As the NHL season moves closer to the trade deadline general managers from around the league are starting to shake trees with hopes of a blockbuster deal falling out.
Carolina, like any exemplary student, finished their homework early. If you listen to Hurricanes’ GM Don Waddell the team has had their trade deadline acquisition under contract since the summer. “If things go the way we plan, (Max Pacioretty) could be our trade deadline addition,” Waddell said on October 12th.
“At the trade deadline, you’re always looking to add to your team,” Waddell said. “You’ll have to give up draft picks or other players that maybe you don’t want to. If you bring (Pacioretty) onto your roster after missing the first 45 games or so, that would be a great addition for us.” 38 games into the season the Carolina Hurricanes activated Pacioretty from injured reserve today.
Don’t be fooled. Don Waddell hasn’t closed the door on adding a player before the NHL trade deadline on March 3rd. “It’s my job as the general manager to try and make our team better if we can,” Waddell said while a guest on the Jeff Marek Show on Tuesday.
“If we stay healthy from now until the trade deadline I certainly think we need to add a little more depth,” Waddell said. “I don’t see us out there making a home run deal. Especially because our forward group is pretty good. – If anything we need a little depth on defense.”
Waddell did caution against making a move for the sake of making a move. “A lot of players get moved around. Only one team ends up winning. That’s what you have to keep in the back of your mind,” he said.
I don’t see Waddell or his staff as eager buyers. They won’t be calling around the league to check in on forwards who are on an expiring contract. But they aren’t going to ignore calls either. “You’re always talking to teams,” Waddell said. “I’ve talked to three teams today already about what they’re thinking and what they have going on moving forward. – You want to stay in those conversations just to see if there is something that makes sense.”
Patrick Kane and Bo Horvat seem to be off the table for Carolina. But don’t be surprised to see moves for depth pieces as the Hurricanes prepare for a potential run in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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