Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! There is so much buzz around the league and with the draft approaching, moves can be made. The biggest buzz is swirling around the Carolina Hurricanes. Martin Necas is a top trade candidate, but the Rumours swirl around the blueline.
NHL Rumours
Rumours: David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period discusses Sean Walker and the Hurricanes
Analysis: It is always good to build upon your strengths. For the Carolina Hurricanes, strong defence is a focal point to their success. This is a team that is stronger with a lead and smothers the opposition protecting it. Also, this is a team that allowed the second fewest shot attempts during the regular season at five on five, so they do a good job of shot suppression. However, a retool is in order.
It is not by choice, but because there are numerous players that could head to free agency. Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce highlight the names that are not extended beyond this season. Furthermore, depth shutdown defenceman Jalen Chatfield is also a free agent. He is a player that came into his own and was a stable presence and earned his ice time. For the Hurricanes to maintain their level of defence, they’ll need to add. Pagnotta notes that defenceman Sean Walker is on their radar and he would fit like a glove in Carolina.
Walker to Raleighwood Makes Sense
The latest NHL Rumours are swirling around the Hurricanes, no pun intended. It is for a good reason and for them they’ll want to restock their back end. There are a few names on the open market that are a fit and one of them is Walker. The Hurricanes love the added offence from the back end, but Walker provides another element that makes him a fit.
Walker is your typical shutdown defenceman. He embodies what the Philadelphia Flyers are like and was a good depth piece for the Avalanche. Walker is physical, can shutdown the opposition, and is unafraid to block shots. He works as hard as his potential new head coach in Rod Brind’Amour and would be a nice boost to the penalty kill. There are many vacant spots for Walker to take on this blue line and adding him would be a great depth piece.
The Hurricanes have the pieces to compete and contend, but supplementing the back end is a must. Walker is a great add for them as well.
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