against either the Montreal Canadiens or the Buffalo Sabres. His presence on the fourth line allows the top three lines to maintain offensive pressure while preserving defensive stability.

Hurricanes sign Mark Jankowski to two-year, $3.7M contract extension

General manager Eric Tulsky said Jankowski has been an “excellent fit” for the organization and contributes in multiple ways, expressing satisfaction that the player chose to remain in Raleigh. Jankowski emphasized his seamless integration with the team, noting that the extension feels like recognition of his hard work while reaffirming his commitment to stay focused and avoid complacency.

Hurricanes re-sign Jankowski to 2-year extension

No dissenting commentary or criticism of the extension appears in the available sources.

Hurricanes sign Mark Jankowski to two-year, $3.7M contract extension

All sources consistently report the contract’s AAV ($1.85 million), duration (two years), and Jankowski’s 2025-26 statistics; no discrepancies were identified.

ESPN

• “Ever since I've been here, I felt like it was a seamless fit and I wanted to stay here,” — Mark Jankowski, forward, Carolina Hurricanes

ESPN

• “Both those games that I scored in, we ended up winning, so that took away a lot of the hurt for sure,” — Mark Jankowski

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• “It definitely feels like all my hard work has been rewarded a little bit, but you definitely don't want to get complacent,” — Mark Jankowski

Jankowski signs 2-year, $3.7 million contract with Hurricanes

• “He’s proven he can contribute in different ways, and we are glad he’s chosen to remain with the organization.” — Eric Tulsky, General Manager, Carolina Hurricanes

Canes Sign Mark Jankowski To Two-Year Extension

• “I’ve been up, I’ve been down, and I think that’s something that I can always carry with me is never get complacent, just keep pushing forward, keep working, keep your foot on the gas.” — Mark Jankowski

Hurricanes re-sign Jankowski to 2-year extension

With the extension secured, Jankowski will enter the Eastern Conference Final as a key depth forward. His continued role on the penalty kill and face-off duties will be pivotal as the Hurricanes aim to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

ESPN