Storm Debris: The Gambling At The Deadline Edition

We’re a week away from the circus that always accompanies deadline day, and with every passing day (and every passing loss) the Carolina Hurricanes’ charge becomes more clear: for the umpteenth straight year, the Canes will be sellers at the deadline. This year, though, they have a lot less to offer, both because of a dearth of attractive assets and the added complication of the expansion draft to consider.

But that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of buzz around the league. Some big names (Martin Hanzal! Matt Duchene! Gabriel Landeskog! Ben Bishop!) may still move, and there’s always a surprise or two. In the meantime, get ready for the NHL’s annual ritual unlike any other: a bunch of reporters sitting at a desk looking at their phones.

On to the links - and no, this isn’t an offseason golf joke.

The Edwards Mill Report

• Got plans for tonight? There are still tickets available for Casino Night, the annual fundraiser for the Kids ‘n Community Foundation, which begins at 7:00. [Hurricanes]
• The Charlotte Fox affiliate did a story on the nomadic existence of Michael Leighton, who has been a rock for the Checkers in net this season. [Fox 46 Charlotte]
• The headline of this Hockey News commentary pretty much sums up the article in one line: “Goaltending is holding the Hurricanes back, and it’s time for a change.” [THN]
• Ron Francis gave Pierre LeBrun a good bit of insight into how the Canes plan to approach the trade deadline. [ESPN]
• If you’re a fifth grader who wants to devote 250 words to a minor-league NHL trade, yeah, you’re gonna get a link from us. [CarterHud]
• This doesn’t really cover any new ground, but it’s the Hurricanes, so here you go. [Sportsnet]
• Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal thinks that Ron Hainsey makes a lot of sense as a rental target for the Penguins. [@NHLbyMatty]
• So does Lisa Dillman from NHL.com, who additionally adds more smoke to the is-Justin-Faulk-being-shopped fire. Not saying it’s going to happen, or should happen, but this stuff doesn’t exist in a vacuum. [NHL.com]
• If you missed Rod Brind’Amour on Canes Corner with Mike Maniscalco, you should rectify that forthwith. [Hurricanes mp3]

These People, Dressed As They Are...

• Trades you may have missed recently: Michael Stone to Calgary, Sergey Kalinin to Toronto, Tom Gilbert to Washington.
• If you were wondering whether or not the Vegas Golden Knights would try to pick up a draft pick or two: nope. [NHL.com]
• Five under the radar veterans who might move at the deadline and wouldn’t cost a king’s ransom to pick up. [The Hockey News]
• Are the Lightning buyers or sellers, and if it’s the latter, who’s on the block? [Tampa Bay Times]
• The Red Wings have apparently accepted their fate: they are likely to be sellers, the playoff streak that stretches to 1989 consigned to history. [NHL.com]
• Evander Kane is certainly marketable, and his trade value may never be higher, but would the Sabres consider moving him? [Buffalo News]

A Few Other Things

• Kevin Allen reflects on the life of late Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, who passed away February 10. [USA Today]
• The Red Wings have had “Hockeytown” plastered across center ice for years now, but that moniker would never have come to be without the Ilitches and their commitment not just to the team, but the city of Detroit. [Detroit Free Press]
• It’s a shame Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine are in opposite conferences, because both their games against each other this season have been gangbusters. [Sportsnet]
• Here’s a deep dive into something that’s as obvious as a big sign on the interstate that has flashing lights surrounding it: the novelty of outdoor games has worn off. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
• The Arizona Coyotes speak truth to power: enough with the wave at sporting events. [For The Win]
• Boy, the pollen sure is getting thick with this weather and it has nothing at all to do with this Vladimir Tarasenko story why do you ask. [Blues]
• Did you watch NBC’s Hockey Day In America? Probably not, and Greg Wyshynski doesn’t blame you one iota given the subject matter. [Puck Daddy]
• Harnarayan Singh, he of the famous “BONINO BONINO BONINO BONINO” call from last year’s playoffs, reflects on how Hockey NIght Punjabi came to be. [The Players’ Tribune]

And Finally...

• Jaccob Slavin is good at hockey. He is not good at bowling, and his wife would like the world to know this.