Ben Shelley: Hurricanes trade Julien Gauthier to Rangers, acquire Joey Keane

Can't help but think that moves are being made with the expansion draft in mind. Another possibility is that this move is acquiring a piece for another move. Otherwise it doesn't make much sense.

Can't help but think that moves are being made with the expansion draft in mind. Another possibility is that this move is acquiring a piece for another move. Otherwise it doesn't make much sense.
- Barbecued Hockey

I think that's a big part of it

Rangers will have to protect Gauthier in expansion draft, Canes wont have to protect Keane

also, next season, Gauthier would have to pass through waivers to be sent down to AHL, Keane won't.

I don't think that matters for the Rangers though, Gauthier immediately goes to the Rangers bottom 6 and should be a staple.

^likely indeed that the Canes go the 8 skaters route if they have to protect Bean as well (not completely sure)