Carolina Hurricanes Ink Jeff Skinner to 6-Year Extension

The Carolina Hurricanes' general manager Jim Rutherford made waves on Twitter when he tweeted the following.

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It looks like we are going to be able to get Jeff Skinner tied up for a number of years. Exciting news for our franchise.

— Jim Rutherford (@HurricanesGM) August 7, 2012"

From that moment on, Twitter was on watch to see what was going to happen with the Hurricanes and their young center Jeff Skinner.

Twitter didn't have to wait awfully long, because TSN Insider Bob McKenzie confirmed the signing shortly before midnight.

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Jeff Skinner's extension with CAR expected to be 6 years with an AAV of $5.725M.

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"— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) August 8, 2012"

At first glance, this is a solid deal for the Hurricanes. Jeff Skinner is a very talented young center who overcame a concussion last season and still posted a modest 44 points in 64 games.

Skinner was set to enter the last year of his entry-level contract, and maybe Jim Rutherford was airing on the side of caution by locking up his young star under this current collective-bargaining agreement.

Skinner had previously recorded 63 points in his rookie year and took home the Calder Trophy.

How Could Skinner's New Deal Affect Other Young Stars?

Skinner signed a major extension for his second deal, and given the fact that players around his age have outperformed him to this point, what effect could this deal have on other stars like Jordan Eberle and Tyler Seguin?

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If skinner .73 ppg gets 5.75 for 6, what do Hall .75 and Eberle .81 get? Pretty close i'd guesse.Similar to Tavares as well.#TSN

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"— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) August 8, 2012"

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Seguin smiling. RT “@tsnbobmckenzie: Jeff Skinner's extension with CAR expected to be 6 years with an AAV of $5.725M.”

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"— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) August 8, 2012"

With that in mind, one will wonder what happens with Tyler Seguin after this season? He has had an amazing career to this point, and as long as he maintains his career average, there is no reason why Seguin can't command a similar salary during his next contract.

The same can apply for Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle of the Edmonton Oilers, who have more than earned a fair raise.

This is a great deal for the Hurricanes in the long run. Skinner is a versatile player who can line up on the wing in addition to playing center. It may be a bit costly but the Canes did buy out two of Skinner's UFA years.