Carolina Hurricanes Looking to Add to the Blueline?
By Austin Isham
Jonas Brodin
Starting with Brodin, the 26 year old Swedish defenseman averages a little over 21 minutes a night with the Minnesota Wild. Since Bill Guerin took over as Minnesota’s General Manager he’s stated that they’re open to move anyone if the price is right. When you look at reports, the Hurricanes are “hard after” Brodin and have been consistently making calls on his availability.
With a cap hit of $4.1 million through the 2020-21 season, Carolina would get at least two runs at the postseason with Jonas, unlike a “true rental player.” The extra year on his contract could result in the price being slightly be higher than a normal deadline target.
Any deal would be similar to the one that sent Jake Muzzin to Toronto just about a year ago, a first round pick and two mid-tier prospects. With the Carolina Hurricanes having two first rounders and several B prospects, a reasonable deal between both sides isn’t that farfetched. But with the Wild in the playoff hunt as well, they very well could opt to hold on to him till the offseason if they don’t get an offer that blows them away.
If you ask Wild fans, some say he’s one of the most important/underrated pieces on their team and a true number one defenseman, while others think it’s beyond time for a change in scenery. Either way the eight year vet has been consistent in his own end since he entered the league. With only 29 career goals and 108 career assists, he isn’t going to be a threat in the offensive zone, but that’s not what the Canes are looking for.