The Hurricanes’ trade deadline got off to an early start only a couple hours after part 1 of my trade deadline preview went up. In that article, I actually had the injury-depleted Penguins’ blue line named as a top destination and said I would be happy to get a third round pick in return. So obviously collecting a second-rounder was a big win for Ron Francis in my book.
Hooray! for Ron Hainsey
At the beginning of the week in the down times after the Maple Leafs loss, I posted a “5 wishes” article. First on the list was getting Ron Hainsey to a team certain to make the playoffs, so the long-time veteran could rightfully and finally get a taste of playoff hockey toward the tail end of his NHL career. In that regard, this trade is a huge win! The Penguins are certain to make the playoffs, have a good chance to stick around and can make as good of a claim to the Cup as anyone before it all starts.
The return
As I said above, getting a second round pick was a big win for Francis. The Hurricanes now have 2 extra second round picks and an extra third round pick for the upcoming 2017 NHL draft and should collect a few more extras over the next week. Also included in the deal was 26-year old right wing Danny Kristo. Kristo has yet to play in the NHL and is more of an addition for AHL Charlotte than a prospect expected to make a big difference at the NHL level.
What’s next?
Though the work on the 2017-18 puzzle is more likely to happen in June or July, the move does start the process of building the 2017-18 blue line in multiple ways. First, it opens up a try out spot for the top 4 for the current roster.
A possible trial for Hanifin in the top 4 to try spark his development: Best guess is that Peters elevates Hanifin into that spot. I have written about the possibility of trying to spark Hanifin’s development by putting a top 4 challenge in front of him and seeing how he reacts. With good timing, this was in my wish list for today’s Daily Cup of Joe and #2 out of 10 in the bullet list.
Another slot at the NHL level: The move also makes room for another defenseman at the NHL level. With the Checkers trying to push up into a playoff spot, I do not think Francis will raid the Checkers’ roster, but I do think McKeown, Fleury and possibly Carrick will see NHL ice time this season.
Another deal? My math says that the Hurricanes are now down to 3 proven top 4 defensemen. Though it is possible that it waits until summer, I think there is a chance that Francis actually adds another #4/#5 type veteran defenseman on a short-term contract to build a bridge to the youth. I wrote about that in some detail in my February 9 Daily Cup of Joe post.
What do you think about the deal? Are you both happy for Ron Hainsey and thrilled to get a second round pick in return?
And looking forward, I also posted an afternoon article that jumps to the next step and looks at options for Ryan Murphy.
Go Canes!
GREAT!!! Hainsey has been an outstanding player for us and it’s great to see him get a chance at, only the playoffs, but the Cup. Will miss Hainsey’s on the ice presence for sure, and also his to the point comments when he was interviewed. Always a straight shooter with no canned comments. Just made me a Pittsburgh fan for the playoffs.
2nd rounder is outstanding return. The throw in was possibly just to clear a space for another contract for Pittsburgh (the 50 players under contract rule).
Glad to see Hainsey set a shot at the post season.
My oldest daughter has 2 dogs, their names are Gerbe and Hainsey. When I saw this trade announced I instantly texted her and told her I was buying her a pupply on the grounds that I could name it. She said “OK, I think…what are you gonna name it?” I said Wardo!!
In all seriousness the only thing I don’t like about this trade is that it gets Murphy one step closer to being in the line up. Good luck Ron.
No. No more Murphy. I think it’s much more likely to be Fleury/Carrick/McKeown.
Yah, Fleury, Carrick or McKeown. See who is best prepared. Murphy is done, he has had way to many chances. I doubt we can trade him except for another do nothing player. Very bad first round pick.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see none of them called up for very long. The Checkers are making a push for the playoffs and those guys are going to be critical. Getting to and playing in the playoffs with the Checkers would be so good for the organization that I think Ron will play guys we already have, with a few games here and there thrown in for the guys down in Charlotte as rewards.
That is funny…devious but funny. 🙂
Really happy with this trade. It is a win – win, not that I wanted to see Hainsey go. He finally gets a real legitimate chance to win a cup and go to the playoffs. He really deserves it. And we get a second round pick. Both teams win with this.
Completely agree.
Amidst the hole hockey analysis thing, I am incredibly happy for Ron Hainsey who deservedly gets his chance in the playoffs.
Great for Hainsey, hope he is asked to be part of Hurricanes coaching group after retirement, or in TV booth.
Simple enough!!!!!
This is why I said Rutherford should have been gone years ago and he is an idiot, he gave away our past and future in every trade. A 2nd round pick for Hainsey, great move Ronny!!!!
Now go out and get Bishop or Fluery!!!
And Duchene (I don’t care if it’s Rask, Murphy, Hayden and a second round pick – bring in some vets and leaders!!!!!)
Idea of Hainsey in the TV booth in an interesting. He is 1 of a couple Canes players over the years who I think could be exceptional. Not sure how many years Hainsey has left, but it will be interesting to see if he goes that route.
My top 2 for a long time had been Aaron Ward who still lives locally and was phenomenal when he sat in for a few games once when he was injured. The other was Ray Whitney who was sneaky funny but also an incredibly smart hockey guy.
Good for Ron Hainsey and good for the Canes. A 2nd-round pick is more than I expected.
Next up: Murphy for Anthony Duclair in a nice change-of-scenery exchange.
Great idea IMO.
Great job RF and good for Hainsey.
It is obviously sad whenever a player has to change teams, but I can’t imagine a better scenario for Hainsey. Not only will he play in the post season, but I think he will really be valued there considering all of their injuries.
As for the Canes…a 2nd round pick is a wonderful get. Any chance we utilize this 2nd round pick (along with other players or picks of course) to get a player for the future like Duchene or even a goaltender? Even if we don’t, there is nothing wrong with loading up on picks (as long as you can draft well).
While I really don’t think Murphy is a great fit with this team, maybe they put him on display for a bit just to potentially dangle the bait for other teams. Young defenseman are always in demand.
The only reason to see Murphy is if they’re showcasing him for a trade. Otherwise he has no value to us. Way too many blown opportunities for him. Agree we won’t tinker too much with the Checkers playoff push, but really want to see what our D men there can do at the NHL level