Heading into the offseason, it was clear that the Carolina Hurricanes’ biggest area of need was in net. While we speculated as to who the team could acquire as an upgrade, free agency came and went, with no changes between the pipes in Carolina. At this point, it’s seeming more and more likely that the Hurricanes could stick with the tandem of Petr Mrazek and James Reimer for the 2020-21 season.
Several key names were on the board this offseason but the most significant moves were Jacob Markstrom going to Calgary, Braden Holtby signing in Vancouver and Robin Lehner staying in Vegas. Plus, Matt Murray was dealt to Ottawa, while less obvious options like Thomas Greiss and Henrik Lundqvist found other homes as well.
At this point, one of Arizona’s goalies may be the last quality upgrade left, though perhaps one of Columbus’ goalies could be available as well. Either way though, it would cost a lot to make a deal work with either team.
Due to the fact that the goalie market has dried up since free agency, other teams who may have been willing to deal a goalie and find an upgrade won’t have the option for that upgrade at this point and will have to stick with their current starter. This is likely the case with Frederik Andersen in Toronto, who the Hurricanes were reportedly interested in a few months back. Essentially, the possibilities have drastically narrowed, in terms of a potential upgrade in net for the Hurricanes.
There’s still time for Carolina to make a move but there are far fewer options than there were a month ago and at this point, the only way an upgrade would happen is through a trade. Right now, it seems like there’s a decent possibility that Carolina may not make any moves in net ahead of the 2020-21 season.
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Here’s today’s poll question (results and discussion will be posted in a future article):
At this point, do you think the Hurricanes will find upgrade in net before the start of the 2020-21 season?
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