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NHL trade rumors: Carolina Hurricanes keeping an eye on Robin Lehner

By Dave Stevenson

RALEIGH, NC - MAY 03: Andrei Svechnikov #37 of the Carolina Hurricanes shakes hands with Robin Lehner #40 of the New York Islanders following Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 3, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - MAY 03: Andrei Svechnikov #37 of the Carolina Hurricanes shakes hands with Robin Lehner #40 of the New York Islanders following Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 3, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Chicago Blackhawks could move goaltender Robin Lehner. If they do, the Carolina Hurricanes will certainly be among his top suitors.

Back in the summer of 2019, the Carolina Hurricanes were looking to upgrade in net. Initially, they hoped to sign free agent goaltender Robin Lehner, but things didn’t work out. Instead, the Canes traded for James Reimer, who has been quite good for them, and re-signed Petr Mrazek. According to the latest NHL trade rumors, the Hurricanes are keeping an eye on Lehner, who signed a one-year deal worth $5 million with the Chicago Blackhawks.

This report comes from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic. In his annual trade rumblings report, which features rumors from each team and is a must-read, LeBrun had this to say about their interest in Lehner.

"If the Hawks make [Lehner] available, which right now they haven’t, Carolina would probably inquire."

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The Hurricanes were expected to push for a postseason spot and, so far, they have lived up to those expectations. Entering the All-Star Break, the Canes are hanging onto the second wild-card spot. However, they are only two points out of third place in the Metropolitan Division and just 10 points out of first place.

According to NHL.com, the Hurricanes rank 15th in the NHL in 5v5 save percentage. In all situations, they rank 12th in team save percentage. However, Mrazek has been cold as of late. He has a .905% save percentage in 32 appearances, which is noticeably lower than Reimer’s .921% save percentage in 20 appearances.

Mrazek has allowed at least three goals in two of his last five starts and in six of his last 10. Additionally, in four of his last 10 starts, he has allowed at least four goals.

If the Hurricanes are interested in Lehner, Mrazek could be the odd man out. Dougie Hamilton‘s tragic injury leaves them with some cap space, but even then, Mrazek could be on his way out of Carolina if the Hurricanes trade for Lehner. It likely won’t happen at the trade deadline, but with Alex Nedeljkovic doing well in the AHL, the Canes could be facing a crowded crease.

Next. One Player From Each Team Who Should Be Traded. dark

At this moment, it would make by far the most sense to move on from Mrazek. Teams with young goalies and/or a lot of cap space could make sense for him, as he’s not making too much money.

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