Update: Early this afternoon, the Canes moved Stalberg to Ottawa for a 2017 third round pick. This will now give the Canes seven picks in first three rounds. GMRF doing good job of getting decent return for both Hainsey and now Stalberg.
I imagine that the next 24+ hours will be a relatively quiet one for the Canes in terms of trades. While there have been some interesting rumors, I just don’t think GMRF will make any serious moves.
Here are my quick thoughts on what to expect as the deadline approaches:
First and foremost, GMRF has said that he won’t make any trades unless it will benefit the team for the long-term and seems content on being patient until this summer.
I imagine that he will make one or two minor moves that could involve moving guys such as: Ryan, Stalberg, Murphy, Tennyson, Dahlbeck, Ward, Lack, Di Giuseppe, Nestrasil, Nordstrom or McClement. There might be the chance that a prospect is moved, however, I think the list above is about all GMRF is taking any calls for.
I don’t think there is any merit to the Faulk rumors. His name has popped up again from some Edmonton based sources, however, I think this is more of a “wish… list, as opposed to actual shot. I do not think the Canes will be moving any of their big name D or promising D prospects today at least.
Speaking of Edmonton, I continue to hear that they are looking for a back-up goalie upgrade and a 3rd to 4th line center. Ryan’s name has come up a few times and I think he is one of the more moveable players. He also is automatically exempt from the expansion draft, so that’s an added bonus to teams who are looking to add depth for next season too as opposed to purely renting. It would be interesting to see if GMRF could find a deal with them for Ward/Ryan or Lack/Ryan.
Since I just talked about big trades, I don’t think the Canes are too actively involved in the Duchene/Landeskog conversation. While they were at the forefront of the rumors in mid-January, most of these appear to have cooled off. I still am not convinced the Aves are even intent on selling, they seem more like “window shoppers… and have just enjoyed hearing their potential return.
I still don’t think Stempniak will be dealt given the expansion draft rules and him being signed through the 2018-19 season. I have heard his name pop up a few times but it just doesn’t seem to make sense to move him unless the Canes get someone else back that fits the expansion rules.
It just doesn’t make sense to me to trade the person you are counting on exposing just to get someone else you plan to then expose. I only see Stempniak being traded if it includes one of the Canes first round or three second round draft picks and is for a significant forward upgrade—the Canes essentially have 1 forward in a 7-3-1 cover strategy that they could bring on and cover without exposing anyone “significant.… I see Stalberg as being a much better fit for this strategy.
If I had to take a guess, I think Stalberg, Ryan and at least one of the D trio Tennyson/Dahlbeck/Murphy are gone by the trade deadline. I think the most likely trade partners are probably the Flames, Sharks, Ducks, Oilers or Hawks- given the right offer, potentially a team in the Atlantic division too. Overall, I see it being relatively quiet for Canes fans though.
The Canes are taking on the Panthers tonight at 7:30. Both teams are looking to break out of recent slumps. Looking at their stats, they are relatively similar in scoring woes, goals allowed, and special teams—just the Canes are a bit more disciplined. I imagine tonight will be a tight battle.
The game is on FSFL and FSCR—Go Canes!