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Carolina Hurricanes Say Happy Trails To…

By Keith Preston

Dec 3, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brady Skjei (76) celebrates his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings with defenseman Brett Pesce (22) during the first period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brady Skjei (76) celebrates his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings with defenseman Brett Pesce (22) during the first period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Carolina Hurricanes have been anything but quiet with moves this offseason, as expected. They have a group that can (and needs to) get it done this year, so this was all but expected. The major signings, including signing Dmitry Orlov, which was a higher AAV for a short term deal, have eaten up just about all of the Canes’ cap space.

With that being said, what more can the Hurricanes do this offseason? After Sebastian Aho’s signing as well as free agents,  surely they’re working on more? Well, not quite. So then they’re done with offseason moves altogether? Nope. Not a chance

I for one am under the impression there are more moves to be made. At some point between now and probably mid-September, I would expect to see a defenseman on the move. Possibly a forward too. The most likely person in my opinion is Brady Skjei.

It feels as if it is between Brett Pesce and Skjei, and Skjei is more than $1 million more expensive than Pesce. That extra million could go a long way in potential trade candidates, especially if they are packaged with a forward. Skjei is a great contributor on both sides of the ice. This, I feel, makes him a more sought after player for trade. Pesce contributes both sides but is a little more defensive minded. He led the team in blocks and of players with over 40 games played, he had the lowest shooting percentage on the team.

As far as forwards go, two of the free agents after this season are going to be costly for the Hurricanes, Seth Jarvis and Teuvo Teravainen. Beyond that is Marty Necas, who is an arb eligible restricted free agent after this year, can’t be forgotten. Wouldn’t mind keeping around our leading points contributor from last season if I could help it. As much as we would all love to see them all stay, the reality is we are likely to lose at least one of them to free agency.

For that reason, I could see Teuvo being traded before the start of the season as well as a defenseman. He had a down year last year and is the most expensive player this year who is a free agent following this season. I think the return for him could be huge. That is, unless Don Waddell and/or Rod Brind’Amour feel he is too important of a piece to move. Otherwise, happy trails Turbo and Skjei.

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