NHL trade rumors: 5 teams that should trade for Patrik Laine

2. Carolina Hurricanes

Thanks to a stingy defensive system implemented by first-year head coach Rod Brind’Amour, the  Carolina Hurricanes, a “bunch of jerks”, were a feisty and relentless team that ended a 10-year playoff drought.

The Hurricanes dethroned the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals in the first round, before sweeping the Islanders in round two. They wound up being on the wrong end of a sweep via the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Final, but it was an extremely successful season in Raleigh nonetheless.

Now, the goal is for the Hurricanes to try and build off that run. They can do that by adding in some more offense, as Carolina ranked just 16th in goals scored (245) during the regular season. Justin Williams, who finished second in goals for Carolina with 23, hasn’t confirmed if he’ll come back for another season or not. It’s crucial that the Hurricanes find a way to replace his scoring in case Williams does retire.

The Hurricanes would be an excellent trading partner for the Jets because Cheveldayoff needs to upgrade his blue line big time. And Carolina has more than enough defensemen, so they can afford to move one out in a trade for Laine.

Back in January, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Hurricanes had been “asked about” Dougie Hamilton and he believed they would “consider” trading away the hulking 6-foot-6 blueliner.

The Jets desperately need a top-four blueliner with Tyler Myers slated for free agency, and with RFA Jacob Trouba likely to be traded in the offseason. Hamilton, who’s totaled 35 goals over the last two years, would be an excellent addition to Winnipeg’s blue line. He’s a good skater, elite puck-mover and reliable power play quarterback. He would be a big upgrade over both Myers and Trouba.

But the Hurricanes would probably have to sacrifice a top-six forward here to make the deal work, and the Jets replace Laine by receiving Nino Niederreiter. The latter has registered four 20-goal seasons and would be a nice addition to their first or second line. It’s a two-for-one trade, but the Hurricanes are receiving an elite goal-scorer to join their young core, so it’s well worth it.