To conclude our mini-series on the 2020 trade deadline, let's look at the addition the Carolina Hurricanes made up front. Yearning for a difference maker to play center behind Sebastian Aho, the Canes addressed their need up the middle with the help of an old division rival.
Like with Brady Skjei, the Hurricanes targeted a player with term remaining on their contract when they acquired Vincent Trocheck from the Florida Panthers. The Panthers received a players-only return, featuring forwards Erik Haula, Lucas Wallmark, and Eetu Luostarinen, and defenseman Chase Priskie.
Trocheck had been a Panther his entire career after they drafted him in the 3rd round in 2011. Before he broke out, Florida locked him up for six years. He rewarded them with an All-Star appearance in 2017 and a 30-goal season in 2017-18. Trocheck was limited to just ten goals and 34 points in 55 games in 2018-19, and his numbers were in a similar spot at the time of the trade in 2020.
The Panthers return wasn't much...
The most recognizable name in the return to Florida was everyone's favorite Hurricane, Erik Haula. An original misfit, Haula was acquired from Vegas in the offseason, bringing his Canes tenure to an end after 22 points in 41 games. He finished the season in Florida and has bounced around since. He's been eliminated by the Canes in his last four postseason trips.
Lucas Wallmark was the other NHLer in the deal. Drafted by the Canes in 2014, Wallmark was a solid depth piece during his limited time with the team. He was on pace for career numbers in 2019-20 before the trade. After finishing the season in Florida, Wallmark signed with Chicago, but he was traded back to Florida mid-season. He's currently playing in Switzerland.
Chase Priskie was one of the two prospects in the deal. Signed after his rights with Washington expired, Priskie signed with the Canes and was assigned to Charlotte. He scored 31 points in 56 games with the Checkers. He debuted with the Panthers in 2021 and played four games during the season. He's been in the AHL since.
Except for the prospect who became a two-time Stanley Cup champion
The only piece in Florida's return that has had any longevity with the team was Eetu Luostarinen. After just eight games with the Hurricanes, he has become a very good player for the Panthers, helping them win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025.
His numbers won't blow you away. He topped out at 17 goals and 43 points in 2022-23. Otherwise, Luostarinen hasn't scored more than 12 goals or 27 points in a season. However, he was dynamite last postseason, scoring 19 points in 24 games. It's ironic that the only series he wasn't a point-per-game or better in was the conference finals against the Canes, scoring one goal in five games.
Trocheck became a valuable 2C before bouncing to a rival
After joining the Hurricanes, Trocheck experienced the usual growing pains of jumping into a system. His first goal with his new team was an overtime winner on Long Island, helping the Canes snap a losing streak. Trocheck was quiet in the bubble, too, recording just two assists in eight games against New York and Boston.
Trocheck hit the ground running during his first full season with the team in 2021. There were only three times during the season when he went multiple games without a point, scoring 43 points in 47 games. He was quiet again during the playoffs, scoring two goals and adding an assist.
Entering 2021-22 in the final year of his deal, Trocheck's per-game numbers dipped, but he mustered his first 20-goal campaign since 2017-18. He came alive in the playoffs, scoring a team-high six goals and tying for third in points (10). Once he hit free agency, Trocheck jumped to the Rangers, the team that eliminated the Canes in the 2nd round in 2022.
Since moving to The Big Apple, Trocheck has put together his three best seasons offensively. He set a new career high with 52 assists and 77 points in 2023-24, earning his second All-Star nod. He was instrumental in helping the Rangers eliminate the Canes again in 2024, tying Artemi Panarin with eight points to beat Carolina in six games. He recorded 20 points during the Rangers' run.
The Hurricanes haven't had a true second-line center since Trocheck left in 2022. He provided decent offensive stability behind Aho, and he held his own defensively, earning Selke votes with the team. The Hurricanes are still looking for a player with a profile similar to his to fill the second-line center spot. Overall, it's hard to argue that the 2020 deadline wasn't a big win for the Canes.