Rumor: Young Boston and Carolina Stars on the Trade Block

Carolina Hurricanes Talk Trade with Boston Bruins

By Patrick Cunningham

            Several sources have reported talks of a possible trade between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins. The rumors have detailed the Hurricanes sending Boston native and a former top-five pick in 2015, Noah Hanifin back to play for his home team. In return, the Hurricanes are likely to receive the left-wing sniper, Anders Bjork.

            Hanifin was drafted fifth overall in the 2015 draft out of Boston College. The Hurricanes were just beginning their rebuild in hopes of growing a strong defensive core around the talented skater. Although the Hurricanes have their young defensive core with Brett Pesce, Trevor Van Riemsdyk, and Hayden Fleury, the defense has been centered around Jaccob Slavin. Hanifin made the team right out of rookie camp but struggled early and often in his first three years in the NHL. Although he had a strong start to the 2018 season, making the All-Star game roster, his struggles came back harder than ever as the Hurricanes failed to make the playoffs for the ninth straight season. The Canes have been open to the idea of trading Hanifin and his defensive partner and former all-star Justin Faulk.

Noah Hanifin Flies in the 2018 Fastest Skater Competition

            The Boston Bruins had a fantastic 2018 campaign, after a disappointing postseason the previous year, finishing with 112 points, only to fall in the second round to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 5 games. Their explosive offense lead by David Pastrnak was backed up by strong play from a young Charlie McAvoy, who played his first full professional season coming out of Boston University. The Bruins drafted Anders Bjork with the 146^th pick in the 2014 draft out of Notre Dame. His strong skating abilities combined with a sharp wrist shot is a deadly combination. However, he has faced some defensive struggles in his early NHL career.

            With Zdeno Chara’s career coming to an end, the Bruins could insert Hanifin with McAvoy as an elite first pairing. A possible change of location for Hanifin could be much needed for the 21-year old’s confidence while playing in front of his home crowd. Although Bjork was a much later pick in an earlier draft, he dazzled at Notre Dame leading them to a Frozen Four appearance. The Hurricanes already have their strong defense in place with other young players such as Jake Bean in the works. Bjork could be placed on a line with Jordan Staal and Sebastian Aho. A line with the Hurricanes 2017 first round draft pick Martin Neccas could also be a possibility. The Hurricanes currently hold the number 2 pick in this summer’s draft and are currently falling in love with Andrei Svechnikov of the Barrie Colts. This fast core of forwards combined with their defensive group could finally lead them to the postseason, ending the longest active playoff drought in the NHL.