Deal or no Deal? - Hurricanes Approach Trade Deadline

The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves about 48 hours away from the trade deadline still needing some help. There are plenty of players out there who are available, but at what cost? Adding to the dilemma is the fact that the Hurricanes are currently playing about the best hockey that they have all year long. Should they take a chance and add someone, but possibly disrupt the positive team chemistry in the process?

My guess is that Jim Rutherford will try to add someone if they can do so at a reasonable cost. By reasonable cost, I mean that I would be surprised if the Carolina GM offers anything more than a 3rd or 4rth round draft pick for his choice. There are just too many questions about this team at this point regarding injuries, to offer anything more.

On the otherhand, the team has proven recently that they are perfectly capable of playing competitive hockey and it’s more likely at this point, more so than at any point in recent months, that the team could very well make the playoffs. The right player could strengthen this position and push the team over the top.

What type of player is Rutherford looking for? I think that you can forget about any major blockbuster type of deal including a big name player. While Patrick Marleau, Marian Hossa, Ollie Jokinen, Brad Richards, Mats Sundin, Brian Campbell, Dan Boyle, and other high priced players might be available, you won’t see Carolina make a move for them.

But with the Rod Brind’Amour injury, the Hurricanes are probably looking for some inexpensive depth at center. Names like Michael Peca, Sergei Fedorov, Jarret Stoll, and Yanic Perreault have been bantered about. Peca would probably be at the top of that list, but would the Blue Jackets give him up for a middle round pick?

There is also a rumor out there that Rutherford could still be looking for more help on the blueline. There might actually be some truth to that rumor if Glen Wesley is unable to play again anytime soon. There is still no word about his condition, even after he did not return to Saturday’s game.

Who knows, even someone like Marc Recchi could be available since Atlanta GM Don Waddell seems about ready to deal half of the Thrasher squad right now.

So, what will Jim Rutherford do? Will he continue to make the team stronger in the present as well as for the future like he did with the Joe Corvo and Patrick Eaves deal, or will he pick up someone simply as a short term rental? Will he surprise everyone with something big, or will he stay pat and do nothing at all?

My guess is that Peca will soon be a Hurricane. What do you think? Feel free to leave a comment with your opinion and discuss!

In my last poll, I asked who you preferred be signed by the Hurricanes next year, Sergei Samsonov, Cory Stillman, Aaron Ward, Mike Commodore, or someone else. Samsonov won overwhelmingly with 76% of the vote. Aaron Ward came in 2nd.

Today we will ask who you prefer Jim Rutherford deals for before the trade deadline. Happy Monday!