Free agency is about to be a frenzy. While the forwards that are available are stealing the headlines, the defence deserves some recognition. There is one team that is searching for help on the back end. The Carolina Hurricanes need a defenceman. After trading Tony DeAngelo to the Philadelphia Flyers, there is a void on the back end. The team has been linked to a pair of blueliners that could be available via trade.
Carolina Hurricanes Linked to Defenceman
Rumour: Pierre Lebrun discusses the Hurricanes upgrading on the right side with Brent Burns and Jeff Petry
The Hurricanes have made replacing Tony DeAngelo on the right side a top priority. Two players I believe they've kicked tires on: Brent Burns and Jeff Petry.
There are other trade options as well, but something to file away.@TSNHockey @TheAthletic— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 12, 2022
When Dougie Hamilton left the team and signed with the New Jersey Devils, that void needed to be filled; Hurricanes management took a gamble and signed Tony DeAngelo, which paid huge dividends on the back end. He is now gone, and the shoes need to be filled. An offensive right-handed shot defenceman is necessary for the Hurricanes, and they have their eyes on two of them.
The Defenceman Available
Brent Burns
Brent Burns is currently with the San Jose Sharks. With a new GM and a rebuild on the horizon, the defenceman could become available via trade. Brent Burns did not have a bad year for the Sharks. Playing in all 82 games, he led the team in points with 54 amongst defencemen. He scored 10 goals, 44 assists, and 54 points. He stepped up and finished second in blocked shots with 150, and finished with a Corsi For Percentage at 46%. While the contract is not the best, he can come in and slot next to Jacob Slavin and play effectively.
Jeff Petry
Jeff Petry is another name on the Hurricanes radar. In 62 games for the Montreal Canadiens, he finished with 27 points. He went on to finish with a 42.2 on-ice goals percentage and a 48% in Corsi For. Jeff Petry did have a 42-point season the prior year. Like Burns, Petry was on a weak Montreal team and both could benefit from a change of scenery. Additionally, Burns had a better overall season but Petry is still an effective defenceman.
Which defenceman Should Carolina Target?
Both defencemen would fill a need for the Carolina Hurricanes. Brent Burns as well as Jeff Petry can impact the heavily defensive structured Carolina team. Both players have hefty cap hits, but on the other hand, have upside in their games.
If Carolina is looking for offensive upside, Brent Burns fits the bill. It would depend on what offer is presented that makes the most sense for the team.
#FreeAgentFrenzy Primer from @JohnLuTSNMtl: With uncertainty on how much of a workload Carey Price can handle and not much cap space, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes may have to take a conservative approach to free agency. Will Jeff Petry be dealt? – https://t.co/sJFUYPkjH6#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/g2Jd9UStP8
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) July 11, 2022
