If The Price is Right

We currently have a little over 7 weeks before we hit the 2015 NHL Trade Deadline.  With Carolina in 28th place in the league and 19 points out of the last playoff spot, it pretty obvious to everyone that this team needs to be a seller.  So what I have done is make a list of the potential Hurricanes that might be made available by Ron Francis and what their trade value might be.  I've tried to find two trade comparables from the beginning of the 2013/2014 season, so we have an idea of what each player might get in return.  I have also listed what I expect each players return will be and a brief summary about trading them.  I am not saying that all of theses players will be traded or that some I didn't list are definitely sticking around, I'm just giving my idea on who might be available and what we might get in return.  I have simply listed the players in alphabetical order.  Have a read, hope you enjoy and as always, feel free to leave your input in the comment section.

Side note:  All contract terms are at the time the trade was made.  And when trying to grade prospects, I have listed them as A, B, C or D-level prospects.  In my eyes, an A-level prospect is someone that is expected to develop into a top 6 forward, top 4 defenseman or a starting goaltender.  A B-level prospect is likely to develop into a 2nd/3rd line forward, a #4 or #5 defenseman or a backup goaltender.  A C-level prospect is someone that might play occasionally in the NHL, be a 4th line forward, a #6 or extra defenseman or maybe get called up from the AHL as an injury replacement.  A D-level forward is someone that will likely spend his career in the AHL or overseas, not likely to see more than a few games in the NHL.

Brett Bellemore - Defenseman
Contract Status: 0.5 years remaining-UFA, Cap Hit: $600K

Trade Comparables:

Justin Falk (Extra Defenseman, 1 year remaining-UFA, $975K) for Ben Ferriero (AHL/Extra Right Wing, UFA, $550K) & 2014 6th Round Pick (#167).

Mark Fraser (Extra/AHL Defenseman, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $1.28M) for Teemu Hartikainen (D-level Left Wing prospect, RFA, $875K) & Cam Abney (D-level Right Wing prospect, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $588K).

Likely Trade Value:

7th Round Pick OR D-level prospect.

Explanation:

Bellemore's value in the NHL is a real question.  He was available for a long time this summer and ended up resigning in Carolina for a fraction of what he wanted.  Based on the comparables I found, the Canes return wouldn't be much for Bellemore.  He's basically a dime-a-dozen defenseman and would probably only be wanted as a depth defenseman on a playoff team.  Maybe a team like Chicago, Minnesota, Vancouver or the Rangers would be interested in adding his physicality?  They at least have defensemen that could make up for his skating & puck-moving weaknesses.  Either way, I don't think he would be a hot commodity on the trade market and the return most likely won't result in anyone who greatly contributes now or in the future.

Zach Boychuk - Winger
Contract Status: 0.5 years remaining-RFA, Cap Hit: $600K

Trade Comparables:

Linus Omark (C/D-level Winger prospect, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $600K) for 2014 Conditional 6th Round Pick (conditions not met).

Luke Adams (C-level Forward prospect, 0.5 years remaining-RFA, $650K) for Jerry D'Amigo (C-level Winger prospect, 0.5 years remaining-RFA, $851K).

Likely Trade Value:

D-level prospect OR Conditional Pick OR added piece to larger trade package.

Explanation:

Boychuk is a guy that has failed to capitalize on any of his NHL chances.  He's had multiple opportunities with Carolina and has gotten a shot with 2 other franchises.  Boychuk has proven he can perform at the AHL level and has shown flashes at the NHL level, but he cannot find consistency in the NHL.  It seems he has the skill and his work ethic has improved, but he just can't put all the pieces together.  I believe the Omark trade is probably the best the Canes could hope for in return for Boychuk.  It's pretty sad that a former 1st round pick basically can't even be given away anymore, but that's how it goes some times.  Maybe a team looking for some young players with scoring potential like Arizona or New Jersey would take a chance on him?  But at this point, the Hurricanes are probably going to let him play out the year in Charlotte, not qualify him and he will sign with some other team.

Patrick Dwyer - Right Wing
Contract Status: 0.5 years remaining-UFA, Cap Hit: $900K

Trade Comparables:

Derek Dorsett (4th line Winger, 1 year remaining-UFA, $1.63M) for 2014 3rd Round Pick (#85).

Dale Weise (4th line Right Wing, 0.5 years remaining-RFA, $750K) for Raphael Diaz (Extra Defenseman, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $1.25M).

Likely Trade Value:

4th/5th Round Pick OR C-level prospect.

Explanation:

Dwyer is an affordable player that can fill a limited role for a playoff team.  He has a little bit of speed, is pretty responsible in his own end and logs a ton of penalty kill minutes.  I would say that he is similar to the trade comparable guys, limited in the offensive department, but they'll perform their role to the best of their ability.  Penalty killing seems to take on an even more important role in the playoffs, so a team like Dallas, Calgary or Nashville might be interested in a speedy RW that can kill penalties.  The return wouldn't be considered great, but 4th or 5th rounders can develop into useful pieces and multiple picks can be combined to acquire a better asset.  A lot of that is determined by the level of your management, scouting and development.

Tim Gleason - Defenseman
Contract Status: 0.5 years remaining-UFA, Cap Hit: $1.2M

Trade Comparables:

Nick Schultz (3rd pairing Defenseman, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $3.5M) for 2014 5th Round Pick (#137).

Eric Brewer (2nd/3rd pairing Defenseman, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $2.87M) for 2015 3rd Round Pick.

Likely Trade Value:

4th/5th Round Pick.

Explanation:

Gleason is one of those rental defensemen that a playoff team always picks up for their playoff run.  He pretty steady in his own end and when things get physical, he can deliver hits or even drop the gloves if he needs to.  At this point in his career, he's not much more than a 3rd pairing guy, but I think some teams would be interested in him.  Gleason's value is probably somewhere around the comparables I mentioned.  A 3rd round pick might be a little much, but if he can remain healthy, I don't think a 4th round pick is out of the question.  Honestly, I think Gleason will be a consolation prize for a team that misses out on one of the bigger defensemen at the deadline.  He doesn't cost a lot and a team like San Jose, Washington or Winnipeg could use his services.  But I think he will purely be a rental and would not be surprised in the least for him to be back in Raleigh next season.

Anton Khudobin - Goaltender
Contract Status: 1.5 years remaining-UFA, Cap Hit: $2.25M

Trade Comparables:

Ben Scrivens (Spotty Starting Goaltender, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $613K) for 2014 3rd Round Pick (#63).

Viktor Fasth (Backup Goaltender, 1.5 years remaining-UFA, $2.9M) fore 2014 5th Round Pick (#123) & 2015 3rd Round Pick.

Likely Trade Value:

B-level prospect & 6th/7th Round Pick OR 2nd Round Pick & 5th Round Pick.

Explanation:

Dobby is an interesting trade asset.  He has proven to be a solid backup goaltender and has also shown promise of being able to carry the load.  While I would say the comparables are pretty accurate in terms of value, I feel as if Khudobin could get better because Khudobin is better.  His numbers aren't as good as last season, but he has only seen very spotty action as the Canes have relied heavily on Cam Ward.  But if you take Dobby's first month out of the equation, he's got a 0.915 save percentage and 2.21 goals against average.  Khudobin could honestly be a starter on a couple of teams in this league.  While most playoff teams already have a #1 goaltender, if a significant injury occurs, Dobby could become a very intriguing asset.  Or to a non-playoff team, Dobby could be the answer in goal.  A good prospect or draft pick combined with a lower draft pick makes sense.  He could possible help Minnesota get into the playoffs or maybe he could help out Edmonton or Buffalo next season.

John-Michael Liles - Defenseman
Contract Status: 1.5 years remaining, Cap Hit: $3.88M

Trade Comparables:

Bryan Allen (3rd pairing Defenseman, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $3.5M) for Rene Bourque (Extra Right Wing, 1.5 years remaining, $3.3M).

Sergei Gonchar (2nd/3rd pairing Defenseman, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $5.0M) for Travis Moen (4th line Winger, 1.5 years remaining, $1.85M).

Likely Trade Value:

Equally bad contract that maybe has less cap hit, but longer term OR not likely to be moved due to performance & contract.

Explanation:

Unfortunately Liles has no real value right now.  His performance is non-existent and his contract is unattractive.  Liles is a lot like Allen in that he can perform a role for a team, but the cost is just not worth what he can provide.  Allen was recently waived and not claimed, I would assume the same would happen to Liles if he was waived.  The Canes are going to have to play Liles and put him in favorable situations in hope that he start producing and some team takes notice.  But even then, the best they could probably hope for would be an equally poor contract for a player that maybe fits a need more.  Maybe a team like Colorado, where Liles had some success, would look to acquire him to improve their PP.  I don't think it's likely, but crazier things have happened.

Jay McClement - Center
Contract Status: 0.5 years remaining, Cap Hit: $1.0M

Trade Comparables:

Nate Thompson (3rd/4th line Center, 3 years remaining-UFA, $1.6M) for 2015 4th Round Pick & 2015 7th Round Pick.

Marcel Goc (3rd/4th line Center, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $1.7M) for 2014 5th Round Pick (#143) & 2015 3rd Round Pick.

Likely Trade Value:

4th Round Pick OR C-level prospect.

Explanation:

4th line centers that can win faceoffs and contribute on the PK are regularly picked up for a playoff run.  McClement is a true 4th line center that is an excellent faceoff man and contributes significantly on the PK.  While the comparables I used are more complete players that McClement, they also carry a slightly higher cap number.  A team like Anaheim, Calgary or Washington could certainly be interested in his services, but the team I think that needs him is the Islanders.  He could take important draws for a team that is only 48.6% and he could help improve the 5th worst PK in the NHL.  The return wouldn't be substantial, but every asset has potential and gaining something for a player not likely to be here next season is always a good thing.

Ryan Murphy - Defenseman
Contract Status: 1.5 years remaining-RFA, Cap Hit: $1.31M

Trade Comparables:

Tim Erixon (3rd pairing/Extra Defenseman, 0.5 years remaining-RFA, $600K) for Jeremy Morin (B-level Winger prospect, 1.5 years remaining-RFA, $800K).

David Rundblad (3rd pairing/Extra Defenseman, 1.5 years remaining-RFA, $785K) & Mathieu Brisebois (D-level Defensive prospect, 3 years remaining-RFA, $655K) for 2014 2nd Round Pick (#58).

Likely Trade Value:

B-level prospect OR 2nd Round Pick.

Explanation:

While Murphy is still young and can develop into something, I think its starting to show that he's not going to be the guy the team drafted him to be.  He just doesn't have the size and strength for the NHL and his offensive isn't enough to overcome his weaknesses.  Carolina needs a guy that can play in any situation and be able to handle the physical requirements of the NHL.  Like the guys I compared him to, sometimes players don't live up to projections.  While Carolina most likely wouldn't be able to get his original value of a 1st rounder, as seen with Boychuk, you can't hold on to a prospect until he has no value at all.  Maybe it's time to trade him and pick up something that could be helpful now or in the immediate future.  There are teams that would probably take a chance on a great skating, right-handed defenseman.  A team like Detroit or Philadelphia, which are loaded with left-handed guys, might be interested.  It just depends on what Francis could get in return for Murphy, whether it be a prospect exchange or a pick that Francis could use to build the team he wants to see.

Andrej Sekera - Defenseman
Contract Status: 0.5 years remaining-UFA, Cap Hit: $2.75M

Trade Comparables:

Johnny Boychuk (1st/2nd pairing Defenseman, 1 year remaining-UFA, $3.37M) for 2015 2nd Round Pick, 2016 2nd Round Pick & 2015 Conditional 3rd Round Pick.

Andrew MacDonald (2nd pairing Defenseman, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $550K) for 2014 3rd Round Pick (#78), 2015 2nd Round Pick & Matt Mangene (D-level Right Wing prospect, UFA, $925K).

Likely Trade Value:

Late 1st Round Pick & B-level prospect OR 2nd Round Pick & A-level prospect OR 2-2nd Round Picks.

Explanation:

Sekera is probably the Hurricanes best trade chip this season.  He is a very good defenseman that plays in all situations and can pretty much do everything (except deliver hits).  He is also on a contract that pretty much any team in the league could afford.  I'm sure Carolina would like to resign him, but does he want to resign here?  And if he does, would he be willing to move temporarily to help the organization gain some assets and return in the offseason?  I believe the comparables of Boychuk and MacDonald are pretty close in trade value for what Sekera should return for the Canes.  If Francis could get a bidding war going, Sekera might even fetch a little bit more.  I would think that almost every playoff contender would be interested in Sekera for the right price and teams like Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose and St. Louis will put in bids.  But there are 2 Western Conference teams that I think need Sekera more and would possibly up the offer to Carolina.  Dallas and Winnipeg are competing for a playoff spot and need defensive help.  Sekera would probably play top minutes with those 2 teams and that means they might even include a 1st Round Pick for his services.  If Sekera doesn't resign in Carolina, then his trade will possible be the most important move Francis has to do this season.  His return will help determine what type of GM we have in Ronny Franchise and what direction this team is going in.

Alexander Semin - Right Wing
Contract Status: 3.5 years remaining-UFA, Cap Hit: $7.0M

Trade Comparables:

Kris Versteeg (2nd/3rd line Winger, 2.5 years remaining-UFA, $4.4M-50% retained) & Philippe Lefebvre (D-level Left Wing prospect, 0.5 years remaining-RFA, $546K) for Jimmy Hayes (B-level Right Wing prospect, 1.5 years remaining-RFA, $925K) & Dylan Olsen (B/C-level Defensive prospect, 0.5 years remaining-RFA, $738K).

Scott Hartnell (2nd line Left Wing, 4 years remaining-UFA, $4.75M) for R.J. Umberger (3rd/4th line Winger, 3 years remaining-UFA, $4.6M) & 2015 4th Round Pick.

Likely Trade Value:

B-level prospect with significant salary retained OR 4th Round Pick with some salary retained OR equally bad contract in return OR unable to be moved due to performance & contract.

Explanation:

At this point, trading Semin would be a miracle.  Given his current performance, his contract amount/term and his reputation, finding a take for Semin will be next to impossible.  While the Hartnell trade involved moving an unattractive long-term contract for a slightly shorter and less expensive unattractive contract, I believe the Versteeg trade is the most comparable to Semin's situation.  Versteeg was a talented player struggling on a poor team and the only way to move him was by retaining half of his salary.  Versteeg did end up getting the Panthers 2 prospects that have turned into regular players, but they had to pay almost $7 million dollars for him to play for the Blackhawks.  I imagine there would be a lot of interest in Semin if not for his contract length and retaining salary is the only way possible that some other team would take a chance on him.  Whatever party that would be interested in him would have to have some cap space available and be willing to take a big risk.  A team desperately trying to get in the playoffs would be my guess, someone like Florida or maybe Dallas or Winnipeg.  The return wouldn't be much except for the cap space saved from moving him.  I think trading Semin is HIGHLY unlikely, but Scott Gomez got traded one time, so you never know.

Eric Staal - Center/Left Wing
Contract Status: 1.5 years remaining-UFA, Cap Hit: $8.25M

Trade Comparables:

Jason Spezza (1st/2nd Line Center, 1 year remaining-UFA, $7.0M) & Ludwig Karlsson (D-level Left Wing prospect, 1 year remaining-RFA, $925K) for Alex Chiasson (2nd/3rd line Righ Wing, 1 year remaining-RFA, $867K), Alexander Guptill (B/C-level Left Wing prospect, 2 years remaining-RFA, $815K), Nicholas Paul (D-level Left Wing prospect, 3 years remaining-RFA, $701K) & 2015 2nd Round Pick.

Ryan Kesler (2nd line Center, 2 years remaining-UFA, $5.0M) & 2015 3rd Round Pick for Nick Bonino (2nd/3rd line Center, 3 years remaining-UFA, $1.9M), Luca Sbisa (2nd/3rd pairing Defenseman, 1 year remaining-RFA, $2.18M), 2014 1st Round Pick (#24) & 2014 3rd Round Pick (#85).

Likely Trade Value:

Late 1st Round Pick, 2nd/3rd line forward or 2nd pairing defenseman & B-level prospect OR 2nd Round Pick, 2nd/3rd line forward or 2nd pairing defenseman & A-level prospect.

Explanation:

Trading Eric would certainly be a blockbuster move and would signify a change in Raleigh.  He is the face of the franchise, the captain and the offensive leader of this team.  While the Kesler trade could be a comparable, due to the styles of play and contracts I would say the Spezza trade is a better comparable.  Both Staal & Spezza have put up similar numbers over the years, but Eric might get a little more back in trade because I believe other GM's think a little more highly of Eric.  The teams that would be most interested would be teams that are expecting long playoff runs and can make the room for his significant cap hit.  If a trade did occur, I decent salary would have to be coming back Carolina's way.  This season, I think Nashville and Montreal would be the most likely destinations with Toronto having an outside chance.  Nashville could easily take him on if management would give the ok to adding the salary, while Montreal would have to shuffle salaries around to make it work.  But in the end, my heart and head tell me that Eric is staying in Carolina.  I think he wants to play with his brothers and have his whole family close to one another.  I believe this ends up with the Hurricanes making a big push for Marc Staal this summer.  And just think about it, if Carolina does get lucky (and it will have to get lucky) to add one of the generational talents at the draft, those young guys will need some time to adjust to the NHL.  Remember what Colorado did last season with Nathan MacKinnon, they somewhat sheltered him early on, gradually increasing his role as the season went along.  What better way of easing a young forward into the NHL than putting out an Eric/Jordan/Elais line to be the primary focus of the opponents.

Chris Terry - Winger
Contract Status: 0.5 years remaining-RFA, Cap Hit: $600K

Trade Comparables:

Matt Frattin (4th line/AHL Right Wing, 1 year remaining-UFA, $800K) for Jerry D'Amigo (C-level Winger prospect, 1 year remaining-RFA, $851K) & 2015 Conditional 7th Round Pick.

Brandon Kozun (C-level Right Wing prospect, 0.5 years remaining-RFA, $550K) for Andrew Crescenzi (D-level Center prospect, 0.5 years remaining-RFA, $550K).

Likely Trade Value:

C-level prospect OR 5th/6th Round Pick OR added piece to larger trade package.

Explanation:

Terry is a guy similar to Boychuk in that he has proven his worth at the AHL level, but I'm not so sure he is a full-time NHL player.  He has a pretty good shot, can be useful in certain situations and has proven to be effective in the shootout.  He just doesn't have the size/physicality to go up against NHL players and has shown consistency when playing in the league.  Like the guys I have compared him to, they have nice little runs here and there, but consistency eludes them.  Terry could probably be trade for another equal level prospect, but I think the best chance of him getting moved is part of a trade package.  Maybe a team like New Jersey or Winnipeg, that struggles in the shootout and could put him in a 4th line situation would give him a shot, but I believe he is either part of a package or stays in Carolina.

Jiri Tlusty - Winger
Contract Status: 0.5 years remaining-UFA, Cap Hit: $2.95M

Trade Comparables:

David Perron (2nd line Winger, 1.5 years remaining-UFA, $3.81M) for Rob Klinkhammer (3rd/4th line Left Wing, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $625K) & 2015 1st Round Pick.

Matt Moulson (2nd line Left Wing, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $3.13M) & Cody McCormick (4th line Forward, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $1.2M) for Torrey Mitchell (4th line Center, 1.5 years remaining-UFA, $1.9M), 2014 2nd Round Pick (#39) & 2016 2nd Round Pick.

Likely Trade Value:

2nd Round Pick & C-level prospect OR B-level prospect & 4th Round Pick.

Explanation:

I am almost certain that Tlusty will be on the move by the trade deadline.  While he is considered a complimentary player, he plays a decent two-way game and can produce goals when lined up with the right linemates.  Tlusty has a way of finding open spots in front of the goaltender and is on pace for 24 goals, teams love finding an affordable guy like that.  His contract come deadline time will be extremely manageable, even moreso than the players in the comparable trades.  I'm pretty sure that he won't return a 1st like Perron because he is a rental player, but 2 prospects/draft picks like Moulson sound about right.  I think a number of teams will show some interest in Tlusty, but a team like Montreal, Boston or Dallas jump out to me as the most likely landing spots.

Cam Ward - Goaltender
Contract Status: 1.5 years remaining-UFA, Cap Hit: $6.3M

Trade Comparables:

Jaroslave Halak (Starting Goaltender, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $3.75M) & 2015 3rd Round Pick for Michal Neuvirth (Backup Goaltender, 1.5 years remaining-UFA, $2.5M) & Rostislav Klesla (Extra Defenseman, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $2.98M).

Ilya Bryzgalvo (Inconsistent Goaltender, 0.5 years remaining-UFA, $2.0M) for 2014 4th Round Pick (#91).

Likely Trade Value:

B-level prospect with salary retained OR B-level prospect with salary dump included OR 3rd/4th Round Pick OR unable to move due to contract.

Explanation:

The man that was told he wasn't apart of the future plans and couldn't be given away this summer has definitely risen his value this season.  I'm sure there are a couple of teams that would be interested in Ward, but the biggest obstacle is still his contract/cap hit.  You could easily argue that Cam is better than the comparables I mentioned, but they simply don't have his type of contract.  He's had a couple of rough years and started out slow this season, but for the past couple of months he's been one of the better goalies in the league.  Given the Canes defense, his numbers look even more impressive.  I think salary retention would be difficult for Carolina due to other moves already made.  So a cap dump would likely be included with whatever other return the Hurricanes would get.  Obviously a goaltender injury could change what teams are interested in Ward, but 2 options really stand out to me.  Edmonton isn't going anywhere, but they desperate need an upgrade in goal and it is Cam's hometown.  Like the recent rumor, Minnesota is the other option.  They are a team that has a lot of pieces in place, but their goaltending has really let them down this year.  If they want to get in the playoffs, they need better goaltending and Cam might be able to provide enough to get them in the postseason.  They would probably send a netminder back, but the key would be what else can the Canes get out of the deal.