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Carolina Hurricanes: Exploring a Few Potential Trade Options This Off-Season

By Conor Power

TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 15: Nino Niederreiter #21 of the Carolina Hurricanes is congratulated by his teammate, Vincent Trocheck #16 after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 15, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 15: Nino Niederreiter #21 of the Carolina Hurricanes is congratulated by his teammate, Vincent Trocheck #16 after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 15, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 15: Alexander Kerfoot #15 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on February 15, 2020, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – FEBRUARY 15: Alexander Kerfoot #15 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on February 15, 2020, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) /

Alexander Kerfoot

Could the Carolina Hurricanes use Alexander Kerfoot?

This will not be someone who stands out as a potential target for a lot of teams, but it is clear that Alexander Kerfoot has a lot of potential in terms of scoring. He will primarily be known by Leaf fans for being part of that Nazem Kadri trade that backfired so brutally. Now that the Maple Leafs seem desperate for cap space, Kerfoot is rumored to be a player they’re actively shopping to meet the stagnant cap.

I know what you’re probably thinking. Only 3 seasons in the NHL and he’s 26? Why would you waste your time? Kerfoot has produced at the highest level. Even in a reduced role this year playing on the 3rd line, he was on pace to record 10 goals and 30 points in a down year. Not ground-breaking numbers. But I ask you to look over his entire career. One bad year doesn’t make a bad player.

In his two seasons in the Mile High City, Kerfoot recorded 19 goals and 43 points in his first season. In his second season, 15 goals with 47 total points. He is someone who can score. His defensive game is also very nice to have when. Could you suggest a better alternative? Certainly. I’m not claiming Kerfoot to be a world-beater. I’m suggesting him to be a nice depth scoring piece.

How could Carolina land the man who once turned down the New Jersey Devils? Well, simply put, a draft pick. A 3rd rounder should be enough to pick up the Vancouver native. Could he re-invent the wheel in Carolina and become a point per game producer? Probably not. Is he someone who could do the job in the top 6 and could come at a cheap price from a cash strapped team? Yes.

A trade with Toronto here for Kerfoot could likely be compared to the trade with Vegas last off-season when Carolina tried to fill another hole in the forward core. I would not rule out the possibility of seeing a similar deal made with the Maple Leafs if they are still strapped for cap space when free agency rolls around.

Kerfoot isn’t someone who’s going to snap his fingers and suddenly make the Canes a juggernaut. I don’t think you’re going to find anyone in the NHL who will do that who’s going to be an acquirable trade target. However, playing on the left of the 2nd line, or even the 3rd line could see a significant addition to the lineup in terms of production. Not mind-boggling numbers, just reliable depth.

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