NHL fans express excitement over Evgeny Kuznetsov’s trade to the Carolina Hurricanes, with Coca-Cola dealers being particularly enthusiastic about the move.
The Hurricanes must make two moves to avoid a trade deadline as a bust, as they have numerous players with contracts due soon and several unmatched contracts. Both players will require a sweetener, but if both remain, the trade deadline will have passed, making the season a bust.
Carolina Hurricane fans are largely supporting Jesperi Kotkaniemi, while not all Canes fans are supporting Tony DeAngelo. Despite their opposite performances, it’s unlikely that this year’s trade deadline will be a significant blow for Carolina if both Kotkaniemi and DeAngelo remain in Raleigh. February was Kotkaniemi’s best month, with three points and a goal, which was the most impactful for the Hurricanes. Despite not having the expected season, Kotkaniemi is still playing well and contributing to the team’s success.
Carolina is considering a trade for Jesperi Kotkaniemi, a player with 10 goals and 11 assists in 61 games. The Canes GM Don Waddell may be able to pull off a deal or the Hurricanes could use a draft pick as part of the Lyubushkin deal to fill a roster hole. Carolina recently acquired a draft pick as part of the Lyubushkin deal, which could be used in a deal. Tony DeAngelo, who has played well beyond his numbers, has improved from an NHL worse +/- at one point to -7 and has been 0 or better in that column in his last five starts. He has also scored 10 points in 27 games this season.
Tony DeAngelo is expected to remain a top spot starter in Raleigh, but his contract is not worth the limited play he has seen. Unlike Kotkaniemi, DeAngelo has capitalized on his showcasing, and the Hurricanes can hope to gain more value from a move on him than initially expected. It will take a draft pick or player to get value from a player set for the KHL in October 2023, but DeAngelo has made it easy for himself and Carolina.
