The Carolina Hurricanes, chasing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and looking toward a Stanley Cup this season, took a well-planned step Monday toward ensuring their future after this season as well.

The Hurricanes, leaders of the Metropolitan Division, signed forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi to an eight-year extension, which would keep the 21-year-old forward with the franchise through the 2029-30 season.