So long as the Carolina Hurricanes are contenders to make the playoffs, they will be on the hunt to find a player that they think can change their lineup. Two years ago, it was Jake Guentzel. Last season, Mikko Rantanen was their big catch, only for them to turn around and trade him again before the deadline.
This season doesn't appear to be any different. The Canes have already dipped their toes into a few markets, making a push for Quinn Hughes and inquiring about Rasmus Andersson before each was traded out west. There is no shortage of names on the board for them to go after, but with each new addition must come some subtraction.
With the initial Rantanen deal, they only gave up roster players to get it done. For Guentzel, however, it was prospects. While draft picks are likely to also be involved, the crux of most returns will be the prospects that the Canes are willing to part with. There are only a few players I would classify as off limits, but the front office should be open to trading just about everyone to make a big splash.
This trio of prospects has put together solid seasons, both in college and in the AHL. Frankly, they're all valuable to the organization in many ways, but sacrifices must be made if they want to win a Stanley Cup. I don't necessarily want to see them depart, but it would be hard to pass up if they're able to land someone who can be a true difference maker.
Jayden Perron (21, RW, University of Michigan)
After two seasons at North Dakota, including one season with Jackson Blake, Jayden Perron opted to transfer and joined the University of Michigan for his junior season. The Canes' 2023 3rd round pick has put up the best numbers of his college career this season with the top-ranked Wolverines, sitting fourth on the team in scoring with nine goals and 24 points.
The Hurricanes have several good prospects in the NCAA right now, and Perron is one of the best. He's an undersized winger who uses stellar handles to put his teammates in spots to succeed. While the team could use any of their NCAA prospects in a deal, I think they'll value a few of the others, including Hobey Baker nominee Justin Poirier, a little more.
Most experts have Perron in the mid-to-lower tiers in their rankings of the Hurricanes' organization, but he's probably done well enough to move up a little. I don't see him being in the Canes' immediate plans. The team still owns his rights until August 15, 2027, so there is time for them to make a decision. I wouldn't be surprised to see him moved for the right price.
Ryan Suzuki (24, C/LW, Chicago Wolves)
There comes a point for some prospects when you have to realize that keeping them in the AHL isn't viable for their long-term success. Injuries after he was drafted hampered Ryan Suzuki's ability to challenge for the Canes' roster, but he has played some of his best hockey over the last two seasons. Coincidentally, they've been his healthiest in a long time.
The former 1st-rounder was the Chicago Wolves' leading scorer a season ago, recording 47 assists and 59 points. Suzuki made his long-awaited NHL debut last January, playing two games with the Hurricanes and playing just over 13 minutes total. This season, he is scoring the puck a little more while sitting fourth in points (30).
Suzuki is an incredibly valuable part of what the Wolves are doing in the AHL, but it might be time to allow him to find a better chance to crack an NHL roster permanently. His playmaking alone should make him a tantalizing option for teams trying to sell. I struggle to see where he fits in with the team beyond this season.
Justin Robidas (22, C/RW, Chicago Wolves)
In just two seasons at the AHL level, Justin Robidas has become a scoring force for the Wolves. He currently leads the team in goals (20) and points (39), after scoring exactly 20 times a season ago. An AHL All-Star for the first time this season, Robidas has proven that his size is a secondary concern when he's able to produce at a high clip.
Robidas has also proven that he can do it in the NHL, too. Over the last two seasons, Robidas has played in four games with the Hurricanes. He has recorded a point in three of those games, including his first NHL goal last season in Boston. While Robidas is flirting with a 40-goal season in Chicago, there is plenty of good to his game when playing with the big club.
As Robidas' stock continues to rise in one respect, I think his size is going to be the ultimate concern teams might have. However, I think his AHL production will be enough for a team to take a chance on him in a trade. The Canes might be willing to part with the Wolves' leading scorer in the right package for a big fish.