LA Kings: Three defenders on Carolina Hurricanes to target in trades

The Carolina Hurricanes could have trouble protecting all their defensemen. Should the LA Kings try to acquire one at the trade deadline?

The upcoming expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken is a problem for all teams not named the Vegas Golden Knights. The Knights are exempt from leaving players exposed, but the LA Kings could lose a valuable player. And that goes for all teams, as noted.

But one team that could have the biggest dilemma protecting a crowded defensive unit is the Carolina Hurricanes.

Most years, having one of the deepest blue lines in the NHL has no downside. In an Expansion Draft year, however, it’s problematic. Even with star defenseman Dougie Hamilton slated for free agency and not requiring expansion protection (unless he’s re-signed early), the Hurricanes still face a conundrum. Jaccob Slavin, Brett Pesce, Brady Skjei, Jake Gardiner, Haydn Fleury, and RFA Jake Bean are all eligible to be selected by the Seattle Kraken and, due to a number of valuable forwards as well, Carolina can only protect three. – ProHockeyRumors

The LA Kings are reportedly in the market for a dynamic, left-shot defenseman. There could be some incentive for Carolina to package one of their players to upgrade other areas of their roster. According to ProHockeyRumors, the Hurricanes are in the market for a starting goaltender, a top-nine forward, and defensive depth, with Gardiner limited by injuries this year.

If there’s one area where the LA Kings can help out the Hurricanes, who are nearly guaranteed to make the playoffs, it’s a top-nine forward. Let’s look at three defenders to target in trades.

2. Jake Bean

Bean was drafted 13th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and saw two NHL games last season. Transitioning into a regular along the blue line in 2021, the 22-year-old has one goal and nine points in 16 games. The Calgary, Alberta native put up some big numbers with Carolina’s AHL affiliate over the last two seasons.

Bean posted a combined 23 goals with 69 assists in 129 games while tallying one goal and five points in the playoffs at the end of the 18-19 season. Here’s his scouting report, courtesy of Elite Prospects.

An excellent skater who is a good puck-carrier up the ice. Makes very good decisions with and without the puck, and plays strong positionally. Works hard and doesn’t give the opposition much to work with, but could stand to be a bit more assertive during high pressure situations.

Bean is already seeing time on the second power play unit, which is a testament to how much Rod Brind’Amour trusts in the 22-year-old while Jake Gardiner deals with lingering back issues. Bean is in the final year of his entry-level contract and will be a restricted free agent at season’s end.

3. Brady Skjei

Big and physical is the best way to describe Brady Skjei. The almost 27-year-old was selected by the New York Rangers with the 28th overall pick in 2012 but was sent to Carolina in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. Skjei signed a six-year contract extension in July 2018, and Carolina is responsible for his $5.3M cap hit for the next three seasons beyond 2021.

He has a modified no-trade clause beginning next season and could be that dynamic defenseman that Blake has been targeting. Skjei tallied eight goals and 16 assists in 67 games split between the Rangers and Hurricanes last season. I mentioned physical, right? He’s not afraid to put his body on the line to stop a shot, nor is he afraid to put a big check on the opposition.

In the 18-19 campaign, Skjei tallied career-bests with 119 blocked shots and 178 hits. He’d bring a much-needed element of physicality to the LA Kings blueline while also having the body of work in offensive categories. Like Slavin, Skjei is an excellent facilitator averaging around five goals and 23 assists in the previous four seasons.

His defensive metrics haven’t been great since changing uniforms. Perhaps the Hurricanes are willing to admit it’s not a fit for both parties and move on?

Conclusion

Carolina has just under $1.5M in salary cap space, with several offensive players and defenseman Dougie Hamilton becoming unrestricted free agents at the end of the 2021 season. With four players for three spots on the left side, Carolina can free up salary cap space and acquire assets while the Kings can get their defenseman.