Carolina Hurricanes Top Trade Targets

We won’t say, three weeks out from the 2016 NHL trade deadline, that the Carolina Hurricanes have completely turned from being sellers to being buyers.

Their record is definitely going in the right direction, and they are solidly in the middle of the Eastern Conference logjam of potential playoff teams. At this point let’s call them “conservative window-shoppers”.

It’s for this reason that we’ve made this list of the top trade targets that General Manager Ron Francis should look to if he decides to add some pieces for a stretch run to the playoffs. The list was meant to be a top five, but in the search for the right players we felt the need to add one more. It’s only a coincidence that all of the players are from Canadian-based teams, although the teams records would help explain why.

All of these players are unrestricted free agents at the end of this season, and most, in the right circumstances, could be had for draft picks or prospects, both of which the Hurricanes have in abundance. Just to refresh your memory on the Canes future draft situation, they hold five picks in the first three rounds of both this year’s and next year’s drafts.

Next: Hurricanes Finish Roadtrip Against les Canadiens

P.A. Parenteau

Toronto Maple Leafs – Right Wing – 32 years old – 6′ 0″ – 198 lbs.

2015-2016 Stats:

50 Games – 12 goals, 13 assists, 25 points – 5 power play goals – 3 game winning goals

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a plethora of potential trade targets, as evidenced by the three Leafs on this list. The first, P.A. Parenteau, is a shooter, not a passer. He scores goals, a lot of them on the power play, and is very high on the Leaf’s rankings in individual scoring chances.

He’s a steady, hard-working forward, and would be a good fill-in top six to top nine guy. The classic 15-20 goal forward at a good price.

He could fit into the third or fourth line of the Canes, adding some experience and steadiness when needed. He’d also be another weapon to help steady and improve the Canes power play production.

Jiri Hudler

Calgary Flames – Center – 32 years old – 5′ 10″ – 183 lbs.

2015-2016 Stats

43 Games – 7 goals, 20 assists, 27 points – 1 power play goals

Jiri Hudler had a career year last season, posting 31 goals and 76 points total. This season’s production has fallen off for various reasons, including nagging injuries and a change in line mates.

Hudler would fit well into the Canes bottom six forwards, add some some maturity and experience, and could probably be gotten with a second or third round draft pick or a couple young prospects. And we believe a change of scenery, and a move to a surging eastern conference team, might turn his game around for the Canes chase to the playoffs.

Andrew Ladd

Winnipeg Jets – Left Wing – 30 years old – 6′ 3″ – 200 lbs.

2015-2016 Stats

51 Games – 12 goals, 17 assists, 29 points – 6 power play goals – 2 game winning goals

The Jets, right now, are struggling with two big name UFAs – Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd. The latest word is that the team’s focus has moved to making sure they sign the ‘Big Buff’, leaving Ladd in limbo for now.

According to sources, Ladd and his agent turned down an informal offer earlier this season, and the two sides haven’t come back to the table yet. A deal hasn’t been ruled out all together, and the asking price might be too much for the Canes to pay. Reports and rumors from many sources indicate that the Jets would require more than just draft picks and young prospects.

If Ladd does become available, and he’s willing to waive his no trade clause for Carolina, we’d be bringing back a player with leadership and playoff experience (one with us and one with Chicago), and adding a scoring depth that we need. We also know that the 6′ 3″, 200 pounder plays with a little grit too, and doesn’t mind the dirty areas.

Brad Boyes

Toronto Maple Leafs – Right Wing – 33 years old – 6′ 0″ – 198 lbs.

2015-2016 Stats

38 Games – 5 goals, 9 assists, 14 points – 1 game winning goals

Boyes is coming to the end of a one-year, $700,000 contract and would be a very affordable option that could provide offensive skill and more depth. A draft pick or two for a struggling Maple Leafs organization, that is once again looking at a “rebuilding” period, would probably suffice to acquire Boyes.

For the most part Boyes is a player who can produce at a half-point per game pace, which would make him a potential 30-point forward by the end of the season.He’s also seen as a very good possession player on the wing.

He’s good with the puck in the offensive zone, setting up his line mates, and he’s good in his own zone, limiting the number of opposition chances.

David Jones

Calgary Flames – Right Wing – 31 years old – 6′ 3″ – 208 lbs.

2015-2016 Stats

50 Games – 8 goals, 6 assists, 14 points – 1 power play goals – 2 game winning goals

Jones would add a physical presence to the Canes forward lines with his 6′ 3″, 208 pound frame, and he can chip in offensively when needed. Although he’s in a bit of a slump right now, his past production indicates he’s capable of contributing in the clutch.

The other important thing that he brings to the table for the Hurricanes is that they could count on him to take the tough defensive minutes. His stats show that he starts most of his shifts in the other teams zone, and regularly puts the next line in a better position.

Roman Polak

Toronto Maple Leafs – Defense – 29 years old – 6′ 0″ – 237 lbs.

2015-2016 Stats

50 Games – 1 goals, 11 assists, 12 points – +9 rating

Roman Polak was the “extra” trade target we decide to add. Although the Hurricanes’ defensive corps looks very good right now, an experienced veteran on the blueline is always good when you’re chasing the playoffs.

He’s a rugged player with the type of physical presence that teams covet for the post-season. His ability to clear the front of the net is key in keeping the goalie sightlines open, and he blocks shots and punishes opposing players who go into the corners with him.

A perfect rental player, right-shooting defenseman, who takes care of business in his own end and can handle a heavy workload. He doesn’t contribute much offensively, but is a reliable stay-at-home guy that could fill in anywhere in the bottom four defensively.

Toronto would probably be very happy with getting a second rounder for Polak, but a third rounder may be more likely.