Hurricanes could address depth scoring issues with these two trade targets – Hockey Writer – Carolina Hurricanes

As the calendar flips to 2025 gets closer, NHL teams are always looking to make changes to their rosters. From depth players to even true franchise deals, there are always trades available. As for the Carolina Hurricanes, although they are 20-10-1 after 31 games, they always ask their players and make moves that make sense in the short and long term. Even though the roster is now set, that doesn't mean they won't make moves before the 2025 NHL trade deadline, or they might wait until March 7th arrives. Space players where needed or add overall depth.

With that being said, which two NHL players could the Hurricanes trade?

Two trading options

Ryan Donato

One that comes to mind is Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato. The 28-year-old native of Boston, Massachusetts is in the final year of a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $2 million. In 30 games for the Blackhawks, he scored 11 goals and scored 18 points (third on the team), averaging 0.60 points per game. His goals-on-goal percentage (GF%) was 50%, his Corsi-on-goal percentage (CF%) was 46.70%, and he averaged just under 13 minutes of ice time. He will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the summer of 2025. Donato was slotted into the first line on the right wing alongside Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno, and the Blackhawks posted an 11-19-2 record.

Despite winning two games in a row, they are still 12 points behind the Colorado Avalanche for a wild-card spot and 14 points behind the Dallas Stars for third place in the Central Division. It's another season of closure for the team from Chicago. That being the case, it would be beneficial for both parties to trade Donato for a competitor with his style of play and be someone who can add some scoring touch to the Hurricanes, who, as we all know, have the entire roster Both score. Additionally, Carolina has $1.57 million in cap space, and if they move a player, maybe Riley Stillman could make enough room for Donato's $2 million to fit in nicely. Their remaining cap space.

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If the Hurricanes feel Donato can be a slight upgrade over Jesperi Kotkaniemi, he could slide to any spot on the Hurricanes roster and become a solid 2C, or if they want Tyson · Jost serves as a healthy scratching option, even in the 4C position. If they don't need him at center, he can also move into the winger position on both sides of the ice. Either way, Donato could be someone Rod Brind'Amour could put anywhere in the lineup, especially for a guy who has scored 11 goals in 30 games for a struggling Blackhawks team. For people who play ball. What will the deal look like? With Donato's contract expiring soon, it wouldn't be surprising if the 2025 pick returned to Chicago for draft capital.

A 2023 third-round pick might be enough to land Donato on a short-term deal with a chance to re-sign with the Hurricanes this coming summer. Carolina has two 2025 third-round picks, and overall, giving up a third-round pick for scoring depth isn't a bad move. And the contract they got back was manageable.

Adam Gaudet

Another option that may be less likely, but still worth looking into, is Ottawa Senators forward Adam Gaudet. The Braintree, Mass., native, who will be a UFA after the 2024-25 season, has 13 goals and 17 points in 30 games. That gave him an average of 0.57 points per game in less than 10 minutes of average-strength ice time. His GF% is 62.50 and CF% is 53.50. For someone making $775,000 per year on a one-year contract, Gaudette's product is a steal.

The reason why Gaudet is unlikely to transfer is that the Senators currently have a record of 16 wins, 13 draws and 2 losses, and have won four games in a row. Additionally, they are three points behind the Boston Bruins for third place in the Atlantic Division with three games remaining. He was their best depth scoring player, so he scored 13 goals on the right wing secondary despite averaging less than 10 minutes per game at 5v5. While he made the most of his opportunities on the ice, he is probably someone who should have had more ice time.

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The 28-year-old can play on the wing wherever he plays for the Hurricanes. He would be an asset to a Brind'Amour team that features Jackson Black, Jake Roslovic, Eric Robinson and other players depth-wise. However, the extra cap space gives Carolina the versatility to add more players to their roster and get some depth scoring from Gaudette's touches, which could also lead to a loss in ice time. Increase. Like the Donato trade, maybe some draft capital could flow to the Senators since Gaudette will be a UFA and his salary cap hit is minimal. However, as things stand right now for the Senators, they may not be willing to give up what he brings to their roster. But never say never when it comes to striking the right deal.

Option to add depth

While both players are solid options, a move for Donato may be the more achievable option given where the Blackhawks are going this season. Although his $2 million AAV is higher than Gaudette's $775,000, they are further away from the playoffs than the Senators are. Both will be UFAs at age 28, but could bring more scoring depth and versatility to the Hurricanes if they choose to add to their forward core.

It will be interesting to see what general manager Eric Tulsky does as we are still a few months away from the March 7, 2025 trade deadline. When the time comes, keep an eye out to see if the Hurricanes become a buyer.