What is different this year as compared to any other draft week lead up in Hurricanes history is the fact that the Hurricanes (at least allegedly) have a number of big names on the trading block. As such, the price level that the Hurricanes could theoretically be shopping at makes similarly big name additions at least a possibility.
So whereas yesterday’s part 1 of my 2018 NHL Draft week preview did bandy around a few names but mostly focused on the Hurricanes’ side of any potential draft week deals, today’s Daily Cup of Joe looks at potential targets for the Hurricanes if they do in fact pull off a blockbuster in trading a high-end player or two.
Reiterating the needs
In my article on June 11, I worked through an exercise slotting the Hurricanes forwards and then identifying needs. The short version is:
1) A goalie capable of becoming the starter
As has become an annual ritual, the Hurricanes need to do something to upgrade the goalie position. Cam Ward had a strong season in a backup role and only faded a bit when pressed into the starter’s role in 2017-18, but at 33 years old, he is not a starter. And Scott Darling faltered mightily in the first year of his four-year contract. One way or another the team needs to do something at the goalie position.
2) A steady top 4 defenseman who can complement and help boost one of Justin Faulk or Noah Hanifin
Another area of concern on the defensive side of the puck is building out a capable second pairing. Noah Hanifin has yet to reach that level on an every-game basis, and Justin Faulk seems to gradually slipping farther from this level of play after achieving it at a young age. I think the time is now to invest in a steady top 4 defenseman who can help solidify the top 4 and ideally make it possible to keep Jaccob Slavin and Brett Pesce together both at home and away.
3) One higher-end scoring forward
Especially if Jeff Skinner departs, the Hurricanes need to add a top half of the roster scoring forward to boost an offense that languished a bit in 2017-18. The question is whether the team needs veteran help at center until a couple kids emerge or if the team is better off adding finishing on the wing to complement centers who are already in the mix.
Shopping the NHL
What follows is a team by team search for players who could at least theoretically be available and who fill one of the three needs.
Anaheim Ducks
I do not view Anaheim as a likely trade partner, but the one player who stands out as long I am putting most everyone on the table and considering blockbusters to be possible, Rickard Rakell jumps out. He could add a young, two-way forward who can also score to the Aho/Teravainen line.
Arizona Coyotes
As a player who could become an unrestricted free agent next summer, Oliver Ekman-Larsson would come with some short-term flight risk. But that could also be what encourages Arizona to deal him at a reasonable trade price. As a proven veteran defenseman, he could be the stabilizing force needed for the top 4 even if short-term.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins are one of a few teams where I just do not see a player who could be available who fits the Hurricanes needs.
Buffalo Sabres
With the Sabres still muddling through a rebuild that has yet to yield much for progress, some big names are being bandied around. Ryan O’Reilly is a is 27 years old, capable of playing against anyone and signed for five more years. His front-loaded contract does have a $7.5 million cap hit and also an $8.5 actual salary for 2018-19, but the actual salary is actually a reasonable $6 million in each of the last four years. Rasmus Ristolainen is also thought to be a available but is maybe a bit expensive at $5.4 million per year relative to the level he has reached thus far. Is he a good young defenseman with NHL experience who just needs a change of scenery? Or is he overpriced at a salary for a level of play that he never reached?
Calgary Flames
In perusing the Flames roster and also considering that Bill Peters is now at the helm in Calgary, I do not see Calgary as a likely trade partner.
Chicago Blackhawks
I am on record as thinking the trade that makes the most sense is the Hurricanes returning Scott Darling to Chicago and retaining salary in the process. The direct deal could just see the Hurricanes keep the maximum 50 percent salary, or the other possibility is that the Hurricanes take on Marian Hossa’s odd contract that has a salary hit of $5.25 million but an actual salary of only $1 million. But also interesting is Brandon Saad. As a wing with a good combination is size, speed and skill, he could be a good complementary wing who helps the Aho/Teravainen duo step up another notch in 2018-19. If the Hurricanes add a defenseman from elsewhere, Faulk for Saad could be the deal to consider.
Colorado Avalanche
After a bit of a bounce back and the departure of Matt Duchene, the Avalanche are not nearly as likely to move a big name as the team was last season. But just maybe Gabriel Landeskog is still available. He could bring more of a physical element to the Aho/Teravainen line.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Especially as a division rival, I do not see Columbus as a likely trade partner.
Dallas Stars
In browsing Dallas’ roster, the team does not strike me as a great trade partner for the Hurricanes.
Detroit Red Wings
Maybe most enticing with the Red Wings is the potential to capitalize on their seeming preference for retooling such that just maybe the Wings’ #6 pick overall becomes available.
Edmonton Oilers
Here the list is plentiful. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would fit if the Hurricanes wanted to add a veteran top 6 center instead of waiting for/hoping the kids are ready on an expedited schedule. If the Oilers want to shake things up in hoping to improve on defense, Adam Larsson fits the bill as a steady, defensively capable top 4.
Florida Panthers
At first glance, I am not sure the Florida Panthers are one of the more likely trade partners. But the player who could make sense is James Reimer if the Panthers decide they want to lean heavily on Roberto Luongo and save some money at the backup position. Reimer has respectable .920 and .913 Save Percentages in 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively and is signed for three years at a nice middle-ish salary of $3.1 million per year.
Los Angeles Kings
Jake Muzzin fits the bill as a steady and proven top 4 defenseman. As such, the rumblings of a potential Skinner for Muzzin deal (with other pieces added) does make sense at least at a conceptual level.
Minnesota Wild
As a team that generally does well during the regular but has yet to come out on top in the western side of the playoff bracket, the Wild could be open to doing a deal or two that shake things up. Nino Niederreiter could be a complementary power forward for Aho/Teravainen.
Montreal Canadiens
With Alex Galchenyuk traded to Arizona, one of the regular trade names from Montreal is off the table. But Max Pacioretty is still there and still in the rumor mill. He is a flight risk after only one year when his contract ends next summer, but in terms of finding a player who could complement Aho/Teravainen, Pacioretty would be a great fit as a veteran with decent size, skating ability and finishing capabilities.
What say you Canes fans?
1) Which of the players highlighted as potential targets do you like?
2) Are there players not listed from these 15 teams whom you would consider?
3) Who wants to take a shot at actually doing deals?
Go Canes!
Oh, could we please make a deal for Pacioretty or Saad? I would love to see either of those players in a Hurricanes sweater. I like your idea of Skinner for Muzzin, even though I know very little about Muzzin. I’m ready for Skinner to go play elsewhere, and any solid D would be a good return for him. Rakell is an interesting possibility. He impresses me as speedy with good finishing skills. I was always more impressed with Landeskog than with Duchene when I saw them play, so that idea has some appeal, as well. Reimer in goal is something I could live with.
2. If Tavares becomes available as UFA…nah, he’ll be too expensive probably. Cam Atkinson, Zach Parisse, Johnny Gaudreau? I don’t know what it is about tiny forwards that I like, but we don’t need another one of those. Just my Christmas wish list.
3. I wouldn’t have a clue. That’s why I read Canes and Coffee. I’m just hoping someone in that consortium of GM’S the Canes have can put together a couple of deals involving Skinner and Faulk.
I like Ristolainen, Larsson, and RNH. I also like Edmonton’s No. 10 pick. I also like Milan Lucic.
I would offer up Skinner, Faulk, and Hanifin for Larsson, RNH, Lucic, a second or third round pick, and a goalie prospect.
OEL agreed to an extension with the Yotes at 8×8.25m so he’s off the table.
1. I like Saad, Muzzin, RNH, Niederreiter, and 6OA.
2. I also like Toffoli and Pearson from LA but think with it being likely we move 1 or 2 D we need to use Skinner for a top 4 replacement.
3. Faulk + Darling + Wallmark for Saad + Hossa + 27OA
27OA for Grubauer
Skinner for Muzzin + 3rd rounder
Hanifin for 6OA
With some rumors starting to circulate about TD wanting Hanifin our the more I’m intrigued about the number 6 pick. Right now it doesn’t seem like anyone has a clue what is going to happen from 3-10. One of Zadina, Tkachuk (for powerless), or Kotkaniemi will probably be available there.
Good catch on Ekman-Larsson, and thanks for keeping me honest.
Yay! Thanks, virtus.
I like the names you mentioned but I’m highly suspicious that either Rackell or Landeskog is available and OEL is definitely now not available.
From these teams, I like Justin Braun (ANA), Dylan Larkin (DET), Cam Talbot (EDM), and Jason Zucker (MIN) but none may be available.
I’m a terrible armchair GM when it comes to specific trades, but I like the general idea of what virtus is up to. I’d consider Hanifin +42OA for Larkin + 30OA
FYI – SJO just stole Hoffman from OTT. They have a veteran team that can probably deal with the issues – something we couldn’t do with our current team.
Hanifin for Larkin would be a great move; I just highly doubt Detroit would actually be willing to move him.
I also like Zucker and he may be a better option than Nino as he plays on the LW and could back fill for Skinner.
San Jose just flipped Hoffman to Florida for a 2019 2nd, and 2018 4th and 5th rounders.
So basically Sharks just clearing cap space and picking up some extra picks. Maybe they will be interested in Skinner…
This is off-topic but I’m thinking about making the drive up from Wilmington for the draft party on Friday. Is anyone planning to go and for those who have been before is it worth it?
I have gone to 3 of the last 4 and will be there on Friday – they are fun and well worth it, I think, even with the 2+ hour drive. You will see how approachable Forslund, Maniscalco and Willis are – plus get some great analysis “live” in front of you.
Awesome. Thanks for the info tj!
I was able to convince a buddy to make the trip with me so I’ll be there.
I know it won’t be but I really want the 3rd jersey to have Svech’s name on it.
They are taking pre-orders for the jersey on Friday – you can order yours with Svech’s name on it before the season starts. 🙂
And the RBG is the end of a great stretch of downtown Raleigh – Glenwood South. Make a night of it afterwards – there are other restaurants, bars and clubs for all age groups, even a great jazz club and a cool Irish pub within a 4-block walk.
1. Saad would be a good addition at the right price. Otherwise, none of the players listed really interest me.
2. Ryan Reaves is a free agent (Vegas). Bringing him in would add toughness and he has proven he can play an all-around game as well.
3. I am not into proposing deals as my level of expertise leaves something to be desired when it comes to anything beyond tying my shoes, telling time, eating without having to change clothes afterword, etc.
David Perron and or James Neal are the better unrestricted free agents available from Vegas. They will be much more expensive but both bring more of an offensive game plus the grit. They also have William Karlsson who is a restricted free agent center who potted 43 goals last year. They are going to have to make some tough decisions on who to keep and not to keep.
Hey dixie, both of the players you suggest would be fine with me. I would prefer Neal over Perron. Karlsson would be a nice pickup also. Good ideas. Let’s see what happens.
Just for interest sakes…the brother of the Russian we are going to draft plays for Detroit. Is he worth going after? I know nothing of his ability.
Evgeny was solid in juniors, around 0.5 ppg in AHL, limited NHL action – but likes the penalty box (about 1 minute/game) at all levels. He is big (6’3″ and 205) and plays on the right wing.
Probably wouldn’t be a bad pick up. Will probably turn out to be a physical middle-6 type guy.
I am not smart enough to guess “hockey trades” and I usually let my hope/bias drive those thoughts so I will pass on armchair GM. That said, with the changeover being discussed in draft order, as virtus indicates, with Zadina and Tkachuk both dropping out of the top 5 – by some accounts – I would not be opposed to making a trade to take one of those two players at 6 or 7.
One article (news, not blog) reported that we were offering Skinner for a 1st rounder and a prospect (i.e., as a rental) – maybe not only Hanifin could be in play for another top-10 pick.
This is also for red: I’m not smart enough to offer up trades either and I feel completely uncomfortable doing it – but I don’t mind looking stupid to get the conversation going.
1. I love that over all the griping over Scott Darling, the only alternative that has been thrown out of a decent goalie is…James Reimer. A 30 year old, who legit put up his two best seasons, but has never been a gamebreaking starting goalie at all. I mean if that’s the plan fine, but I don’t think anyone would argue that Reimer is any less of a dice roll than bringing back Ward AND Darling. Goalie is not an easy fix. Foster the competition.
2. Filip Zadina. If the man drops out of the top 4, I 100% advocate making a move to go get him. We have the assets, he has the chemistry, getting Zadina and Svech would be so huge.
3. Noah Hanifin for Arizona’s #5 and a third-round pick. I cry as I do this, but legit I think the future offensive gains would make up for whatever Hanifin becomes (which, at minimum, IMO will be a damn good defenseman.)
Relatedly, this just came up on The Athletic’s NHL trade/free agency tracker:
‘Multiple sources say the Flyers are gearing to potentially trade Wayne Simmonds.’
Here’s hoping Waddell has already placed a call.
Simmmons was injured most of last year but played through it. In reading bloggers from different Flyers site a good majority of them think he is finished as a Flyer given the severity of his injury and the amount of money he will be asking. I think he is a warrior and have always liked his game. He would be the net front presence that we need for the power play. Plus he could teach Z a thing or two. Also he would be add that gritty sandpaper thing we need.
Hoffman didn’t stay in San Jose long enough for a cup of coffee. He is now heading to Florida.
Agreed, I don’t see how James R solves our goaltending situation. I either want a proven #1 starter with a decent record or an ultra promising near-NHL ready prospect (the Flyers and Leafs have a pretty good crop of quality goalie prospects). We’ll talk about those in the next batch.
I don’t want more of the same with regards to goalies.
I do not want hot potate Hoffman either, I think the team needs grit and leadership, not cyber bullying. I would’ve accepted the risk with Evander Kane, because I think he’s that good, but not Hoffman,.
I think Jason Zucker would be a good addition from the Wild.
Hearing that CBJ are potentially shopping Artemi Panarin. I wonder if something around Skinner + Gauthier/Wallmark would move the needle there…
Not exactly a big gritty player like many want but you don’t pass up on a skilled winger whose lowest production year was 74 points if you can get him to sign a long-term deal.
Over on Hockeybuzz the Toronto representative (one of the bloggers) suggested the following trade:
To Tor: Hanifin and rights to DR.
to Car: Kapanen, Sparks, 25th pick.
I’d take that trade.
It’s betting on Sparks to live up to his promise, but he’s a cheap risk with a big upside, plus Kapanen is a good addition to the Finish contingent, might even fit on a first line with Aho and TT.
And the Canes can pick up a d man with the 25th pick or flip it and Skinner to some team for top 4 d help.
I really like this. (Assume DR is Derek Ryan.) Kapanen is young with a huge upside. I could see a true Fins line. Sparks just led the Marlies to the Calder Cup and was stellar all season. Plus we get a pick in first round. Would be interesting to see what Maple Leaf fans think of it. I think I will go browse.
But Ryan is a UFA – they would only be trading for an extra 1-2 weeks of being the only ones who could sign him. I don’t really see that as an incentive for TOR. Am I missing something?
You’re right. I am not sure why he wanted the rights for a soon-t-be UFA. Maybe just to make the deal look better for Tor. The Canes could throw in Walmark for instance.
I’d consider the deal even without the first round pick.
Tor has a logjam of goalies and Kapanen seems to be in need of a fresh start, as does Hannifin.
I think this would be a mutually beneficial change of scenery trade.
Breezy, I like the deal too. Ryan would likely sign with the Leafs (Babcock-Peters connection). Leafs have always had buyer’s remorse at having passed over Hanifin in the draft.
Kapanen is the son of Sami who was a very good player for us. If he’s as fast as his dad was, wow!
I love goalie prospects, and it looks like Sparks is a good one. A first round pick? Always a good thing.
Surprisingly, Leafs fans think it would be a bad deal for us. Hmmm!
If you are confused, don’t be. Ryan is heading into free agency. I am sure that he expects to be passed over because of his size. Yet. Peters always gave him ice time because of his hustle, speed and prowess in the faceoff circle. He knows that Peters probably whispered in Babcock’s ear about him. Oh yeah! Ryan would sign in a heartbeat. It’s very cold out there for a small guy like Ryan.
Leafs fans are like us. They are disappointed in Kapanen and Sparks. Why? Who knows? Who cares? We don’t see it.
Of course, we are disappointed in Hanifin. They can’t see that.
It’s that human element again.
Virtus. CBJ is not likely to trade Panarin to a team in their division, or even their conference.