Cardiac Cane
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Carolina Hurricanes: Stick or twist – UFA edition

By Conor Power

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 18: Ian Cole #28 of the Carolina Hurricanes scores at 3:12 of overtime against Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers in Game One of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 18, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes defeated the Rangers 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 18: Ian Cole #28 of the Carolina Hurricanes scores at 3:12 of overtime against Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers in Game One of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 18, 2022 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes defeated the Rangers 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 02: Vincent Trocheck #16 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after scoring against the Boston Bruins during the third period of Game One of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 02, 2022, in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 5-1. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 02: Vincent Trocheck #16 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after scoring against the Boston Bruins during the third period of Game One of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on May 02, 2022, in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 5-1. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Vincent Trocheck

On the day of the 2020 NHL trade deadline, the Canes were very active. They brought in three new pieces but none were bigger than center Vincent Trocheck. Seeing as the Canes needed a right-handed center, he had been a long-time target for the team. One of the desirable factors about Trocheck’s situation was the term left on his deal. Since moving to Raleigh, he’s been everything the team could have wanted.

He’s been a pest, a scorer, a leader, and a fan favorite. Trocheck has done everything that has been asked of him. Playing in all three situations and being a genuinely good player. A genuine second-line center, Trocheck has stepped up and played a role that the Hurricanes haven’t had in a long time. Since he’s been so solid, and I understand why everyone wants him to come back but is it possible?

Carolina obviously has guys to replace him if he does leave seeing as they just signed a young 21-year-old center to an eight-year extension. This doesn’t mean that Trocheck is not an important member of this roster. To be honest, he’s become an established part of this core. Being a right-handed center has also made him more valuable because he can take draws on the alternate dot.

Trocheck currently makes $4.75 million and he’ll be looking for a lot more. If rumors are to be believed, he’ll be looking for something like $7 million over 7 years. I personally find that too much when the Canes don’t have cap space to burn. Not to mention Trocheck has a history filled with injuries. He’s such a good player and a great guy, and I hate to say it, but I do think he moves on this summer.

Next, is the trade deadline acquisition.

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