Rumors continue to swirl about as the Carolina Hurricanes get closer and closer to decision time with big name players and rental players at the NHL trade deadline.
The Carolina Hurricanes continue to be a common fixture in trade rumors as we enter Sunday. The Canes will take the ice at 3:00 pm against the Blues in a game which may serve as an indicator for moves to begin.
More from Cardiac Cane – Ron Francis Understands Eric Staal
Carolina has options, and given that general manager Ron Francis has been taking his sweet time here at the deadline, it is obvious that they are considering all of them.
If the Canes move their players prior to this afternoon’s game against the Blues, they may be short on players given current injuries to Andrej Nestrasil and Jay McClement.
If they wait until after the game, they risk more players/key trading pieces getting injured. It will be interesting to see what the club’s strategy is for a big game on Sunday. Keep in mind that the Hurricanes are still just 4 points out of a playoff spot, despite playing 3 more games than the 8th place Pittsburgh Penguins.
The next day and a half will be stressful and interesting for the Canes and nearly every other NHL team. Here is a look at what to expect with up-to-date rumors on all of Carolina’s biggest trade pieces.
Eric Staal
Carolina’s captain and biggest trade bait remains amongst the most talked about players in the league.
As of yesterday, the general feel around Staal was that his most likely landing spot would be with his brother Marc in New York. Things continue to point in that direction, the Rangers are the favorite.
Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet said late Friday night that, if Eric Staal was going to a team in the Eastern Conference, it would likely be the New York Rangers.
Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period then followed up with a rumor that set the internet ablaze.
Money would have to be retained in a deal that sends Staal to New York due to the Rangers’ lack of funds. Don’t count out a Western Conference team being in on Staal, however. The Chicago Blackhawks have turned themselves into big time favorites out West with the moves they’ve made over the past couple of days. Have to imagine that other West teams have taken note and are looking to make a big splash.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie also talked Staal rumors on Sunday morning.
The Eric Staal watch is on in CAR, as in watching to see if he's in Canes' lineup vs. STL at 3 pm ET today. As of now, that's the plan...
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 28, 2016
...but we know plans change quickly at this time. CAR obviously exploring trade options, NYR appear obvious suitor, Staal has full NMC/NTC.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 28, 2016
No matter what happens with Eric Staal, the talk around him will be big until/if he is moved.
*UPDATE: The Carolina Hurricanes have traded Eric Staal to the New York Rangers*
Kris Versteeg
It will be interesting to see what happens with Kris Versteeg at the deadline. He is a secondary scorer on a playoff roster, so he won’t yield a massive return. That being said, there are options for Ron Francis.
All signs are pointing to a deal with a club out West, according to NHL Network’s Brian Lawton.
Hearing a team in west closing in on Versteeg & his already retained salary of $2.2. Still options on right side Vrbata, Stempiak, Parenteau
— Brian Lawton (@brianlawton9) February 28, 2016
What’s good about Versteeg is that half of his salary is still being retained by the Panthers, which means he is a very cheap option in terms of salary.
The team in question that seems to be cornering in on the forward has yet to be confirmed. The Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks have both been rumored to be interested in adding forwards.
*UPDATE: The Carolina Hurricanes have traded Kris Versteeg to the Los Angeles Kings*
John-Michael Liles
John-Michael Liles has been an advanced stats fan’s dream this season, and it appears that other teams have taken notice.
The 35-year-old defense is a pending unrestricted free agent, but he carries a very high AAV for the rest of the season at $3.875 million.
The Washington Capitals seem to be interested in Liles as a depth add to their blue line, according to Elliotte Friedman.
Friedman mentions Liles as a top candidate to be moved to the Capitals.
— Cardiac Cane (@CardiacCane) February 28, 2016
For the full breakdown from Friedman, head here.
Nathan Gerbe and Riley Nash are other pending UFAs that could be dealt by the deadline, but given their minimal value, they will be minor deals that likely bring back low-end draft picks, if they are dealt.
Next: Top Landing Spots for Eric Staal
The NHL trade deadline is Monday, February 29 at 3:00 pm (EST).