Remembering The Biggest Trade Deadlines in Hurricanes History: Post-Lockout Success
By Ben Huffman
2006
After making a lot of trades and signings before the season, the 2005-06 Hurricanes were on a path of destruction. They'd already acquired Doug Weight in January, but one hit threatened to ruin their momentum. In the midst of an incredible season, Erik Cole was crushed into the boards by Brooks Orpik in a March 4 win over the Penguins. The hit knocked him out for the rest of the regular season with a broken neck. Less than a week later, they made a move.
A few days before the trade deadline, the Hurricanes brought in Mark Recchi from the Penguins for two prospects and a 2007 2nd Round pick. Recchi brought an abundance of playoff experience with him, and it was on full display during his short stint with the team. While he only scored seven points in 20 games as the Canes won another division title, Recchi scored 16 points in 25 games during the postseason, including six points in the Stanley Cup Final to earn his second Stanley Cup. Neither Krystofer Kolanos nor Niklas Nordgren panned out for Pittsburgh, and they never used the pick they received, trading it to San Jose. It eventually landed with Washington, and the player selected never developed into anything.