Winnipeg Jets Trade Deadline: Carolina Hurricanes Aren’t a Huge Target

The Carolina Hurricanes haven’t had a spectacular season, nor a dreadful one. They are a team on the bubble for the 2018 NHL Playoffs, but I don’t really think they’ll end up getting in. I think the Winnipeg Jets should target one or two players from them at this years trade deadline, but the issue is that the Canes don’t have a lot to offer.

After having a quick peek at the Carolina Hurricanes player stats, it’s not overly impressive. Their leaders in points are Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen with only 46 points in 60 and 56 games, respectively.

The Hurricanes have a few players who are mid twenties to mid thirties in points who are UFA’s this offseason. I think a few of these players may legitimately make sense to add to our roster. A solid depth player on the Winnipeg Jets isn’t hard to find, but having ones that are better than our current ones would be even better. Carolina just has few good options, so we must be picky.

A guy like Marko Dano or Shawn Matthias really shouldn’t be in the NHL unless the Winnipeg Jets have injuries. They’re playing only because of injuries, and I feel like we could do with better guys than them. They’re just far too invisible for any fans liking.

Derek Ryan, Center, 31 years old

Derek Ryan is a center on the Hurricanes fourth line, and has been putting up a noticeable numbers of points. Our fourth line players don’t get on the scoreboard nearly that much. You have Joel Armia who might, but that’s not what’s going to come out of Nic Petan, Andrew Copp or Matt Hendricks.

Petan is basically invisible and hasn’t made one difference making play that I can remember. Copp is our third line center, but isn’t quite as bad as Petan. I did say that he’s not as bad as Petan, but that definitely does not mean I think he’s good. Copp has so many opportunities he doesn’t capitalize on, it’s just so frustrating.

I feel like Ryan could be a good replacement for Copp, who I think needs some time down in the minors. Ryan has a nice 26 points, and 11 of them are goals, which would be huge for us. One of our key problems is getting goals out of depth guys, and this would solve it.

Hendricks would stay on the 4th line, and we’d just need a replacement for Petan.

The return of Lee Stempniak

When we first traded for Lee Stempniak back in 2015, I was quite excited. We were getting a veteran who had a bit of a rough start to the season, and was looking to start fresh. He came in, and made a big impact on the depth of the team, tallying six goals and four assists for ten points in eighteen games.

This year if the Winnipeg Jets were to trade for him, it’d be the same situation. Getting a fresh start to the season for him would be something nice for him, and Winnipeg is a familiar town.

I don’t think we’d actually sacrifice a lot to get him, other than maybe another veteran like Shawn Matthias. A Stempniak-Matthias swap would actually be smarter than you think. Both need a fresh start, and Carolina can afford Matthias. Stempniak could turn his game around in time for the playoffs which could end up as a steal for the Jets. Looking at the Hurricanes point of view, if they weren’t looking to tank, a hockey deal like this would make sense. Matthias is younger and could also look to fix up his failure of a season in Carolina.

If this was the deal, I’d also say Carolina would have to retain 15% of Stempniak’s contract, ($375,000) to make it a completely even deal.

Next: Jets and Capitals are unlikely trade partners

Is Jeff Skinner available?

Do I think Jeff Skinner is available? I’d sure like him to be, but with the Hurricanes within a small reach of a playoff spot, I just don’t see him being dealt just yet. Skinner would make a nice addition for our third or even second line, but if Carolina’s asking price was overly expensive, it’s not worth it.