Carolina Hurricanes NHL Trade Deadline Outlook

Carolina Hurricanes NHL Trade Deadline Outlook

Victor Rask

There’s perhaps no better reason to trade Eric Staal than Victor Rask. The defensively responsible 22-year-old two-way forward is having a breakout season with 33 points in 55 games so far. He’s proven himself capable of assuming the second line center role. It’s important for Carolina to give Rask those top six minutes to ensure themselves he is capable moving forward. If he’s not, it changes the landscape of what Carolina does on the trade market. Why not roll with Jordan Staal or Elias Lindholm in that first line center role for the last 25 games?

Jordan Staal

He signed a 10-year $60 million dollar contract ($6 million dollar cap hit) that won’t expire until 2023 – which also includes a no-trade clause.

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While not an impossible contract to move, it may prove difficult. On the one hand, it’s a fairly comfortable cap hit for the caliber of player. At the same time, how confident would you be as a GM that he can maintain that level of play until the age of 35?

Considering he’s only 27-years-old playing up the middle, it’s likely the Carolina Hurricanes could find a trade partner, if they decide to shake the core up and move in a younger direction. If Elias Lindholm and Victor Rask reach their potential, moving Jordan Staal becomes a much easier decision.

Best Fits (Ranked):

1. Minnesota Wild
2. Montreal Canadiens
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. Nashville Predators

Jeff Skinner

Health concerns over Jeff Skinner had him rumored to be on the trade block last summer. Only problem? They’re no more health issues for the 23-year-old who’s only missed 16 games over the last three seasons (appearing in 57 games in 2015-16). The concussion history puts him at constant risk, but Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby is in the exact same situation. 

Drafted 7th overall in 2010, Skinner went on to capture the Calder Trophy as an 18-year-old with 63 points in 82 games in 2010-11. His totals dipped the next two seasons due to concussions, but rose again in 2013-14, producing 54 points in 71 games. His production fell off in 2014-15, only putting up 31 points in 77 games. Perhaps this is what triggered trade rumors? For anyone who’s followed the NHL closely, we know you can’t put too much stock into one bad season. Back on track in 2015-16, Skinner has 19 goals and 13 assists (32 points) in 57 games so far. He’s on pace for 27 goals (48 points) in 2015-16.

GM Ron Francis should be looking at Jeff Skinner as one the main core pieces moving forward. There’s been admitted up-and-down’s to his NHL career thus far, but it feels as though he’s just starting to scratch the surface in terms of his production capabilities. Skilled snipers are hard to come by. The objective of hockey is to score more goals than your opponent – Jeff Skinner can help with that.

Next: Wrap-Up/Final Thoughts