Carolina Hurricanes' Top Trade Candidate This Season

The Carolina Hurricanes are second in the NHL in points with 62, largely because they have such a deep and strong team in all areas. The goaltending has been an inconsistent area for them and rookie Pyotr Kochetkov was able to come in mid-season and weather the storm. Since Frederik Andersen's return from injury, Kochetkov has since been re-assigned to the AHL for now.

He's proven he's not meant to be there anymore as he leads the Hurricanes in wins (10), shutouts (3), quality starts (11), goals saved above average (4.2), and is signed for the next four years. He was also the only goaltender who could pass through waivers. With the trade deadline under two months away, the Hurricanes are going to have to trade one of their goaltenders still on the active roster. The choice is going to be Antti Raanta.

Raanta has the worst stats when it comes to the three goalies, is hard to rely upon with the injuries he's suffered in his career, and has an easier contract to move for the rest of the season than Andersen. There is also a much higher chance the Hurricanes want to run with Andersen and Kochetkov next season as their tandem too.

The Hurricanes won't have a very tough time moving Raanta as he's proven he is a reliable backup. There are teams in need of an upgrade at the backup position. His cap hit is also $2 million, so it's not very expensive to move out. It will also free up a bit of space for Carolina to add again at the trade deadline. They would like some assets back as they've spent a bit acquiring players over the past couple of years.