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Hurricanes in Mix for Tarasenko

By Glenn Brewer |
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the New York Rangers skates against the Seattle Kraken at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2023 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Kraken 6-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: Vladimir Tarasenko #91 of the New York Rangers skates against the Seattle Kraken at Madison Square Garden on February 10, 2023 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Kraken 6-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

We are hitting the free-agent lull now that the first day has passed and we head into the holiday. The Carolina Hurricanes took care of business leading up to the free agency opening and the start of free agency but are they done?

At this point in the summer, some free agent or player that is going to be traded is holding up the rest of the hockey world. It appears that is where we are at right now.

Still, it seems inevitable that the Canes will have a trade up their sleeves.

It was originally talked about that if Don Waddell and Brett Pesce did not have an extension completed by July 1st, Pesce would be traded.

The fireworks are happening in the sky and Pesce is still without an extension and a current member of the Carolina organization.

The craziness of the potential re-acquisition of Tony DeAngelo continues to rear its ugly head as Waddell has admitted that a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers has been agreed upon.

Another trade rumor is reuniting San Jose Sharks defensemen Brent Burns with Erik Karlsson. It will take a creative and loaded trade to have that completed which means it will not be done quickly.

Other than trade rumors, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta recently reported that free agent forward, Vladimir Tarasenko is close to making his decision and the Canes are up on the list of potential homes.

This would be an excellent and aggressive move to bring Tarasenko to Raleigh. The Russian winger has been an elite scorer in the NHL and has won a Stanley Cup. The injuries will certainly be a concern but it is time to make some moves before this window of contention closes.

The former 16th overall pick played last season with the St. Louis Blues and the New York Rangers. He tallied a total of 18 goals in 69 games. When healthy he has continued to produce 30+ goal seasons. He is a true sniper and has enough left to help this Carolina group.

The signing would certainly mean that other transactions would be needed as the forward group would be pretty crowded but being a contender allows you to worry about that later.

I think a Tarasenko addition would make the signing of Michael Bunting that much more meaningful and important.

We may not have to wait too long but it is a good sign that Waddell is not done.

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