The 2018 NHL Draft is now only days away, and that of course means that trade rumors and rumblings are springing up left and right. Unlike most years, the Carolina Hurricanes rank near the top of the league in terms of discussion and rumors.
All of Jeff Skinner, Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin who are taking regular turns in the trade rumor mill would garner a significant return. Scott Darling and possibly Victor Rask could be salary cap dump type of trade candidates. And per comments from owner Tom Dundon at the beginning of the summer, anyone not named Sebastian Aho is open for trade discussion.
Today’s Daily Cup of Joe offers another round of my thoughts on potential trades as a means to retool and build a playoff team for the 2018-19 season.
Who is actually available?
The rumor mills would have you believe that Jeff Skinner, Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin are actively being shopped. Oftentimes, where there is smoke there is fire on the trade front, but then there is also an element of random stuff flying around to generate attention.
My thinking is that Rod Brind’Amour has the biggest say in who stays and who is at least shopped for departure. I say this for two reasons. First, Brind’Amour is tasked with righting the ship for a team that seemed to be headed in the right direction for the 2016-17 season and then careened off course in 2017-18. At the same time, there is an element of ‘this team is good enough with the right leadership’ and also an element of ‘something is structurally broken with this team.’ The expectation and hope is that Brind’Amour can get more out of the current personnel. As such, I think Brind’Amour has a huge say in terms of which players who did not impress in 2017-18 he can get more from. Further, my hunch is that Brind’Amour is the person with the most clout with owner Tom Dundon right now. As such, Brind’Amour has some ability to dictate what happens with the roster this summer.
In that regard, all of Skinner, Faulk and Hanifin could merit trade consideration. All three are light on the defensive side of the puck, and I cannot imagine that will fly under Brind’Amour’s reign.
The question is which, if any, of these players Brind’Amour believes he can spark to a higher level and which he believes just does not fit because of two-way play.
In trying to peer into the mind of Rod Brind’Amour and also the collective group that leads the team, my hunch is that Jeff Skinner is in fact on the trade market, and it would not surprise me if the same is true for Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin.
My 2 cents
On Jeff Skinner
If I could get comparable value in return preferably in the form of a steady top 4 defenseman, I would do it. As a player who scores but tends to give up as much as he gets, it just is not clear to me that he is the type of player that you commit $7-8 million for five plus years to lock in long-term. And with Skinner scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, the time is now to make a decision and either re-sign him or move him. The fact that he has a no-trade clause does limit things, but if there is no long-term for Skinner in Raleigh, I would think he would be amenable to a trade to a decent list of teams as a way to start exploring options for his next contract early.
I’d do: Jeff Skinner for Jake Muzzin.
On Justin Faulk
Faulk is similarly a young veteran who is approaching his next contract as an unrestricted free agent. A key difference, however, is the fact that Faulk is signed for two more years therefore decreasing the urgency to make a decision this summer. That said, Faulk is another player who was ‘iffy’ defensively in 2017-18 and could also be part of a leadership shake up.
I’d consider: Trading Justin Faulk for a comparable level/age scoring forward.
On Noah Hanifin
Who would have guessed that Hanifin’s name would even be one that was out there this time of year when he was drafted three years ago? But here we are. Hanifin just has not matured enough defensively to be more than a regular third pairing defenseman. The ceiling is still there, but the risk that he never reaches that ceiling has increased significantly with three years passing. Hanifin might be at the perfect point where he still has significant value for a team that thinks the ceiling is on the way, or he could could prove to be a case where just a little more patience was needed.
I’d prefer: To sign Hanifin to a reasonably-priced two-year bridge deal for $2.5 to $3 million per year. The risk there is that his trade value declines as time ticks by without a higher gear being reached. But for the right price I would be willing to invest two more years hoping Hanifin puts it all together. But if instead, his agent wants more like Pesce/Slavin money and extended term, I think I would be inclined to part ways with him. In that case, two types of deals potentially make sense. First is a change of scenery type deal for another young player who has not put it all together yet. Second could be a ‘restart’ type of deal that sees the Hurricanes land a top 10 draft pick to start all over again with another high-end but young prospect.
On Scott Darling
I actually think that Scott Darling is the player most likely to be dealt first. As I wrote awhile back in this article from March 11, I think Scott Darling makes sense for the Blackhawks if the Hurricanes retain the maximum half of his salary. He only left Chicago because they could not afford to pay two starters’ salaries for goalies. Though there is some risk after a really tough 2017-18 season, a rebound seems most plausible with a return home to Chicago. As such, I think Darling to Chicago for very little and possibly even with a modest sweetener included makes sense.
I’d move on: From Scott Darling if given the chance to unload him without overpaying in terms of a sweetener.
While the possibility definitely exists for almost anyone else to be traded as well, I do think those are the four most likely players be dealt this summer.
As I touched on partially last week, I think a couple moves could have a huge domino effect and in the process solidify the defense and goaltending. If the Hurricanes were to trade Jeff Skinner for Jake Muzzin and then also unload Scott Darling while retaining half of his salary, the team would have shed about $4 million in salary and at the same time upgraded defensively with a steady top 4 defenseman in too, and the riskiness of Skinner’s defensive game gone. If the team then spent a chunk of that $4 million to add another goalie, the domino effect defensively could be significant.
Predictions
If I had to pick one player to be moved this week, it would be Scott Darling to the Blackhawks. I do also think there is a reasonable probability that Jeff Skinner will ultimately be dealt but with his no-trade clause, required return and the fact that Ilya Kovalchuk or Max Pacioretty could fill a similar need for teams, I think the Skinner situation stretches out longer.
What say you Canes fans?
1) Which of Jeff Skinner, Justin Faulk, Noah Hanifin and/or Scott Darling will be traded? Which, if any, do you anticipate being moved during the draft week?
2) What players would you be targeting in a deal?
3) What is your best bet and also wildest prediction for this week leading into the draft?
Go Canes!
I’m speculating all four get dealt:
#1 – Skinner for Muzzin and LA 2nd
#2 – Darling (35% salary retained) and Faulk for Saad and Hossa (cap hit)
#3 – Hanifin for Ristolainen
#4 – LA 2nd, Rask and Booth for Jake Allen
While some of these have been flying in the rumor mill, I can see these types of moves which would strengthen the backend, beef up the top 6 while bringing in a guy who has already proven to be an NHL #1. I think someone like Allen does this (something tells me STL lands Grubauer as a replacement, not us). Anyway, just a hunch.
If you trade both Faulk and Hanifin, who is going to be on point during the power play? If Faulk is moved, I don’t see us also trading Hanifin, and the same is true if Hanifin is moved first. Further, I doubt we make FOUR major trades in the offseason. Counting the rookies coming up from Charlotte, you’ve now turned over about half the opening day lineup.
In theory, Slavin and Risto can work the PP as both are capable points guys (Slavin should be more so). Turnover in this roster isn’t a bad thing. Vegas was built from scratch and did just fine (which is 100% new).
There has been word out that TD wants a significant turnover in the roster, which is consistent with what his friend Mark Cuban did to the Mavs the year after he bought that team.
Slavin saw time on the point last season; and Fleury played the point in Charlotte the year before (I think) and did an excellent job.
I agree. I think it is likely an either/or approach with Faulk and Hanifin. I think management will decide which of the two is capable of being a solid top 4 defenseman if given a complementary and capable partner. That player stays, and the other while not certain to be traded becomes expendable as an expensive #5/#6 defenseman.
Very interesting.
1. It seems at least two of Skinner/Faulk/Hanifin gets moved. If Matt is correct and Darling gets moved this week that would probably be best for player and team. A top four veteran d-man needs to come back somewhere in the trades. Speculation and rumors are so rampant that it is tough to tell who will be involved in trades.
2. One player I would like to see Carolina target that may be off the radar is Robin Lehner. I know he has his detractors and his anger management is a work in progress. A few points to consider-
1. The cost to acquire should not be outrageous- low prospect or draft pick. He is an RFA which allows the canes a certain leverage in his next contract.
2. If you look at his numbers he is actually a decent goalie. According to capfriendly in 2016-17 he played 59 G, 2.68 gaa, 920 sv%. In 2017-18 he played 53 G, 3.01, 908 sv%. On that team the numbers are solid. He is 26 and has played starters minutes the last two years. He does not have to adjust to being the man.
3. He is a tough hombre. He could definitely be a part of changing the culture. I would predict he would be undefeated in goalie fights. Those are always fun.
Carolina needs some wins on a few small trades. Lehner on a short contract could be a win.
3. Best bet- Not everyone will be happy with the moves made this week. Wildest prediction- The canes will draft a Finnish forward in the first round with a pick acquired in a trade.
Trade Hanifin for some mid-level prospect and a pick around 10th, draft Jesperi Kotkaniemi. I like it. I like it a lot.
Skinner for Muzzin. You have to be kidding! No way would I make that deal. You might just as well just hold on to Skinner if that is all you are asking for him. What is this? Trade Skinner at all costs? Skinner for Muzzin and Toffoli or even Skinner for Toffoli and a first or second round draft pick this year.
Darling and Ward must go. Solving the goaltending mess should be FIRST PRIORITY. You can’t trade away assets you might need in order to solve the goaltending situation before you get this problem solved.
Trade Skinner for a defenseman you say, ands then Faulk for a forward. What defenseman will we acquire who is better than Faulk (you say Muzzin for Skinner) and what forward will we acquire who is better than Skinner (you have no answer). If we need a forward there are free agent forwards available requiring is to do nothing but sign them. If we need another forward, wouldn’t our first priority there be signing James VanReimsdyk or some other free agent forward before giving up Faulk to get one? If we couldn’t sign a free agent forward that we would want, then consider what we need to do as far as a trade is concerned to obtain one. It seems like we are already loaded with forward “prospects,” yet we seem to be abandoning them in our search for needed forwards. Why? With Zykov, Foegle, Saarela, Walmark, Poturalski, Roy, Kouk, etc. all looking to get to the NHL and none of them are going to make the team in a role that we need. That looks to me like we have treaded water in the development of forwards if no forward prospects from Charlotte can solve any of the “supposed problems” that need to be solved as far as our forward situation goes.
My conclusion from all this is, we seem to be getting caught up in trying to create excitement about the team by just dumping assets for whatever we can get for them and not really going about it in some logical well thought out priority order. Priority ONE. Solve the goaltending mess. Priority two, don’t do anything else until you solve the goaltending mess.
Your trade value of skinner is a bit outrageous. And Jake Muzzin is very, very good. Skinner for Muzzin straight up isn’t a bad deal at all. Maybe we could get like a fourth out of it. Muzzin would immediately become the second best defenseman on the team. Good at both ends of the ice.
And Skinner’s replacement, scoring-wise is a young Russian by the name of Andrei. Who is already a better two-way player than skinner ever was or probably will be (he was on Barrie’s top PK unit).
Red – Completely agree. Let’s get rid if we can of “Dreadful Darling” before we do anything. We have to improve this position. I also agree with you on the assets in Charlotte. There was a reason the Checkers were 2nd in the league in goals scored last year. I think that equates to skill.
red, I don’t think anyone is dumping assets; there is an active market for Skinner with multiple teams interested so I would expect that he’s traded in a reasonable deal at a market price. I agree that more needs to come back in a Muzzin deal, too, but getting a top-4 defender back with more term (that’s reasonable) is part of a very fair return.
Skinner’s trade value is diminished by the fact that he will be a UFA after this season. I also believe he wants out. The fluff blogger pieces that in no way discuss the negative points of his game are coming from his new agent, IMO. The Canes get better without Skinner simply by his subtraction. His defensive liabilities aren’t worth the scoring. Muzzin plus some 2nd or 3rd round pick would be a good return.
As far as the goalie situation goes it is the most important thing they do this summer, but it doesn’t have to be the first thing they do. If you wait to trade a Skinner, Faulk or Hanifin until after the draft you lose an opportunity to get a pick that may help the team in the next year or so. No way you are getting any kind of immediate help from a trade of Darling.
Once the team makes a decision on whether Skinner is part of the long-term solution, I think there is some urgency either way. If he is part of the plan, then best would be to re-sign him sooner rather than later. If he is not part of the long-term plan, best to move now before it turns into a difficult game of chicken especially with Skinner having a no-trade clause. And with only 1 year remaining on his contract before UFA status, I think people overestimate his value as a player who could leave after 1 season. Muzzin is under contract for 2 years at a reasonable price and fits into the top half of the roster. We can debate who needs to add what to even that deal, but that in itself is a pretty good get for a player who could just walk next summer if he chooses.
That’s true, he can walk after next year so that type of return is in line.
However, Skinner has a no-trade. Would he agree to go to a team for only a year, or would there be the expectation in advance – even the agreement – on an extension as part of his willingness to waive the no-trade?
If that were factored into things, the return could go up dramatically.
All readers have been thinking about this since the season ended and we’re going to start to get our answers later this week. Very exciting times …
Skinner is going to be traded. The risk of him walking after the season with no return is too great. Yes, he could be a deadline deal, but he’d have to agree to that, too, so I think having an entire season someplace else (and possibly getting extended) is actually better for all parties. I like a trade that gets us a D-man like Muzzin (there may be other candidates) but I think more needs to come back our way. Braun in SJO or Montour or Manson in ANA are other possible candidates.
I like the idea of sending Darling back to CHI though I’ve said many times I’d also be fine if he stays for another season to be better, which I think he will be. If we took Hossa’s contract back, that frees up all the cap-space CHI needs so I’m not sure we’d have to retain salary. Other teams with cap room might be pitching similar deals to CHI but the idea of getting a solid (for them) backup goalie is compelling. live_free’s idea to include Faulk and Saad is also interesting. That’s a change-of-scenery trade that might make sense, especially for Saad.
I think Faulk is also traded. More than his defensive play, I think it’s a locker-room/leadership thing; yes, LAK was able to keep Dustin Brown after moving the “C” from him to Kopitar (mostly because they couldn’t trade him), but that’s unusual. Usually, when you lose the “C”, it’s because you’re on a new team. (It happened in SJO with Pavelski/Thorton, but they were much deeper in their careers.)
If we do get a Muzzin-type, we could use Faulk to get a goalie or more picks or a prospect defender – I’m not convinced we would necessarily need a roster player. I don’t think it’s a must-have to get a top-6 forward in return. I’ve heard rumors of talks with EDM for Cam Talbot.
Hanifin is the most interesting case. I’d keep him unless the return is compelling, especially if we get a real veteran defender for Skinner or Faulk. I wouldn’t do a deal just because the contract negotiations are difficult and he wants more – he’s an RFA, not a UFA – but I would do a deal if we get a player with just as high a ceiling (think Jones-for-Johansen trade). I don’t think either Risto (BUF) or DeBrusk (BOS) qualifies (as has been rumored) but maybe they do if a high pick is included.
Wildest prediction: Pesce for Draisaitl.
dmiller. I hope your wildest prediction is wildly off base for a few reasons: 1) As you and others have mentioned, center is no longer a big need (Aho, Lindholm, Staal, Rask, Necas, Wallmark, Martinook, there are bound to be four out of seven); 2) Pesce is going to be the right-hand shot on the power play–more below; 3) Pesce is going to be our top d-man at some point–I still think he will be Slavin’s equal or slightly better in a year or two.
That being said, my favorite Skinner move is for Braun and a pick. Because Braun is a right-shot RHD, he can replace Faulk. Braun showed last year he can produce some offense, but even if he provides fewer points than Muzzin he is better in other respects. He blocks more shots and has twice as many takeaways over the past 4 years. Perhaps most importantly he commits fewer penalties. He is incredibly solid while being fundamentally sound (for those who are concerned he also had almost as many hits as Muzzin). I would not have a problem with Skinner for Muzzin, but I see each of the moves that is going to be made fitting a holistic strategy. Coincidentally that strategy has each defense pairing with a RD that is defensively and an LD that will be free to join the rush.
That strategy includes moving Faulk (I would be thrilled if Saad is the return). So Hanifin remains a Cane and needs the best defensive partner available–that is Braun.
The power play can afford to substitute Pesce for Faulk because of the addition of Svechnikov in place of Staal on the first unit (Aho/TT/Lindholm/Svech/Pesce). When Pesce has been used on the power play in past seasons he has been serviceable. As he matures, he will be a good complement for a unit that will have elite passing and first-rate sniping. Or the Canes can forego a right-hand shot and use Slavin and Hanifin as the d-men of both units.
The challenge with the holistic strategy is that the trades of both Skinner and Faulk need to provide a return that replaces the other player. The danger is trading Skinner for a d-man and then having the Faulk trade for a scoring winger fall apart. At that point the Canes would have too many pieces on the blue line and would be significantly short of forward scoring.
If one move happens, I hope it indicates that the other is guaranteed.
It was a wild prediction – not something I’m clamoring for. Just being a little wild 🙂
Muzzin is a better overall defenseman. Much better offensively. He also had 170 hits last year.
Outside of hits, the only thing Muzzin has in his favor is points. And the difference for the past three seasons is almost all on the power play. Even strength Muzzin has put up 27, 18, and 28 points the past three seasons; Braun is 23, 13, 33.
As far as being a stabilizing partner, I think the argument tilts in Braun’s favor. He has significantly fewer giveaways, fewer penalties, and has been positive in +/- for the past four seasons. Among the arguments for moving Faulk are his giveaways and consistently poor +/-.
I would be fine with Muzzin. But if we move Faulk, I think Braun being a right-hand shot plus the possibility of Pesce or Slavin moving into a better power play makes Braun a slightly better option.
dilly dilly
Here is what I would like to see:
Skinner and Faulk to LA for Muzzin, Adrian Kempe, and a 2nd. Maybe switch out Faulk for Hanifin and turn that 2nd into a 1st. I hesitate greatly to trade Hanifin, though. There’s so much potential there. He’s still SO young and defenseman have always taken longer to develop, even if we fans may be getting a bit spoiled/impatient while looking around at the Provorov’s and Werenski’s of the world. Latest rumors I saw were the Red Wings were trying hard for Hanifin. That would have to start with Michael Rasmussen + 30th pick or Evgeni Svechnikov + 6th pick for me to consider that. That’s a huge asking price for a defenseman who’s not shown to be much more than an offensive, third pairing defenseman, but with his pedigree and potential that’s the only way I’m doing it. And the goalie situation is still the most important to this team’s 2018-19 success. Our defense has enough options to be solid enough (Muzzin would help, he’s a great two way defenseman). Svechnikov completing a dynamic first line will be fun. These hypothetical trades certainly will bring in a solid middle-six forward somewhere, and if not we could bring in a JVR, or at least some solid forward in free agency. But I think we need to be pretty hard after Carter Hutton or even Jake Allen, or maybe Grubauer could be an option. I’m also still a Ned believer and think he could be ready by mid-season if nothing works out, or at least by next year. He’s always been a big game player, and with a good defense in front of him I expect his athleticism to carry him into a successful NHL career. He seemed to be coming into his own late last year and in the postseason for Charlotte. Booth and Helvig also have starting goalie potential in my opinion but are still looking at 2020 debuts at the earliest. At the end of the day who knows. There are options out there, and this team still looks like one on the rise, especially with Svechnikov on the way. Whatever the decisions are, I just wanna see good, competitive hockey again.
With all three players the unknown factor is are they part of the problem in the locker room? I suspect one or more of these three are part of that problem. That will expedite the exit of that/those player(s).
Skinner appears to be gone. The signs I see suggest he wants to be gone. I hope they get a nice player in return plus some kind of draft pick.
Faulk and Hanifin’s status probably has to do with what the club thinks of them and what they will bring in return. I just don’t think Chicago will be ready to trade Saad again after just getting him back last year. If Hanifin is the hot commodity that the blogsphere says he is I would act while he is hot. A top 10 pick plus a solid player would be a great return. I would take Larkin straight up from Detroit if they are as hot to trot as rumored.
If Hanifin or Faulk is traded, then it makes no sense to trade the other one. Whatever defensive faults they both have, they both have an valuable offensive upside, can lead the PP, and are suited for 3-3 overtime. I’m fine with one being moved, not both.
For Darling, I doubt that it will happen, but I’d like to see him put on waivers and sent to Charlotte. Give him time to figure out his game again. So one scenario: we trade for Grubauer, Ned comes in as the backup, Darling plays in Charlotte. If Ned struggles as backup, Darling comes up and gets his chance to claim the backup spot (I’m assuming Ned doesn’t have to clear waivers to go back down…). If Ned is not ready, then sign Ward to 1 yr deal and Ned/Darling split time in Charlotte.
Skinner is obviously on his way out, but the team should be patient. As other teams miss out on signings and trades (Taveres, JVR, Neal, etc) they may be willing to give up more to get Skinner.
Hanifin has shown little on the PP. 1 goal and 6 assists last season. I’m pretty sure you could plug in just about any NHL defenseman and get those numbers. Yes, he is pretty skating up the ice with the puck.
From Eklund at hockeybuzz.com:
“On Hanifin…
Many, many teams in on Hanifin…But the Red Wings are amping up their trade offer I am told…The Canucks are willing to give the 7th overall…”
Later goes on to say that the Canes and Islanders are the favorites for Grubauer.
I wouldn’t take the 7th. overall pick for Hanifin straight up. Go back in time and wait another 3 years for someone to be ready to make an impact? As many shortcomings as Hanifin has, he’s no worse than a third pairing defenseman with the potential to be much more than that. You know what you have and there isn’t anyone in Charlotte who is better. Unless the Canes get an existing NHL top 6 forward or solid goalie in return, I don’t trade him.
Apparently TD wants Hanifin gone – more for team culture than talent. That being the case you trade him.
Where are you hearing this from? I was under the impression that Hanifin wasn’t necessarily being shopped but that we were listening to offers since there seemed to be so much interest.
Imagine how much interest there would be in Aho if we said he was available. I have heard things in the grapevine. TD wants a change in culture and there are specific players he wants moved. The interest in Hanifin is there because of indicators from above that he was available – more than TD’s comments at his end of season press conference. Even his former agent said that Hanifin is “disillusioned” which is not the descriptor TD wants applied to any of the players on the team he owns.
Well said. Krepelka worked for that ‘former agent’ group and I can imagine his thoughts on the situation would be similar. I agree there is likely no place for that sort of thinking in a player on this team. This is why I continue to think both Hanifin and Faulk will be wearing new jersey’s next season. But I also think we will be better off in the returns for it.
We don’t know that is the case. Evidently they want a change in the locker room culture, but other than fans throwing out half of the names on the roster there hasn’t been anything substantive said by anyone with real knowledge of the situation to indicate who the targets of a move are likely to be.
I disagree. That gives us a chance to draft Dobson, Hughes, Boqvist, or Bouchard. Hanifin still has an elite ceiling but his bust potential is growing as well.
But what are the odds any of these four end up being as good as Hanafin is at his worst? I believe only three of the first 15 players drafted last year played in the NHL. It still is the great unknown no matter how many accolades a player gets when he’s in his teens. The Canes can’t afford to wait another 3 years. If they trade Hanifin, it has to be a good NHL player coming back the other way. I’d even take Risto out of Buffalo who could help jack up the power play to another level and probably be no worse 5 on 5 than Hanifin.
Exactly! Hanifin has more questions than answers right now. This is a young man’s NHL, not the 80’s and 90’s where defensemen took several years to pan out in a clutching and grabbing ‘old school’ style of play. Not saying he’s a bust, but we might be better off drafting another “potential” stud if given the chance. That or similar young player needing change, so I’m in the camp for trading Hanifin and Faulk for a better dynamic.
Ok, here’s another off the wall trade scenario. Flyers trade Radko Gudas, Jordan Weal and the 14th overall pick to the Canes for Jeff Skinner. Canes get a tough, veteran defenseman who has his issues but brings something to the table that doesn’t exist in Raleigh, toughness. Probably a third pairing guy but could play an important role for the Canes. Weal is a gamble, has some upside and probably a third/fourth line winger but someone with more skill than those filling those roles now (or at least the hope is that is the case). The 14th. pick should get you a good prospect. Everyone is saying it’s a good draft up to around this pick. Then I’d hang on to everyone else unless you get a steady goalie back in some deal. Getting two NHL players plus a high pick for Skinner is a good haul imop.
A voice of reason.
I think the Hurricanes will make a deal to obtain a young goalie prospect (Demko, Ingram, Jarry, or someone similar). It’s a bold prediction but something has to change in net. Best bet for the week is that the canes absorb a big contract while acquiring more picks with a lesser prospect going back in return.
How about sending Skinner, Faulk, and Hanifin to the Flyers. The Flyers send us Gudas, Simmonds, a second round pick 2018, and a goalie prospect.
No. Carter Hart would be nice but. No. That’s absurd.
“Something has to change in net.” Something will change in net if you put a group of good to great players on the ice, playing as a team with a culture of winning and unity.
Or maybe Skinny, Faulk, and Hanifin to Edmonton. They send us Nurse or Larsson, RNH,Lucic, a second round pick 2018 or 2019, and a goalie prospect.
I doubt that Skinny could resist the possibility of playing on a line centered by either McDavid or Patrick.
1. I predict that Skinner, Faulk, and Hanifin will be traded. Darling will not. Traded during draft week – Hanifin for a pick on Friday and a prospect. Skinner traded this week as well if he is being viewed as a high-end 1-year rental – also for a pick and other considerations.
2. Not really sure.
3. My wildest prediction for draft week – hmmmmm, the winning coach of the SCF will be looking for a new job. 😀
Number 3… How did you do that?!
TJ…I hope you’re right in these predictions (kudos to Trotz). I’m also going to toss in Darling as well because I think we can get Jake Allen from STL (and feel STL will go hard for Grubauer). I wouldn’t mind Grubauer, but I think this team needs a proven starter. Someone else above mentioned Lehner, and I agree a proven guy like Allen/Lehner would do wonders for this team needing average goaltending.
I was just reading the “Cult of Hockey” column in the online Edmonton Journal. Great reading guys. Anyway, it looks as if Montreal won’t be picking Zadina or Tkachuk at No. 3. Most teams now recognize their desperate need for center and d-men. As such, wingers are not the hot items they once were.
At least two scouts told the Cult writer that Montreal will likely use their No. 3 pick on a Finnish center named Kotkaniemi.
It is believed that because of this, Zadina and Tkachuk will slide out of the top 5.
Maybe the Canes will also change their minds too?
Ya gotta love draft week. Full of twists and turns.
Wildest prediction: I’m going off limb here and talking 3rd jersey. Thinking the alternate 3rd jersey is a red and black replica of the Hartford Whalers one with some twists. In that the H stands for ‘Hurricanes’ and the W stands for ‘Warning’. Maybe that relates to the “Take Warning” campaign…
We shall see…