The General Manager Corner: NHL Trades to Consider

Apr 1, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Carolina won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

To Anaheim: Jordan Staal

To Carolina: Jakob Silfverberg, Nicolas Kerdiles, Sami Vatanen

The General Manager says: On paper the Hurricanes are one of the least exciting, unimpressive teams with a farm system just as dull. While having the Brothers Staal on the top-2 pivots is a decent start, the organization lacks quality depth throughout. By moving one of its more tradeable assets, the Hurricanes pick up three quality young pieces to start a much-needed rebuild in Raleigh. Silfverberg and Vatanen are restricted free agents but should be easily signed and be able to step onto the Hurricanes roster from day one. As for Kerdiles, Anaheim’s second round pick from 2012 has the potential to turn into a reliable center sooner rather than later.

For the Ducks, stuck in a division with Los Angeles and San Jose, they need a big centerman that can slot behind Ryan Getzlaf and cause havoc in the defensive zone for their opponents. Jordan Staal will never have the offensive prowess of big brother Eric, but is certaintly more than capable of shutting down bigger forwards and impacting a game in a variety of ways. He’s signed through the 2022/23 season at $6,000,000 a season, but with a rising cap and plenty of space available, the Ducks should jump at the chance to add the versatile Staal to its lineup.