Unlike many teams, the Carolina Hurricanes won't be in a cap crunch this offseason. That being said, there are a few players who, for different reasons, may not fit with the team long-term and could be moved if an upgrade is available. Here are five non-UFAs who may not be back with the Hurricanes next season.
5. Jordan Staal
I think this is only in the case of a compliance buyout. If Carolina gets one, it makes sense to use it on Staal, to get a lot of money off the books that’s being given to a bottom-six forward. However, as mentioned, the Hurricanes still have cap space available and this move would be more about preparing for the future. If there’s no compliance buyout, Staal isn’t likely to be traded and will be back with the Hurricanes next season.
4. Ryan Dzingel
If Justin Williams returns, the Hurricanes probably have 10 forwards capable of playing in the top-nine. Having said that, I think Dzingel could stick around even if Williams returns and it’s more likely we see another forward, who’s still to come on this list, be dealt if Williams returns. I think Dzingel only gets moved if not only Williams returns, but the Hurricanes add a top-six left winger as well, in which case it just doesn’t make sense to keep Dzingel around, as he’d be pushed too far down the lineup on a permanent basis to be an impact player.
3. Petr Mrazek
This could also be James Reimer but I'll explain why I lean towards Mrazek. This would only happen if a new starter is acquired, in which case Reimer works as a backup and Mrazek will still have some value coming off two seasons as a starter to be dealt, even if his performance wasn’t excellent. Mrazek hasn’t been consistent and if the opportunity arises to either sign Robin Lehner or deal Mrazek and other assets for a reliable starter, the Hurricanes have to make that move.
2. Brock McGinn
McGinn may be better suited for the third line than the fourth line, but with Carolina’s logjam of forwards, it’s very unlikely that he actually sees any time there. The Hurricanes already an abundance of left-shot wingers and he’d be competing with Ryan Dzingel, Warren Foegele and Nino Niederreiter for playing time. If Carolina retains Williams and adds a top-six forward, either McGinn or Jordan Martinook would be pushed out of the lineup and McGinn would likely be the one to move, as Martinook is the better fit to be effective on the fourth line.
1. Jake Gardiner
With Brady Skjei coming in, there’s a good chance it means Jake Gardiner moving out. With a healthy defense group, Gardiner likely doesn't have a place in the top-four. Haydn Fleury will already be on the bottom pair next year, leaving one more spot open. But Gardiner doesn’t exactly fit as a third-pair defender and if he’s not going to be playing in the top-four, it may just make more sense to move him, clear cap space and get some assets. Plus, after a massive year from top prospect Jake Bean in Charlotte, the Hurricanes have someone younger who can join the bottom-pair for much cheaper and it may be a good idea to start getting him into NHL action.
Here's today's poll question (results and discussion will be posted tomorrow):
Of the five players listed above, who do you think is most likely to not be back in Carolina next season?
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