We know that the Carolina Hurricanes are thought to be big-game hunters at this year's trade deadline, which passes at 3 pm on Friday. At the top of everyone's lists outlining the Canes' needs is a second-line center to slot in behind Sebastian Aho. However, there's another spot that many see as a potential issue, and it's the most important position in hockey.
There is little debate that having a world-class goalie, or one that can rise to the occasion in big spots, is a crucial aspect of a Stanley Cup-winning team. The Hurricanes have been on both sides of the coin, whether pointing to Cam Ward's work in 2006 or to Sergei Bobrovsky's in both conference finals encounters over the last three seasons.
While the Hurricanes are among the Eastern Conference's top defensive teams, they might be playing with fire in the crease right now. Pyotr Kochetkov is hurt, and he hasn't been trusted to play in the playoffs much. Frederik Andersen has been successful in the playoffs, but he hasn't been himself this season. Brandon Bussi is a great story, with not an ounce of NHL playoff experience.
If the season ended today, one would think that the Hurricanes would give Bussi the start in Game 1 and see where it goes from there, but I genuinely don't know. These questions have led to insiders speculating whether the Canes could take a run at a goalie at the deadline. I'm not as convinced because there are a few red flags that immediately emerge.
While they should consider it, those available leave a lot to be desired
With the Florida Panthers falling down the standings, they're leaning towards selling at the trade deadline, especially their pending free agents. The most notable name of that group is the goalie of many Canes fans' nightmares, Sergei Bobrovsky. He's in the final year of his deal, which carries a $10 million cap hit and a 16-team No-Trade List.
Bobrovsky is struggling through one of the worst regular seasons of his career, owning a GAA north of 3.10 and a save percentage barely above .870. Still, he always finds a way to show up in the playoffs, as we know all too well. The sentiment is that he'll end up re-signing in Florida if he isn't traded, but that there's some uncertainty makes him a tantalizing addition.
Frankly, I'm not too thrilled about the options on the goalie market right now. While Bobrovsky's addition adds another big name, many feel St. Louis' Jordan Binnington remains the top available option in the crease. He has struggled this season, but he was very good for Canada at the Winter Olympics, thanks to having a strong defense in front of him.
Binnington is another player with a Stanley Cup pedigree, winning with the Blues in 2019. He's signed through next season, creating an interesting, theoretical predicament. After signing Bussi to an extension during the break, the Canes have him and Kochetkov on the books next season. Throwing a goalie with term remaining into the mix could mean moving Kochetkov this summer.
I'm by no means suggesting that the Hurricanes are considering a trade for Binnington, though it has been reported that they called the Blues and inquired. Another name being floated around is Stuart Skinner, whom the Penguins acquired in December from Edmonton. I see no reason for the Penguins to trade him as a potential playoff team, even if he's a pending free agent.
The longer I sit and stare at the goalie situation, the more I question whether or not the Canes need to do something. I trust Bussi, but I have no postseason experience to base that on. I trust Andersen in the playoffs, but I don't trust that he can reach that level right now, based on what we've seen from him this season. However, I also don't think there's an option worth exploring on the trade market.
I wouldn't oppose an option that sees the Hurricanes carry three goalies through the end of the season. They were doing it before Kochetkov's injury with a good amount of success. I think the likelihood of the front office making a move for a goalie feels pretty low, though I'm not completely closing the door. On Friday at 3 pm, we'll have our answer for sure.