The Hurricanes first big, pre-trade deadline move wasn’t exactly expected, but owner Tom Dundon often talks about “making the team better” no matter the situation. He reiterated that to The Athletic last week, along with the fact that he was confident the Hurricanes would make the playoffs, he’d do what it takes to get them there and he’s thinking in terms of a five-year window. He’s wary of the term “rental.”
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So it wasn’t the elusive, top-4 defenseman everyone has been talking about — not yet — but the Hurricanes acquired Florida center Vincent Trocheck for Erik Haula, Lucas Wallmark, Chase Priskie and Eetu Luostarinen.
The 26-year-old right-shot has two more full years on his contract with an AAV of $4.75 million, while Haula is a pending UFA that had struggled with Rod Brind’Amour’s decision to scratch him earlier this season. Wallmark is a pending RFA who has probably deserved more of an opportunity than the Hurricanes have been able to give him, whereas they can replace his role now that Jordan Martinook is healthy. Priskie projects as a second-pairing defenseman, in my opinion, and Luostarinen might have an NHL future. So yes, this a lot to give up for the Canes.
But Trocheck, a career Panther, is dynamite on faceoffs and the Hurricanes hope he can serve as an example/placeholder for Martin Necas until he eventually transitions into a center role. Trocheck scored a career-high 75 points (31 goals and 44 assists in 2017-18), and has 10 goals and 26 assists in 55 games this season.
According to a source, the Hurricanes are still looking for that rumored defenseman, they still have their 2020 first-round pick and they still don’t want a rental. There’s a good chance this isn’t the only move they make Monday, but it’s not a guarantee.
“Vincent brings elements of skill and competitiveness that fit the mold of the style we want to play,” Waddell said in a release. “He’s a right-handed center who is excellent in the face-off circle. With two years left on his contract after this one, this fills a need for our roster for this year and moving forward.”
Trocheck will speak to the media at 1 p.m. ET and Waddell will speak at 3 p.m.
(Photo of Vincent Trocheck and Lucas Wallmark: David Santiago / Miami Herald / Tribune News Service via Getty Images)