Ben Shelley: Will the Hurricanes re-sign Vincent Trocheck?

I think the Canes were hoping Kotkaniemi would be ready to take over as 2C next year. Looking doubtful…

I think the Canes were hoping Kotkaniemi would be ready to take over as 2C next year. Looking doubtful…
- Quetzalcoatl

Always still possible at some point for Kotkaniemi but looks more like 3C upside.

When all is said and done, I don't think the Rangers are going to re-sign Ryan Strome. He shares the exact same birthday as Trocheck and I think that you will be able to get him for a few $$$ less. I believe he is going to be Trochecks replacement for you guys in case you can't close a deal. You could do a lot worse....

I think Nino is a higher priority.

I think Nino is a higher priority.
- Barbecued Hockey

Personally I'd disagree - Niederreiter fits well but the Canes have a strong top-nine even without him and it would be easier to replace him than a 2C.

I also look back to the expansion draft where Niederreiter was left exposed and my bet would be that keeping him is more of a luxury than a top priority.

Personally I'd disagree - Niederreiter fits well but the Canes have a strong top-nine even without him and it would be easier to replace him than a 2C.

I also look back to the expansion draft where Niederreiter was left exposed and my bet would be that keeping him is more of a luxury than a top priority.
- Ben.Shelley

He should be cheaper because probably less demand on the open market. Trochek as much as I love having him and Slavin's request for him to stay is more easily replaceable. He is not the same player he was before his injury in Florida. I think he is on a downward trajectory and not worth the cap hit.

He should be cheaper because probably less demand on the open market. Trochek as much as I love having him and Slavin's request for him to stay is more easily replaceable. He is not the same player he was before his injury in Florida. I think he is on a downward trajectory and not worth the cap hit.
- Barbecued Hockey

I'm definitely not completely set on the Canes keeping Trocheck with a long-term deal but I'd prefer it over them not finding a good enough 2C replacement.

I think the Canes were hoping Kotkaniemi would be ready to take over as 2C next year. Looking doubtful…
- Quetzalcoatl

When it comes to KK, I didn't think it was possible but I think he actually had fewer hits in the playoffs than Necas. You can't have that from a 4th line center. Imagine how much of a problem that would be if he were 2C.