Much can be said about the Carolina Hurricanes trade deadline this year. They needed a top-level, game-changing goal scorer and they went out and got Jake Guentzel. They also needed an upgrade down the middle, ideally someone who could challenge for the second-line centre role. Here they took a gamble by buying low on Evgeny Kuznetsov. But what has potential after these moves is not only what those players bring individually, but the effect they have down the Hurricanes roster.
The Trickle-Down Effect from Guentzel and Kuznetsov
In Jake Guentzel, Carolina is getting a shoot-first, first-line winger who can contribute offensively at an elite level. He also has been a difference-maker in the playoffs. In Kuznetsov, Carolina is getting either a true second-line centre or a depth centre, depending on if he can find his game again. While Kuzy has historically performed very well with the Washington Capitals, he ran into some personal trouble and his play significantly suffered. But now on a new team with a new chance, he appears to have adopted a posture of gratitude for a second chance.
Some really heartfelt words from #92 after the win –
"I'm just so grateful to be here. I don't take anything for granted anymore…
You've just got to believe. For people who are struggling outside with motivation or whatever it is, just accept the reality, work hard, and… pic.twitter.com/zmseSTi5H4
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) March 9, 2024
While an extremely small sample size, Kuznetsov played his first game on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils and showed some very impressive play. Especially in his passing and playmaking. If he can keep up that consistently, he very well may fit as the team’s second-line centre. Taking that optimism in this analysis, one major benefit of bringing in these players is the effect it will have throughout the current lineup. Of course, line changes will happen to figure out chemistry at different times, but let’s take a look at what an ideal new lineup could look like.
The First Line
Carolina’s first line has been anything but consistent this year. At times the line of Sebastian Aho flanked by Teuvo Teravainen and Andrei Svechnikov worked really well. At other times, Aho was playing alongside any combination of either of them as well as Seth Jarvis, Martin Necas, Jordan Martinook, Jesper Fast, or Stefan Noesen. The only consistency was Aho at 1C. But now coach Rod Brind’Amour can pair Aho with a true goal-scoring forward in Jake Guentzel. While he can play either wing, he more favourably fits on Aho’s left which leaves Teravainen most likely on the right flank. This top line combines Teravainen’s playmaking with Aho’s all-around game and Guentzel’s goal-scoring touch. Therefore, this then pushes Svechnikov down to provide additional scoring to line two.
The Second Line
With the trickle-down from first-line Guentzel mixed with the addition of Kuznetsov, you now have a new look offensively gifted second line. And this is no knock on Jack Drury who has played relatively well as the 2C. But this is a win-win for all (you will see what we mean later). Here you could see Svechnikov on the wing with Kuznetsov at centre and Martin Necas on the other wing. Here you get a physical and skilled power forward in Svechnikov who can both forecheck hard and win pucks as well as score from all over the ice. Then you get a playmaking centre with elite passing ability to set up his linemates. And lastly, you get a speedy Necas on the other wing who may be the most shoot-first player the Hurricanes have after Guentzel. Necas can create plays with his speed and skill while also possessing an elite shot from almost anywhere on the ice. These three players could complement each other very well.
The Third Line
The third line would actually remain the same with Jordan Staal flanked by Martinook and Jarvis. This line has worked well and has been one of the most consistent of late. Martinook plays a high-energy game and isn’t afraid to hit. Meanwhile, Staal uses his large frame to win puck battles in the corners and shield the puck when on his stick. Then Jarvis also provides a high energy and physical spark but with a better goal-scoring touch than his linemates. By most advanced analytics they are very effective and seem to work as a machine. They can shut down other teams defensively while pressuring with a heavy forecheck offensively. Sometimes to the point that their pressure seems like it’ll never end.
The Fourth Line
The new-look fourth line would act as a hybrid energy/depth scoring line. Especially depending on how Rod Brind’Amour constructs it for the night. Most likely, Fast and Brendan Lemieux are the healthy extras on the newly built, post-deadline squad. But Fast can certainly rotate in if they are looking for some motor. Otherwise, this fourth line would likely look at Drury flanked by Noesen and Jesperi Kotkaniemi. This provides a great opportunity for each on this line. Drury will be able to get easier matchups in this role which should allow him to be more effective on the production front. Also, Drury and Noesen have been a very effective pair this season with some highly impressive chemistry at times. With the additions to the lineup, they can reunite in an appropriate role.
And then there is Kotkaniemi. Typically a centre, he has struggled again this season after a great start. While he was pegged as the 2C, he has found himself down the depth chart. But now, he has taken some time on the wing and could continue to do so. His struggles aren’t from lack of trying and many of his advanced analytics are decent, but something has just been off. But maybe now he can bring some of the attributes he has done well to this new fourth line on the wing. And maybe the shakeup will be what he needs.
The Depth
The last trickle-down effect from bringing these new players on board is the depth it provides Carolina for the playoffs. Depth is essential for the playoffs as injuries are almost inevitable. The game gets more physical and players are pushing themselves to the very edge. With only giving up Michael Bunting off the active roster, Carolina still has Fast and Lemieux as depth forward options. Fast can fit in almost anywhere in the lineup and is a team-first guy. Lemieux brings some physicality and bite but is truly a depth guy.
And even though they gave up Vasiliy Ponomarev in the Guentzel trade, they also signed Max Comtois right before the trades started. This is sort of the tit-for-tat move here as he would likely be the first call-up option. This could come as an underrated move for Carolina. In 64 games last season with the Anaheim Ducks, he scored nine goals and ten assists and provides a physical and agitator-like presence. He could be a very good call-up option if needed.
Carolina was already a fairly deep team up front. But now they will be even deeper. While Guentzel and Kuznetsov have the potential to be game-changing themselves, the trickle-down effect on the rest of the team could be just as beneficial. But in the end, the results will have to speak.
Main Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
