The Carolina Hurricanes can go a couple different directions with the decisions they have to make. It looks like the Hurricanes would go with the 7F-3D-1G setup, allowing them to protect their more of their depth upfront.
Carolina benefits from quite a few exemptions, including forward Sebastian Aho) as well and three of their younger defensemen – Noah Hanifin, Brett Pesce, and Jaccob Slavin.
Forward Decisions
Carolina wouldn’t leave Jordan Staal unprotected but he is a lock anyway. Sebastian Aho is exempt like mentioned above. Jeff Skinner, Teuvo Teravainen, Elias Lindholm, and Victor Rask are all locks. After that, who they protect gets a bit more intriguing.
Who among the bottom six is worth getting those exemptions?
Ultimately, we’re talking about a team that has some depth to expose. It is also helpful that Carolina has some players that are exempt. This decision comes down to Lee Stempniak, Phil Di Giuseppe, and Brock McGinn.
Will Las Vegas take a deal from Ron Francis? That is another question which must be asked. This would save Carolina from having to choose between promise and a 40 point scorer.
If Stempniak has to be exposed, there is a high chance that Las Vegas will claim him. He would provide some much needed leadership and the forward does get around to say the least.
If he is protected, then Carolina might lose McGinn who showed some definite flashes of brilliance last season. Di Giuseppe is a nice depth forward who can log some top six minutes. He does not have the promise of McGinn at least initially.
What may happen…
Carolina has to wrestle with this a bit but it seems that Stempniak would be the odd man out. However, Carolina’s youth movement has possibilities of taking a big step forward this year.
Defense Decisions
The Hurricanes will protect Justin Faulk. This is an easy decision and one that does not take much forethought. Jaccob Slavin, Noah Hanifin, and Brett Pesce are all exempt which makes Carolina’s life easier.
What if those three had not progressed in the way they did? Thankfully, those exemptions were there. On the other hand, it has forced the hand of Carolina when it comes to their other two protects on defense.
If three defensemen are protected from Vegas, then Ryan Murphy should be protected. Murphy has shown some flashes every other season. He comes at a cheap price ($787K). The problem is that Carolina may want to keep him for now until after the expansion draft.
With limited other options, restricted free agent Trevor Carrick becomes the third protected defenseman.
Carolina is in a position to also trade for a defenseman post expansion draft. That will be explored and do not be surprised if Ron Francis pulls a deal off. Cap space is plentiful and so are draft picks.
Goaltender Decisions
This is an easy decision as Scott Darling is the eventual starter. The goalie was very good in Chicago and the obvious protect. It is safe to say that Cam Ward and Eddie Lack will not end up anywhere near Vegas. Or will they? Lack is at least a possibility. There may be a trade or buyout perhaps also. However, that is just speculation.
Projected protected players and their cap hits
Forwards
Jordan Staal (NMC) – $6M through 2023
Jeff Skinner (NMC) – $5.725M through 2019
Victor Rask – $4M through 2022
Elias Lindholm – $2.7M through 2018
Teuvo Teravainen – restricted free agent
Brock McGinn – restricted free agent
Phil Di Giuseppe – restricted free agent
Lee Stempniak could be protected but that might expose McGinn or Di Giuseppe. Stay tuned. Sebastian Aho is exempt.
Defensemen
Justin Faulk – $4.833M through 2020
Ryan Murphy – $787K through 2018
Trevor Carrick – restricted free agent
Noah Hanifin, Brett Pesce, and Jaccob Slavin are all exempt.
Goalie
Scott Darling (M-NTC?) – $4.15M through 2021
Top option on who they would most likely lose
Could a trade happen is the question? However, the most likely choice appears to be Stempniak. That could change as the time draws closer to the expansion draft. Honestly, this is kind of a waiting game. At press time, nothing has happened yet.
If Columbus were to make a trade with Vegas to select/not select a player, who would it be and why.
I think Carolina is hoping for a trade but will not lose sleep over it. There have been several rumors floating around and many involving Carolina’s picks or prospects. After that, there are still rumors abound. If a trade falls through, Carolina will have to leave Stempniak unprotected but they can acquire a scorer and top four defensemen with their bounty of cap space. Honestly, the Hurricanes are in a position to be aggressive.
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