Carolina Hurricanes Shopping Defenseman for Trade

The Carolina Hurricanes are reportedly trying to make a big trade before Monday's trade deadline and one name they continue to shop is defenseman Jake Gardiner.

The 30-year-old has not found his footing with the Hurricanes after signing a four-year deal back before the start of last season. The two-way defender is currently on the team's taxi-squad and has only appeared in 17 games so far this season, collecting seven assists.

The Detroit Red Wings are a team to watch as they don't have any defenseman signed long-term and only two signed for next season. Two other teams to watch for here are the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks. Both teams have made it known they are open to taking on salary in exchange for assets, so if the Hurricanes decided to sweeten the pot with a legit prospect included in the deal, Gardiner could be on his way out of town.