The new way of the NHL offseason business is being conducted right up to the start of training camp. Recently, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been busy and the Anaheim Ducks are open for business. The Carolina Hurricanes have a full roster but do not appear to be the finalized product under first-year general manager, Eric Tulsky.
Although the Canes are very close to the salary cap ceiling with just $79,913 available, a team like Anaheim can provide flexibility with almost $21 million available. Currently, the Ducks are looking to deal with long-time Anaheim defenseman, Cam Fowler. Fowler is 32 and has played 14 seasons with Anaheim since being drafted 12th overall in the 2010 NHL draft. Fowler currently has a $6.5 million salary cap hit this season and the next.
Despite losing Brady Skjei, Brett Pesce, and Tony DeAngelo this summer, Tulsky was able to retain Jalen Chatfield and sign free agents, Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere. Carolina has strength in the system on defense but after this season, Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns will be without contracts.
Alexander Nikishin is the next in line to jump to the NHL and is a left-handed shot but the Canes will be waiting for his contract to expire from the KHL. The adjustment to the NHL will take some time for the young Russian, Scott Morrow is a right-handed defender who saw 2 games last season and could contribute this season.
In Fowler, the Canes would have a replacement for the expected departure of Orlov and get another boost to the man advantage. The Ontario native is not known for his defensive prowess but the numbers are better on better Anaheim teams. Unfortunately, that has been a while on the West Coast.
Tulsky could get creative with Anaheim due to their ability to take on salary and look to move veterans to a rebuilding club. Instead of Anaheim eating part of the Fowler contract, the Ducks could take back a larger contract from Carolina. Jesperi Kotkaniemi comes to mind as he is still young and could find himself in the present and plans for the Ducks. Under contract till 2030 for $4.82 a season, Kotkaniemi would not hurt the Duck's salary and provide a veteran voice to the youth.
The deal could be expanded but the key asset for the Canes would be shedding that Kotkaniemi contract and clearing up moves for the trade deadline and beyond.