Carolina Hurricanes Offseason Outlook: Calgary Rebuild Could Create Trade Partner in Carolina for Andersen
It has been a busy week with transactions in the NHL and oh yeah, the Stanley Cup Finals are still going strong with Game 6 this evening. The Calgary Flames traded star goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, to the New Jersey Devils for Kevin Bahl and a first-round draft choice in 2025. The Carolina Hurricanes will look at Calgary for potential trades moving forward.
The Flames may be moving some more contracts, which is not something the Canes need but it could create the salary cap space in Calgary for Carolina's more expensive players by attaching an attractive draft choice.
Now that Markstrom is in New Jersey, the Flames have Dan Vladar and Dustin Wolf in between the pipes. The two players combined for 37 games last season, but only recorded 15 victories. Wolf had the better statistics with a 3.16 GAA and a .893 save percentage.
While Carolina is looking for an upgrade in goaltending, they still have three solid keepers in the building. Frederik Andersen has one year remaining on his contract for $3.4 million. Despite health, Andersen is a very good regular-season goalie.
If the Flames are looking to stay competitive while developing some younger players, it is imperative to have stability in the crease. On a short-term run, Andersen could provide that and allow the other goalies a chance to get the same minutes as last year.
In 16 starts, Andersen had a stellar 1.84 GAA with a .932 save percentage. Despite injury concerns in his past, he can provide an anchor for the team while being an asset at next year's trade deadline if Calgary is out of the playoff picture.
The fact that Carolina has the majority of their draft choices for the next three years, they can spare a valuable pick to have Calgary take on the whole contract this year which would free up space to retain their free agents.
A potential move would work well for all parties and allow the potential for a trade for the likes of Linus Ullmark from Boston.