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Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

With a number of flashier trade targets already off the board, steady Carolina Hurricanes defensive center Jay McClement could emerge as a quietly sought-after item as Monday's NHL trade deadline approaches.

McClement, who also turns 32 on Monday, has helped the Carolina penalty kill rise to the top of the league during his first (and likely only) season in Raleigh.

The 742-game veteran ranks 12th in the NHL in short-handed ice time per game and eighth in short-handed faceoff wins among forwards—which has contributed to his No. 12 ranking in overall faceoff winning percentage.

Registering four goals and 12 assists in 60 appearances for the Canes so far this season, McClement has already surpassed the scoring production of his 81-game 2013-14 campaign in Toronto. Eleven of his 16 total points this season have come since the turn of the calendar.

Although never a game-changing playmaker nor a big-minutes star, McClement brings a dynamic combination of experience and reliability that makes him one of the better defensive role players in the NHL.

A free agent this summer, he should be an enticing and inexpensive rental on the market this weekend. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported Wednesday that he's hearing "lots of traction" on the McClement trade front.

The asking price should hover around a second- or third-round draft selection or an above-average existing prospect.

Which teams could be calling Carolina general manager Ron Francis about the price to acquire McClement? Here's a breakdown of four clubs that could be interested.