The Carolina Hurricanes bolstered their defensive depth by signing Riley Stillman to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 against the salary cap for the 2024-25 season. General Manager Eric Tulsky highlighted Stillman’s reliability as a defenseman who excels in penalty killing, emphasizing his extensive experience in both the NHL and AHL despite his young age. Tulsky expressed that this move enhances the Hurricanes’ depth on defense.
Stillman, originally drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2016, has moved among several NHL teams over the past five seasons. His career includes stints with the Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, and Buffalo Sabres. His most productive NHL season came in 2021-22 with the Blackhawks, where he achieved career highs of two goals and 12 points in 52 games. Last season, Stillman played exclusively for the Rochester Americans, the AHL affiliate of the Sabres.
In total, Stillman has appeared in 158 NHL games, contributing four goals and 22 assists. His AHL career includes 136 games, during which he scored nine goals and 23 assists. Before turning professional, Stillman won the OHL Championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2018.
Carolina’s signing of Stillman brings their total standard player contracts for the upcoming season to 38, leaving them with more than $14.6 million in projected cap space according to CapFriendly.
