NHL Rumors: Hurricanes Could Trade 2 Veterans

According to Frank Seravalli, the Carolina Hurricanes could trade Brady Skjei and/or Nino Niederreiter if it helps land them a big upgrade to their current roster.

Seravalli also noted that the Hurricanes are in a financial position where they would have to trade salary out to make a big trade. Therefore, it would make sense for them to trade players like Skjei and Niederreiter in that kind of situation.

The Hurricanes have been linked to John Klingberg, so perhaps Skjei specifically could be the roster player who heads the other way in a hypothetical deal. In 44 games this season, the 27-year-old has six goals, 11 assists, and a plus-12 rating. It's been a nice bounce-back season for him, but his $5.25 million salary until the end of the 2023-24 season could make Carolina even more open to moving him. This is especially true when looking at Carolina's current depth on the blueline, too.

Niederreiter is currently in the final year of his contract. Rather than losing him for nothing during the offseason, they could possibly use him to land themselves a bigger impact player. In 38 games this season, he has 14 goals to go along with nine assists. Seravalli also noted that the Hurricanes not having a first-round pick this year could make them more open to using Niederreiter as a sweetener in a splash.

Alas, if we see the Hurricanes land Klingberg, Jakob Chychrun, or another big-name player, don't be surprised to see at least one of these veterans heading the other way.