Carolina Hurricanes Mock Trades: Jay McClement

The Carolina Hurricanes are getting closer and closer to moving expiring contracts that could not come to terms for a long-term deal. The likes of Andrej Sekera and Jiri Tlusty are sure to be moved prior to the March 2^nd deadline, but another name that has been circulating around the rumor mill is Hurricanes’ center Jay McClement.

The 31-year old Kingston, Ontario native joined the Hurricanes this past offseason in the hope of replacing the faceoff performance lost after Manny Malhotra decided to sign with the Canadiens. Most people also believed McClement had more offensive upside as well. He currently has 14 points (2 G, 12 A) in 54 games played. His 1-year deal, worth $1 million, will expire following the season.

At this point, moving McClement may not bring back a very significant return, but the team and McClement could not reach a new deal, so trading him is the only logical option. I would much rather gain something that could make our team better in the future than lose him for nothing.

With that said, here are a few mock trade scenarios.

Proposal #1:

Proposal #2:

Proposal #3:

Realistically, I don’t see Jay McClement garnering any sort of spectacular return. He does need to be traded, however. The first of the three proposals is based on a return of a prospect. St. Louis could use depth help. The Blues, like most any other team, could get better on the penalty kill and at face-offs. In steps Jay McClement. I would like to see the Canes receive defensive help in return and Petteri Lindbohm, a former 6^th round pick, would help our system. He has shown promise in Chicago (AHL) and could crack a NHL roster in the next few years. The pick evens out the trade, given that McClement is NHL-ready.

The second proposal revolves around picks. It is basically the same idea as the previous trade, but it gives the Canes more flexibility in the upcoming draft. The Rangers are still pushing towards the playoffs and could use help, again, like most teams, on the PK and with face-offs.

The last trade is another type of scenario involving McClement. If we package him with winger Jiri Tlusty, we could receive an enhanced base of players and picks in return. The return would only increase depending on how much other teams need McClement and/or Tlusty. The Habs could bite on a trade like this if they wish to solidify themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference. Tlusty would, of course, be the centerpiece of the trade. He would jump in and immediately contribute on the top two lines. McClement would, again, help the PK and face-offs. They are both relatively reliable. In return, the Canes could receive more than what most would expect. David Desharnais, who carries a hefty $3.5 million per year contract, could be moved. Francis may only take that contract with a portion retained, but that remains to be seen. The Canadiens would likely be very willing to move his contract. Tinordi is a promising young defenseman who has size (which the Canes could use). He may be worth too much to be included, but I would like to see him in Carolina. The 6^th round pick balances out the McClement portion of the deal and the 2^nd round pick evens out the Tlusty portion. Yes, this is probably slightly too much, but I think a deal like this would depend on Tlusty’s market value at the time. I would hope that it’s high.

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