Matt Karash: Carolina Hurricanes 2014 Free Agency Blog Part 2: The names

I'm a fan of the idea of adding Coburn, though I don't see it as an easy sell for Philly. I am well aware of the cap situation they are in, but I think they'll move out Vinny for a bag of pucks before they move Coburn. I won't say he's untouchable, but they would need to fill his loss either on the cheap or internally, and I don't see either happening.

For the right price, Hemsky would be a welcome addition. However, I think the assessment of at least one team throwing him a ridiculous contract is the likely outcome. Maybe sanity will prevail, but I think it's much more likely that someone will overpay.

I also like the idea of Kulemin, but again I think some team will back up the truck and overpay. I would love to see Brian Boyle, but I see another "Brinks" situation there too.

MDZ is indeed a gamble, but one I would not be averse to the Canes taking.

Steve Ott is a guy I would like to see. Wonder how much St. Louis' playoff performance affected interest in him league-wide. Not much I'm sure.

Steve Downie could be interesting in terms of energy, plus he's capable of a little offense.

Mike Ribiero might be interesting in a 3rd or 2B center role, though a line with he and Skinner would need some sandpaper on the opposite wing. Wonder what exactly it was that punched his ticket out of Arizona...

Anton Stralman could be an interesting idea on the blue line since the Rags aren't re-signing him.

Too tired to think much more than that at the moment!

I think you've identified what we need, and also agree about needing to get a pretty good #3, #4 d-man! Forwards that fill our needs are numerous, and should come relatively cheap IMO! We should be seeing some action before too long!

What would we give up for Coburn? I honestly don't see what we could part with to pry him out of Philly.

What would we give up for Coburn? I honestly don't see what we could part with to pry him out of Philly.
- dps0610

If a couple things align, I actually don't think he costs that much. It takes this:

1) Flyers decide that they want to free some cap to chase a big fish or 2, possibly even a defenseman like Dan Boyle. Seems at least possible - they always do. (Yes. I realize that the GM changed.)

2) They need to shop Lecavalier and learn that no one is taking his big honking contract. (That part seems very likely.)

At this point, Coburn could be next on the shop list. They are not as deep on defense as they were recently but he has supposedly been on the block a couple times over the past few years.

If these stars align, I think it's Harrison plus modest if any futures for Coburn. The Flyers get a decent veteran replacement defenseman and about $3M in cap relief.

I know that is not a lot, but look at the Garrison deal. He set a real low market price for top 4 defensemen with recent struggles who have been less top 4ish and more #5 recently and carry a big contract. He cost only a 2nd round pick during the draft.

Coburn for Harrison is my bet too, Matt. In a perfect world I'd keep Harrison, as I like his simple play and toughness.

What about David Legwand as a bottom 6 guy?

What about David Legwand as a bottom 6 guy?
- ward30nhl

I always liked Legwand too. I hope Ron Francis gets him for our 3rd line center.

I had McIntyre and Malone on my list of key free agents to sign....nailed it.

I am really fearful that this is looking like another really bad season. Maybe Peters can get a bit more out of the team but I expect us to be at or near the bottom of the Metropolitan division yet again if this is the team we are going to start with.