Carolina Hurricanes D John-Michael Liles: NHL Trade Deadline Profile

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 25th, 1980, Carolina Hurricanes D John-Michael Liles was originally a selection of the Colorado Avalanche, 159th overall (5th round) back in 2000. A draft pick from Michigan State University, Liles accumulated 138 points in 169 college games.

He joined AHL’s Hershey Bears for five games to close out the 2002-03 season, also appearing in five playoff games.

Liles made the Avalanche out of training camp in 2003-04 in his first full year of pro hockey. He put up 10 goals, 24 assists (34 points) in 79 games as a rookie. He also added one helper in 11 playoff games. The next season marked the 2004-05 NHL lock-out, in which Liles took his talents overseas to play in Germany for the year.

Re-joining the Avs in 2005-06 for his delayed sophomore season, Liles put up an impressive 14 goals, 35 assists (49 points) in 82 games. He added three more points in nine playoff contests.

He spent the next five seasons with the Colorado Avalanche:

2006-07: 71gp 14g-30a (44pts)
2007-08: 81gp 6g-26a (32pts) Playoffs: 10gp 2g-3a (5pts)
2008-09: 75gp 12g-27a (39pts)
2009-10: 59gp 6g-25a (31pts) Playoffs: 6gp 1g-1a (2pts)
2010-11: 76gp 6-40a (46pts)

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John-Michael Liles was traded from Colorado to Toronto on June 24th, 2011 in exchange for a 2012 2nd round draft pick. He played well in his first season, posting seven goals, 20 assists (27 points) in 2011-12. Liles spent the next two seasons fighting to stay in the lineup, and even saw time with AHL’s Toronto Marlies in 2013-14.

Liles was traded from Toronto to Carolina on January 1st, 2014 in exchange for D Tim Gleason. He appeared in their last 35 games, posting two goals, seven assists (nine points).

John-Michael has spent the last two seasons in Carolina, appearing in 57 games in 2014-15, producing two goals, 20 assists (22 points). Staying healthy in 2015-16, Liles has appeared in 63 games so far, tallying six goals, adding nine helpers (15 points).

Carolina Hurricanes D John-Michael Liles is currently in the last year of a four-year deal that carries an annual cap hit of $3.875 million dollars. He made $4.25 million dollars over the first three years, dropping his 2015-16 salary to $2.75 million dollars.

If Carolina is willing to retain part of his salary, Liles is an attractive option with less money owed in 2015-16 than his cap hit dictates.

Best Fits:

Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, St.Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning

Hypothetical Trade:

Carolina Hurricanes D John-Michael Liles to Tampa Bay in exchange for F Henri Ikonen and 2016 3rd round pick

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