With the addition of Jesper Fast, the Carolina Hurricanes have too many forwards looking for a spot in their top-nine. Given that someone will likely need to be moved, not just for cap space but also just for space in the lineup, Ryan Dzingel could be the one to go.
Dzingel had eight goals and 29 points in 64 games, a pace of 10 goals and 37 points per 82 games. While it’s certainly decent production for a middle-six forward, Dzingel struggled to find his place in the lineup with the Hurricanes as the season went on. He played everywhere from the top-six to the fourth line and was even a healthy scratch at points. Dzingel ended the regular season with no goals and just three points in his final 20 games.
He has one year remaining on his contract at a $3.38 million. It’s not a bad price by any means and while the Hurricanes probably won’t get much of a return for Dzingel, they should still be able to move him.
He can be a solid fit on a team’s third line but simply put, the Hurricanes have too many middle-six forwards and considering his age and contract, Dzingel could be the easiest one to move. Nino Niederreiter's contract would likely prevent him from being traded, while Warren Foegele is still young and Martin Necas isn’t going anywhere either. It’s also unlikely that Dzingel moves to the fourth line, based on how effective the line of Morgan Geekie, Jordan Martinook and Brock McGinn was when they were playing together. At this point, it would be a better decision to move Dzingel and use that cap space elsewhere.
Like I said, Dzingel is still a quality middle-six forward and can be an effective member of a team’s top-nine. Unfortunately though, the Hurricanes just have too many forwards for not enough spots and if someone needs to go, moving Dzingel could be a trade that makes sense.
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Do you think the Hurricanes will trade Ryan Dzingel in the offseason?
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