Canes don't do that trade. Pesce is good player on a good contract, and really no guarantee starters, except the expiiring Gardinerhave been traded back to the Canes. Why even trade fo Staal if he's a fourth liner?
Hickey is unneeded, and really not that special. If Pateryn is starting NHL Dmen, don't you think he gets more than 1.2m?

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Take out Gardiner for Kapanen and no j Staal and switch 1st rd pick with Borgman/ Carrick

The Canes might, and mostly to get rid of longterm contracts, remember they have a new owner and two less than analytical thinkers running the team. Staal would be great at 4C only because he wouldn’t actually BE a 4C, that centre depth is nuts. They’ve already said everyone but Aho is available. Pateryn isn’t a bonafide NHL defenceman, he’s only played one full season and could be a good gamble. Hickey is just for buying time on a short contract TIL Lilgren can come up and take over. You might be right, but why not dream? Lol. Feedback was much appreciated, thank you.

Actually I think Pateryn might be a good gamble as you suggest, but I think he has to cost more. You're right about Staal, he is expensive but the Leaf have cap especially if Tavares isn't signed even if fits into a # 3 and is bit overpriced, maybe it's OK for the Leafs, although he does has NMC
Funny how the Canes who say "everyone is available". The fact is everyone is available from any team, but it was just strange that the Canes ownership/management would make the statement public. I can never understand owners that want to go "cheap". Your players cost 80 m. max, so why spend just 65m spend wisely to the max and you have a competitive team. Many of your other expenses are the same whether you're good or bad, such as travel, your arena, your medical expenses.

I do find their “everyone is available” stance perplexing. They have one of the best young D cores, their forwards are good but just need a little more fire power. Their goaltending is a dumpster fire, and with a few more saves would be in the playoffs. But hey, if they want to be stupid, let’s take advantage.