The trade deadline is fast approaching and the Carolina Hurricanes should be active in it. Here is how they are going to strike deals in the coming weeks.
Our other site expert Matt Barlowe already ran through the types of players the Carolina Hurricanes would be looking to move. Those guys included mostly bottom six, veteran forwards like Lee Stempniak and Viktor Stalberg. The other guy clearly on the way out is Ron Hainsey.
That isn’t what this article is about though. Here we are going to take a look at what returns the Hurricanes can garner for these players. Also, we will take a look at other potential trade scenarios that general manager Ron Francis is surely trying to make. Just a disclaimer, these are mere speculation and aren’t backed by anything other than previously made deals and some rumors. Here we go.
Trade Scenario #1:
If you recall, the Boston Bruins struck an incredibly similar trade with the New Jersey Devils at last year’s trade deadline. For the Bruins the logic still applies. Stempniak, no matter where he would end up, would benefit with a change of scenery, providing his new team with a veteran offensive presence in a top 9 role. In terms of value the Canes receive, this is about right. It is a little less than what New Jersey got for Stemp, that’s mostly due to a statistical drop this season. For reference, Pittsburgh got a 3rd round pick for forward Beau Bennett this summer. Stempniak would likely command some more value than that.
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Trade Scenario #2:
With Ron Hainsey’s contract set to expire and given his age, he will almost certainly be moved. Considering he has never played in the playoffs, we suspect the Canes will make it a priority he gets moved to a playoff team. Why not Columbus? The Jackets would welcome a veteran presence on the blue line as they go into the post season. Also, Hainsey used to play for the club from 2006-08. Depending on the trade market, Carolina could fetch a wide range of picks for Hainsey. Based on the similar John-Michael Liles trade from last year and other like moves, a single 3rd round pick seems like a fair value.
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Trade Scenario #3:
It might just happen again. The Canes and Blackhawks might make yet another deal. Will something like this happen before the trade deadline? Probably not, but its certainly a possibility given the Hurricanes ridiculous cap space. They have the ability to acquire almost an contract. In this case, the contract their swallowing isn’t even that awful. Marcus Kruger is an extremely capable bottom 6 center with loads of playoff and Stanley Cup experience. Prospect Alex DeBrincat is undersized, but has scored over 100 points in 3 straight seasons in the OHL. For the Hawks, this hurts, but it is necessary. With Panarin’s contract kicking in next year and the likely wage increases of guys like Richard Panik, they have to ship someone out. Kruger is the most expendable of their big names. Being a perennial contender comes with a cost.
Next: Carolina Hurricanes Trade Deadline Asset Evaluation
Carolina is able to put those stockpiled picks from previous trades to good use. This is a strategy that has proven successful for the Hurricanes before. Don’t be surprised if something like this happens again. It doesn’t have to be with Chicago too. There are plenty of teams with awful contracts that the Canes can take. If something like this doesn’t happen by 3:00pm March 1st, expect it to happen this summer.