The recent Draft I think has opened the door for Hurricanes for boldness that has some intriguing possibilities.

Edmonton has won the draft but in practical terms they cannot afford to pay for three 1st line elite talent within a few years. That would force them into a payroll heavy forwards payroll scenario which will hurt them in other areas. In the ideal world they need an elite defenseman, and a puck-moving one ideally.

We have such a player in Joni Pitkanen. I have been a supporter of keeping Pitkanen on the team. The reason was simple…..no current defenseman could replace all the things Joni brings to the table. However, with the number of developing D and the rise of Faulk things have changed. Joni can be replaced by committee.

The irony is we acquired Joni from Edmonton. He did well there but his numbers are actually a little bit better here. The question, does Edmonton consider Joni a needed piece to their back end? Maybe……and maybe strong enough to consider an offer from JR for their #1 selection. After all, Joni was selected #4 overall in his draft. It can be sweetened by also flopping 1st round picks…their #1 for our #8 and Joni plus maybe a little more from them to level out the deal.

That frees up Joni’s salary! Part of a down payment for Suter if he becomes a free agent. I know it is counting and paying for your chickens before they hatch but it makes JR job much easier to do so.

The money set aside for the 1st line winger is preserved and if we get the #1 pick then it strengthens significantly the argument made to Parise that he should join the Hurricanes.

What do you think?