NHL Rumors: Hurricanes & Coyotes Emerging as Trade Candidates

The Carolina Hurricanes are once again one of the best teams in the NHL this season. They have a very strong roster, and they are looking to go on a Stanley Cup run because of it. However, after losing Vincent Trocheck last offseason through free agency, they never found a legitimate second-line center to replace him. With the Arizona Coyotes in a full-on rebuild, perhaps Carolina could make a push for Nick Schmaltz because of it.

Playing in a small market has made Schmaltz become underrated by many non-Coyotes fans. Over the last two seasons, he has taken a step forward with his offensive play, and the truth is in his stats. After recording a 59-point campaign in 63 games last season, Schmaltz has 20 in 25 so far this year. Keep in mind, this is while playing for a weak team like the Coyotes, so imagine the kind of production he could get while playing with far more talent in Carolina.

Alas, a fit appears to be here on paper, so let’s see if the Hurricanes end up making a big push for Schmaltz before the deadline passes from here.