Funny you should ask. There was a podcast about that posted today(and a few other issues as well). There is going to be an RFP issued probably around November. That will be an indicator of what is being proposed. If it's just for a primarily hockey arena, or multi-use building or a project like the Lighthouse. Which had hotel, shops & restaurants. It's still wait & see. But from what I've heard it was pretty positive. Always a few nimby's though.
- Isleshockeyman

Thanks for the update! I'll have to listen to the podcast for sure too!

I get your point, but if I were a 'Canes fan I think adding Duchene makes you a very real contender. Really quite deep down the middle.....provided of course Francis thinks Duchene is a true center. I know some people think he's a better wing.

Anyway... If I had to lose one of those kids on D, plus a top prospect to become real contender I do that every day of the week.

Obviously, you don't make this trade unless you feel you can afford to pay his salary demands in two years.
- madmike71

I don't think adding Duchene makes them an elite team this year, especially if they have to give up one of Hanifin, Fleury, Faulk or Pesce.

Would rather they continue to build around their D and be patient, adding that big piece when the time to strike is right. It's not quite there yet.

I get your point, but if I were a 'Canes fan I think adding Duchene makes you a very real contender. Really quite deep down the middle.....provided of course Francis thinks Duchene is a true center. I know some people think he's a better wing.

Anyway... If I had to lose one of those kids on D, plus a top prospect to become real contender I do that every day of the week.

Obviously, you don't make this trade unless you feel you can afford to pay his salary demands in two years.
- madmike71

I'd mostly agree. Yes you definitely go into that trade with signing him in mind, but you could also rent him for a year and a half and flip him for some assets if push came to shove. IE: the chemistry just isn't there or he wants out.
Definitely will get more value out of Duch now than next summer. Sakic is a fool if he doesn't trade him this summer. Unless he's talking to his agent already and the general feeling is he'll re-sign.

I get your point, but if I were a 'Canes fan I think adding Duchene makes you a very real contender. Really quite deep down the middle.....provided of course Francis thinks Duchene is a true center. I know some people think he's a better wing.

Anyway... If I had to lose one of those kids on D, plus a top prospect to become real contender I do that every day of the week.

Obviously, you don't make this trade unless you feel you can afford to pay his salary demands in two years.
- madmike71

An interesting idea and probably cheaper acquisition cost could be Jeff Carter. I've wondered if the Kings-Canes could find a good trade between them. Carter is only owed $12M on his final four years (2018-19 to 2021-22). The Hurricanes would easily be able to handle his $5.2M cap hit because they likely will never be close to the ceiling.

I don't think adding Duchene makes them an elite team this year, especially if they have to give up one of Hanifin, Fleury, Faulk or Pesce.

Would rather they continue to build around their D and be patient, adding that big piece when the time to strike is right. It's not quite there yet.
- BINGO!

Come on, Bingo. Pony up some of those young D-men and grab Duch. You know you want.

Thanks for the update! I'll have to listen to the podcast for sure too!
- BenCase

You're welcome. The Isles are a freaking clown show. It's sad that it's been this way for decades. Now they have owners that wanted to blow sunshine up everyone's ass before last season. Talking about accountability and winning and yadda, yadda. Then they disappear into the shadows and continue to let Snow run it into the ground. Personally, i think Francis is doing a good job. He's added talent and built up the prospect pool. Obviously you guys could tell me better if I'm wrong.

I don't think adding Duchene makes them an elite team this year, especially if they have to give up one of Hanifin, Fleury, Faulk or Pesce.

Would rather they continue to build around their D and be patient, adding that big piece when the time to strike is right. It's not quite there yet.
- BINGO!

I agree with the build around your strengths philosophy. Patience also allows from some of the exciting young F prospects to show what they have for 2018-19. GMRF has been consistent with upholding his patient for future stance and not trading pieces he sees as beneficial for long-term of organization.

You're welcome. The Isles are a freaking clown show. It's sad that it's been this way for decades. Now they have owners that wanted to blow sunshine up everyone's ass before last season. Talking about accountability and winning and yadda, yadda. Then they disappear into the shadows and continue to let Snow run it into the ground. Personally, i think Francis is doing a good job. He's added talent and built up the prospect pool. Obviously you guys could tell me better if I'm wrong.
- Isleshockeyman

I rarely read/hear anyone who says GMRF is doing poorly. Given the hand he started out with and now where the team is three years later is very impressive. My biggest concern has been that Karmanos has held back the progress last year and potentially for next year.

The prospect depth is really good too-he's done a good job with the scouting staff and stocking up draft picks. The entire AHL team is built out this season with tons of youth and exciting players. They will actually have good competition for spots and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few guys down in the ECHL with Florida.

The times that GMRF hasn't made the "big" splash many want seems to more be restrictions from Karmanos. I could easily be wrong about this, but I think GMRF did have limited options for improvement. I'd be surprised to find many who aren't very pleased with how/what he's doing.

I do feel bad for NYI and Snow-seems most I hear is negative surrounding him. He's another GM that one has to think is on a short leash next season. It'll be interesting to see how the team does with Weight as HC, seemed like it drastically helped for second half of season. Do you think him being AGM has kept Snow in check a little more?

I rarely read/hear anyone who says GMRF is doing poorly. Given the hand he started out with and now where the team is three years later is very impressive. My biggest concern has been that Karmanos has held back the progress last year and potentially for next year.

The prospect depth is really good too-he's done a good job with the scouting staff and stocking up draft picks. The entire AHL team is built out this season with tons of youth and exciting players. They will actually have good competition for spots and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few guys down in the ECHL with Florida.

The times that GMRF hasn't made the "big" splash many want seems to more be restrictions from Karmanos. I could easily be wrong about this, but I think GMRF did have limited options for improvement. I'd be surprised to find many who aren't very pleased with how/what he's doing.

I do feel bad for NYI and Snow-seems most I hear is negative surrounding him. He's another GM that one has to think is on a short leash next season. It'll be interesting to see how the team does with Weight as HC, seemed like it drastically helped for second half of season. Do you think him being AGM has kept Snow in check a little more?
- BenCase

No. Snow still does what is best for his ego. He won't do anything his ego won't allow. Such as trade a prospect or recall Halak or fire Crapuano. I think Snow might be a little on the hot seat this year as it's JT's last year. If he doesn't get him signed i think that'll be the end of Snow. JT seems to be waiting to see A)who else gets brought in B)what will happen with the arena issue & C)how this coaching staff will be. Mostly A & B.

An interesting idea and probably cheaper acquisition cost could be Jeff Carter. I've wondered if the Kings-Canes could find a good trade between them. Carter is only owed $12M on his final four years (2018-19 to 2021-22). The Hurricanes would easily be able to handle his $5.2M cap hit because they likely will never be close to the ceiling.
- BenCase

That's probably a good target. I don't think he's on the market, but who knows. For me, I'd rather add the 26 year old guy that can really skate.

Regardless who they add, I think they're a good center away from doing some damage in the east this year.

I don't think adding Duchene makes them an elite team this year, especially if they have to give up one of Hanifin, Fleury, Faulk or Pesce.

Would rather they continue to build around their D and be patient, adding that big piece when the time to strike is right. It's not quite there yet.
- BINGO!

Im not sure Duchene is the guy I target either. Im going all in on Mackinnon or nothing from the Avalanche. That is worth Hanifin, IMO. There are decent UFAs for next year. Stamkos will be thee but I bet we stay far away from him and the silly season he could cause. Koivu would be a good add but many teams will want him. JVR and Bozak are good options. I pass on Kane. In the end a trade is our best option. I would say Tatar but I don't know if 6 years 5.5-6 million is really his value.

That's probably a good target. I don't think he's on the market, but who knows. For me, I'd rather add the 26 year old guy that can really skate.

Regardless who they add, I think they're a good center away from doing some damage in the east this year.
- madmike71

I've never really heard his name on the block, more of just someone if I was GMRF I'd put a call in on given price of Duchene/Galchenyuk.

I really like Carter because of his size and he would give the Hurricanes a guy who can also play RW. The addition of Kruger should lesson the need to use Staal in defensive settings like last year and allow him to play an increased offensive role.

Staal is 29 and hitting his prime, so I imagine he wouldn't mind being used a little less defensively. His possession metrics and FO% could really benefit getting the puck to Skinner or Carter on a first line.

I also like Carter because him being a right-hand center gives Peters tons of line options and helps the RW depth. The Hurricanes seem to be sound on the LW right now.

It might sound crazy but perhaps the easiest thing is to do is try Staal as the 1C because of Kruger potentially filling the 3C. If you got Carter at RW , the lines could go something like this:

Skinner - Staal - Carter
Aho - Rask - Lindholm/Williams
TT - Kruger - Williams/Lindholm
McGinn - Ryan - Stempniak

(Depth PDG)
Carter at C then maybe:

Skinner - Carter - Williams/Lindholm
Aho - Staal - Lindholm/Rask/Williams
TT - Rask/Lindholm - Stempniak
McGinn- Kruger - Nordstrom/Ryan

D:

Slavin/Hanifin - Faulk
Hanifin/Slavin - Pesce
Fleury - TVR

(Depth Dahlbeck)

Definitely a lot of different looks one could try with guys like Lindholm, Williams, Rask, and TT. The versatility to lines he brings and then four years for $14M is tough to beat. If he doesn't work out as well as hoped, his last two years cost only $2M each so he's most likely tradeable to a team looking to hit cap basement minimum but have low salary costs.

It's doubtful Carter would even be on the market, but he's a guy I wish GMRF would call on.

Any UFAs that might be an update to your current roster? I am not sure Sakic knows what he wants for Duchene but likely more expensive than Duchene is worth.

Im not sure Duchene is the guy I target either. Im going all in on Mackinnon or nothing from the Avalanche. That is worth Hanifin, IMO. There are decent UFAs for next year. Stamkos will be thee but I bet we stay far away from him and the silly season he could cause. Koivu would be a good add but many teams will want him. JVR and Bozak are good options. I pass on Kane. In the end a trade is our best option. I would say Tatar but I don't know if 6 years 5.5-6 million is really his value.
- gocanes0506

Hurricanes fans everywhere can start wishing the Snow messes up with JT and they come off with the steal of UFA market next summer

I've never really heard his name on the block, more of just someone if I was GMRF I'd put a call in on given price of Duchene/Galchenyuk.

I really like Carter because of his size and he would give the Hurricanes a guy who can also play RW. The addition of Kruger should lesson the need to use Staal in defensive settings like last year and allow him to play an increased offensive role.

Staal is 29 and hitting his prime, so I imagine he wouldn't mind being used a little less defensively. His possession metrics and FO% could really benefit getting the puck to Skinner or Carter on a first line.

I also like Carter because him being a right-hand center gives Peters tons of line options and helps the RW depth. The Hurricanes seem to be sound on the LW right now.

It might sound crazy but perhaps the easiest thing is to do is try Staal as the 1C because of Kruger potentially filling the 3C. If you got Carter at RW , the lines could go something like this:

Skinner - Staal - Carter
Aho - Rask - Lindholm/Williams
TT - Kruger - Williams/Lindholm
McGinn - Ryan - Stempniak

(Depth PDG)
Carter at C then maybe:

Skinner - Carter - Williams/Lindholm
Aho - Staal - Lindholm/Rask/Williams
TT - Rask/Lindholm - Stempniak
McGinn- Kruger - Nordstrom/Ryan

D:

Slavin/Hanifin - Faulk
Hanifin/Slavin - Pesce
Fleury - TVR

(Depth Dahlbeck)

Definitely a lot of different looks one could try with guys like Lindholm, Williams, Rask, and TT. The versatility to lines he brings and then four years for $14M is tough to beat. If he doesn't work out as well as hoped, his last two years cost only $2M each so he's most likely tradeable to a team looking to hit cap basement minimum but have low salary costs.

It's doubtful Carter would even be on the market, but he's a guy I wish GMRF would call on.
- BenCase

Nice looking roster.

This would be an amazing win for Raleigh and the fans. This team is on the rise, has a (fairly) recent history of success, and the Rangers never shy away from spending.

Any UFAs that might be an update to your current roster? I am not sure Sakic knows what he wants for Duchene but likely more expensive than Duchene is worth.
- Leafsandbolts

Vanek maybe but he isn't the type of guy to work in Peters system.

I would invite Jiri Hudler to training camp. If he has returned to good form following that viral infection, he would be a solid veteran pickup. Add depth, leadership, and cheap scoring on a 1 year "get your career back" contract.