Sep 26, 2013; Estero, FL, USA; Florida Panthers center Tomas Fleischmann (14) skates with the puck during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Germain Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes have been struggling to scoring so far this year. This brings up a question I have thought about a little bit lately, do the Canes need to trade for a top 6 scoring forward?
It may be a little premature, but if the Hurricanes continue to struggle on offense, they might need to think about acquiring help from outside of the organization.
Eric Staal, Alex Semin, Jordan Staal and Jiri Tlusty have all been under-performing based on their standards, so could the Canes use a
There are a few players that come to mind when I think about players on the market. Let’s look at some players on the market and see what they can offer to the Canes.
Tomas Fleischmann
The Florida Panthers are going down hill. Fast. They are already rumored to have been shopping some players in their prime to get pieces for the future in return.
Tomas Fleischmann is among the players that has been rumored to be shopped around by the Panthers.
Tomas Fleischmann has 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) in 11 games this year for an awful Florida Panthers team. He would be tied for the team lead for points with Jeff Skinner if he was a Hurricane.
Tomas Fleischmann had 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 48 games for the Panthers in last years shortened season, and since the 2009-2010 season, his offense has been very good.
He could be a great player to put with Jordan Staal on the second line. He could spark Jordan’s offense and could really help the team’s offense. He could also be put on line one with Eric Staal and Alex Semin if they don’t turn around their play.
If Jim Rutherford would likely have to trade a second round pick, a roster player (likely a bottom 6 player), and maybe even a young player to get this deal done. If the Canes are still struggling in a few weeks, it may be worth doing.
Brad Boyes
Brad Boyes, another Florida Panther, has had a better offensive career than Tomas Fleischmann statistically. Last year, he also put up 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 48 games.
Brad Boyes would likely be a cheaper option than Tomas Fleischmann because of his poor play in Buffalo prior to signing with the New York Islanders for the 2013 season.
Boyes has 7 points (5 goals, 2 assists) in 12 games for the Panthers. These aren’t crazy numbers, but you have to remember that he is on the Florida Panthers, a team that has really struggled.
Boyes could fit into the first or second line. If he was in Carolina, it would probably be line two with Jordan Staal. Boyes could be a good player to have, and he would add depth goal scoring.
The Canes would probably have to give up a third/second round draft pick, a younger player, and maybe an AHL player to get the deal through. Florida wants youth, but we haven’t seen how stingy they are with their players yet, so it’s hard to tell how much they’d want.
Nail Yakupov
Nail Yakupov has has an abysmal start to the season for the Edmonton Oilers. After a great rookie season, he only has 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in 12 games. He is also an awful minus 10, and a minus 8 in the last 5 games.
Yakupov rumors have been floating around for a little more than a week now, and even some rumors involving the Hurricanes. Could this be a player that could come to Carolina?
He would certainly help the offense. He could be placed with Jordan Staal, and that could work. Yakupov is scorer, and Jordan Staal could dish him the puck.
As good as Yakupov could be for the Canes, his price is likely too high. Rumors said that the Hurricanes would have to give up Justin Faulk. That alone is too much. Faulk looks like he will be the future of the Hurricanes and a Norris contender.
It’s unlikely the Hurricanes get Yakupov, but he would help. If the Hurricanes get desperate enough, then maybe they can work out a more reasonable deal with Edmonton.
Time will tell if the Hurricanes need to make a move for a scoring forward. If it does need to happen, those 3 players could be options. There are obviously options, but those are just three I thought of right away.