On the Carolina Hurricanes …
The Fourth Period: Pierre McGuire said last week on TSN 690 radio that the Hurricanes might be willing to trade some of their “core talent.”
Defenseman Justin Faulk and forward Jeff Skinner have been in the rumor mill for a while and could be the top candidates to be moved.
Faulk has two years left on his deal at a $4.833 million cap hit. The Hurricanes are deep on the blue line and could move Faulk for some help up front.
With the recent hiring of Rod Brind’Amour as their head coach, some think the change could keep Skinner around.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
The Fourth Period: Pierre LeBrun said on TSN 690 that the Maple Leafs had tried to trade for defensemen Travis Hamonic, Sami Vatanen and Ryan McDonagh, but obviously weren’t able to land any.
The past few months have seen them linked to Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev.
On the Nashville Predators and P.K. Subban …
The Fourth Period: TFP’s David Pagnotta mentioned on TSN 690 radio on Sunday that it shouldn’t be a surprise if P.K. Subban’s name is in the rumor mill this offseason.
Subban’s name may already be out there, and talks could increase at the NHL draft in June.
Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 960 and said that Subban’s name was in play for Matt Duchene when the Predators were trying to acquire Matt Duchene. These talks were two years ago, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were traded again.
“I would say there’s always a chance because one thing I’ve really learned over the last couple of years is that how many really untouchable players are there in this league,” Friedman said during his interview. “There’s Crosby. There’s McDavid. Who else is there . . . I mean maybe 10. Could you name 10?
“I think these guys (General Managers) discuss people all the time.”
Pagnotta said it’s unclear what the Predators would want in return since they don’t have a need at center anymore. Subban carries a $9 million salary cap hit for another four years, so a trade could help free up some cap space.
The Predators are in a win-now mode and Subban is a Norris Trophy finalist this season.