The NHL unrestricted free agent market openings at noon and the Carolina Hurricanes will be shopping for several deals. Calvin de Haan, Frederik Andersen, Antti Raanta, Derek Stepan, and Max Pacioretty among others remain without contracts.
Don Waddell will need to add multiple positions in goaltending, defense, and forward. Will he look to keep what he has or dip into the free agency market?
On defense, the partner for Jalen Chatfield will be needed and potentially a replacement for Brett Pesce if he doesn’t sign an extension and is traded.
The fact that Dylan Coghlan was qualified yesterday is an indication that they need him as a safety net. A ton of rumors have been blowing around about high-profile, right-handed defensemen coming to Raleigh.
If Waddell adds a big righty defenseman after trading Pesce then the budget may not allow a top name to pair with Chatfield.
If that is the case would the Canes take another flyer on de Haan after he played the majority of last season with Chatfield and produced?
Before acquiring Shayne Gostisbehere near the trade deadline, de Haan was a regular and playing steady hockey while Chatfield began to flourish as a player. Knowing de Haan’s game and that he would come cheap would be a huge help in addressing other areas of need.
Last season the former New York Islanders defenseman played in 53 games and had 12 points and was a plus 7.
In the case that a spot is opened for the former first round pick it would likely not be signed today. Much would need to happen to have a spot needed for de Haan.
It would not be surprising to see de Haan get an invitation to training camp on a tryout basis. By that point the writing will be on the wall for if a spot is open for the 32 year old.