The Carolina Hurricanes have made a significant move to strengthen their championship aspirations by acquiring two past Stanley Cup champions and NHL EDGE stats standouts. The Hurricanes welcomed forward Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, and Evgeny Kuznetsov from the Washington Capitals on Friday.

According to NHL EDGE stats, Guentzel has been impressive this season despite being limited to 50 games due to injury. He ranks among the top players in high-danger shots on goal (88; 98th percentile), high-danger goals (14; 93rd percentile), mid-range shots on goal (54; 90th percentile), and mid-range goals (six; 85th percentile). Last season, Guentzel showcased his consistency in these categories, further solidifying his reputation as an elite goal scorer and playoff performer.

Guentzel's partnership with Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh undoubtedly contributed to his success, and his performance in Carolina may be impacted by the absence of such a generational talent. However, his underlying EDGE metrics demonstrate his individual skills. Guentzel has excelled in speed bursts, reaching speeds over 20 miles per hour (135 instances; 90th percentile) this season. His skating distance has also been impressive, ranking among the best in terms of top game mileage (4.21 miles on Jan. 13 at Carolina; 92nd percentile) and total distance covered (252.49 miles; 91st percentile) in the 2022-23 season.

Kuznetsov, who played a pivotal role in the Capitals' Stanley Cup victory in 2018, brings additional offensive firepower to the Hurricanes. Despite being limited to 43 games this season, Kuznetsov's top skating speed (23.45 mph; 96th percentile) ranks among the leaders in the NHL. He also excels in average skating distance per 60 minutes (10.26 miles; 96th percentile) and has the potential to fill a crucial depth role or potentially climb the depth chart to become the team's No. 2 center behind Sebastian Aho.

The Hurricanes, who were swept by the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final last postseason, are determined to overcome their previous shortcomings. With the acquisitions of Guentzel and Kuznetsov, along with the return of a healthy Andrei Svechnikov, the Hurricanes aim to bolster their offensive capabilities. The tight margins of defeat in the playoffs have highlighted the need for additional firepower, and these trades may provide the missing ingredients for a successful playoff run and a chance at their first championship since 2006.