Team to Watch For Last-Minute Trade… The Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks were among the teams willing to extend Artemi Panarin, with all still in the mix but viewing the winger’s value differently, reports David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. That was until the Panthers reportedly dropped out of the running, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.

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Now that leaves the Hurricanes, Kings, and Sharks, with at least one team having put a 40 million dollar offer on the table.

Panarin’s preference is to sign an extension with the team that trades for him, but it sounds like that isn’t an absolute must. What makes a team like the Carolina Hurricanes so interesting is that they’re comfortable making the trade regardless. Pierre LeBrun reported, “I will say a team to keep an eye on is Carolina, the Hurricanes really would like to make a move before the [Olympic] trade freeze.”

Johnston noted that so much of what could happen here is what Panarin wants to do. If the Hurricanes are on his radar and he feels comfortable going there, the Hurricanes could be a team that fits. LeBrun noted that many teams were expected to be quiet ahead of the Olympic break, creating an opportunity for Carolina.

The Hurricanes Are in On Almost Everything

“They’re up for it, and they have the cap flexibility to do it.” The Hurricanes are a team that has kicked tires on every big name over the past several seasons. They even made a trade for Mikko Rantanen, which, while it ultimately didn’t result in him staying, proved they’re not afraid to go all-in and try different things to get over the competitive playoff hump that has plagued them over the past couple of seasons.

Next: “Tuesday Felt Like An Audition” for Maple Leafs’ Winger in Edmonton