The Carolina Hurricanes are in a position to make a big splash at the trade deadline by bringing in an impact player to shore up the roster. They have been big buyers over the last few seasons. Just look at the Jake Guentzel trade they made with the Penguins in 2024, and you can't forget the big deal for Mikko Rantanen last season either.
It makes it all the more interesting that they could also trade a roster player at the deadline. As early as January, it had been reported that the Hurricanes were actively shopping Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Nothing has materialized for them yet, though they've dangled him out there for Quinn Hughes and Phillip Danault, among others. That could change before Friday's deadline.
Kotkaniemi played his first game since the Olympic break on Wednesday, but he has only appeared in 37 of the team's 61 contests to this point. Kotkaniemi has just two goals and nine points this season while averaging under 11 minutes per night. With the Hurricanes seemingly interested in several centers, bringing another into the fold would only push Kotkaniemi further down the chart.
At just 25 years old and with four years remaining on his deal after this season at $4.82 million, this is the first year that his contract has included a 10-team No-Trade List, so there are some limitations as to where Kotkaniemi could be moved, if a deal comes together. I think it's in the best interest of both the player and the team to get something done, but where he could land is tougher to call.
The Hurricanes have made it clear that they won't give Kotkaniemi away for nothing. The deal needs to make sense for them and improve their chances to thrive in the postseason and beyond. It's not something that has to get done immediately and could be left for this offseason if the right trade doesn't come to fruition.
Where makes the most sense for Kotkaniemi?
Vancouver: With the Canes trying to trade him in a potential move for Quinn Hughes, it would make sense to circle back around to the Canucks in discussions. Elias Pettersson is a potential trade target for the group. With his massive cap hit and the Canucks unwilling to retain, if they move him, trading Kotkaniemi as part of a package would make sense financially.
Winnipeg: I don't think the Jonathan Toews experience has been as fruitful as the Jets would've liked, opening a big hole up the middle in their Bottom 6. Add potential regression from Adam Lowry, and there might be some room for Kotkaniemi to slide in. He's much younger than some of their other options, and there is a chance for him to develop into a potential second-line player with time.
Los Angeles: The Kings have been all over the trade news, especially before the pause, led by their addition of Artemi Panarin from the Rangers. With Anze Kopitar retiring, there will be a void left at center. Quinton Byfield was thought to take over his spot, but it will take more than just him to get it done. Maybe Kotkaniemi could be a viable option in their Middle 6.
Nashville: The Predators are stuck in a weird spot because they're on the cusp of competing for a playoff spot, but they could also trade a ton of players, and it would make perfect sense. After trading Michael McCarron on Tuesday, they're left with Ryan O'Reilly and Erik Haula as their Top 2 centers, and both could be traded. It's not a perfect fit, but they could be in the market for a younger center.