They are preparing their upcoming selections, but also, possible trades.
That's why we're currently seeing a lot of trade rumors. There will be a lot of trades in the next few weeks.
NOT ONLY TRADES
Immediately after the draft, things will continue to shake out as we will already be at the opening of the free agent market and many players will change address.
This is the case for many unrestricted free agents (UFA), of course, but it will also likely be the case for some restricted free agents. (RFA)
As we've seen in the last few years, hostile offers are becoming less and less rare, especially with the Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens (remember of course the cases of Sebastian Aho and Jesperi Kotkaniemi)
All this has led to a big off-ice rivalry between Carolina and Montreal, especially because of the Canes' leaders' comments and arrogance (towards the CH) on social networks for the last two years.
Earlier today, renowned journalist Frank Seravalli made an interesting suggestion.
What if the CH were to retaliate in earnest, and make a solid hostile offer to promising young forward Martin Necas?
The Hurricanes are in a lot more trouble financially right now, compared to when Marc Bergevin made the hostile offer to Sebastian Aho (the Hurricanes have less than $20 million available under the salary cap, but with all these players to sign: Vincent Trocheck, Nino Niederreiter, Max Domi, Derek Stepan, Ian Cole, Brendan Smith, Martin Necas, Tony DeAngelo, Ethan Bear and Steven Lorentz).
Well, it's true that the CH could possibly hurt the Hurricanes and add an entire player, but we have several reasons to doubt such a scenario.
First, Marc Bergevin (the author of the hostile offer made to Aho) is no longer around.
Secondly, to have a good chance of working out, the offer has to be high and therefore, it could force Kent Hughes to give a 2023 first round pick as compensation. We don't want that.
So, the only way it's going to happen is if Kent Hughes tables the following offer: $4.2 million per year / 7 years.
That would then cost a mere second round pick. Would the Canes match that? You be the judge, but that's the only way it would happen, in my opinion. (No chance of the CH putting their 2023 first round pick on the table)
Anyway, it's something to watch. Because Frank Seravalli mentions it, it's a possible scenario, according to his information.
Necas, 23, has 40 points (14 goals) in 78 games this season and an impressive 41 points (14 goals) in 53 games last year at the age of 21.
Credit and details:
POLL | ||
JUIN 29 | 262 ANSWERS Frank Seravalli suggests to the Habs the ultimate revenge against the Hurricanes Would you like Kent Hughes to make a hostile offer to Martin Necas? | ||
Yes | 109 | 41.6 % |
No | 153 | 58.4 % |
List of polls |