The Hurricanes are on the outside of the playoffs, but are in striking distance if they get hot/are able to obtain the right pieces. As the trade market heats up, Raleigh City Sports will keep you updated on the various trade rumors.

First off, Mike and I played some puck a few summers back and the scouting reports were as follows: “Mike: high motor with tons of upside. Fitz: locker room/glue guy.” Since I have a lower body injury and Mike is demanding the development of his crime sitcom ‘Mike and the Commodore’ (Think Brooklyn 99 with Mike Commodore) as part of his contract, the Canes will most likely have to look to the NHL market. Below we will list the Hurricanes strengths and not-strengths (taking a page from @NHLCanesNation on being positive), and then address the feasibility of various rumors.

Hurricanes Strength

Tons of Defensive Depth

Solid Forward Prospects

Hurricanes Needs

Goal Scoring

Anthony Duclair- LW Arizona Coyotes

Duclair is an intriguing option for the Hurricanes. He put up good numbers (44P-20 G, 24 A) in his first full season in the league, but has entered a slump this year with five points in 30+ games. Duclair, no doubt, would add an increased threat of goal scoring. However, Arizona shouldn’t give up on Duclair just yet, unless they’re getting a lot in return. They will probably ask for at least one of our young defensive core Brett Pesce, Jacob Slavin, or Noah Hanifin. No way should Carolina move one of those guys, much less a Haydn Fleury or Roland McKewon. Due to Duclair’s regression this season, the best Carolina should offer is Ryan Murphy and maybe a conditional 3-4th round pick.

Likelihood of Occurring? LOW

Ryan Spooner -C/W Boston Bruins

Ryan Spooner makes more sense than Duclair because he can play the wing and centerman. Spooner’s stats aren’t eye popping, but like Duclair it can’t hurt to have solid scoring depth. Also, the previously mentioned versatility (even at 42.9 FO %) is something that Coach Bill Peters would like. Some have proposed giving up a forward and a young defensemen based on Boston’s needs but I’d stick a with defenseman and a draft pick. Spooner is a restricted free agent after this year and I would think he would command around $4MM a year. While this isn’t a crazy amount of money, I’d prefer to give up less because of what we will have to pay down the road. To most likely get this done, we would have to package either Pesce, Hanifin, or Slavin with a draft pick (or maybe even more). Based on the type of player we’d get in return, this isn’t something the Hurricanes are considering.

Likelihood of Occurring? LOW (Hopefully)

Matt Duchene- C Colorado Avalanche

Okay…Raleigh City Sports is on board with trying to get Duchene (like every other Canes fan). Duchene is a goal scorer who is winning faceoffs at over 60% on the season. Unlike the other rumors, giving up a lot for Duchene is worth the risk. If Colorado is moving Duchene it means they’re rebuilding, so you can structure the package around younger guys and prospects. The Canes don’t have to include Justin Faulk (even if healthy) but will definitely have to include one of the defensemen mentioned in the other rumors (Slavin, Pesce, Hanifin). Then GM Ron Francis will have to package some of our prized prospects with an early round draft pick. Francis should offer up either Julien Gautheir or Nicolas Roy and combine it with a first or second round pick. This is a lot to offer, but Duchene is under contract for two more years and can have an impact now and into the next few seasons. $6MM annually for Duchene is a lot for a club like the Hurricanes but if they can swing then you got to go for it.

Likelihood of Occurring? No idea, GM Ron Francis isn’t returning my calls. MEDIUM

James van Riemsdyk- LW Toroto Maple Leafs

This is our wild card. There aren’t any rumors around van Riemsdyk and Carolina, but let’s just look into the possibility. van Riemsdyk has proven to be a solid player who would give instant help to this Carolina team. Toronto being Toronto, they are going to want a lot in return: a package with a healthy Justin Faulk and a combination of draft picks, prospects, or maybe even a Pesce-type. van Riemsdyk is under contract through 2018 at $4.25 MM so it is not a terrible number and it could help into next year. There is no way Carolina meets Toronto’s demands.

Likelihood of Occurring? Almost non-existent