RALEIGH -- There hasn’t ever been a trade deadline that had the kind of implications for the future of the Carolina Hurricanes that today's had. Only one trade was made, but its reverberations and ramifications will be felt for a long time.
The deal to acquire Bryan Allen from the Florida Panthers meant that the Hurricanes lost Brett Carson on waivers for nothing. It means that the odds of losing Joni Pitkanen for nothing this summer substantially increased. But Allen’s arrival also significantly upgraded the Carolina blue line from a defensive standpoint, and since the Hurricanes decided not to cash in on Pitkanen and trade him now, their chances of making the playoffs weren’t harmed, either.
The Hurricanes are in better shape to make the playoffs today than they were yesterday, but not without some collateral damage.
It’s a complicated situation, with lots of moving parts, but the hardest part is this: The Hurricanes’ tight budget cost them a solid young player. To clear budget space to add a defenseman -- not salary-cap space, of which the Hurricanes have more than $9 million -- they had to send Carson down to the AHL. That meant sending him through waivers, and he was claimed by the Calgary Flames, to the Hurricanes’ surprise.
There were other reasons for sending him to Charlotte -- playing time and helping the Checkers -- but money was the main one. Sending Carson to Charlotte would have saved about $90,000. (Losing him on waivers will save about $170,000.)
“We did it to make room to make this move,” Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said. “If we hadn’t done that, if we hadn’t added a defenseman later in the day, I’d be devastated about losing him. As it is, I’m OK with it. I was surprised, because I wasn’t expecting to lose him, but he’ll be a free agent this summer so we may be able to bring him back.”
Still, losing Carson did serve the original purpose of the move, which was to clear space in the budget to add a player like Allen. The Hurricanes were able to get him, a big body and steady defensive presence, without giving up a young player or draft pick. (Veteran forward Sergei Samsonov, a free agent this summer, went the other way to balance out the salaries.)
Unlike many of the players traded today, Allen is not an impending free agent. He is under contract for next season at $3.15 million. Pitkanen, however, is a free agent on July 1. His price on the open market could well exceed the $4.5 million he’s making now. If that money was ever in the Hurricanes’ eternally tight budget, it isn’t anymore.
The other option with Pitkanen was to trade him, and Rutherford said there were teams kicking the tires. But trading a guy who leads the team in ice time at more than 25 minutes per game would have significantly damaged the Hurricanes’ playoff hopes -- particularly with Carson out of the mix as well -- even if it means the Hurricanes risk letting him walk away for nothing this summer, the same way Ray Whitney did a year ago.
There’s no guarantee Pitkanen departs this summer -- there may be a way to make the numbers work, particularly with if the proverbial “hometown discount” is in play -- but the arrival of Allen’s contract certainly makes it more likely.
So the Hurricanes got better today, but at what cost? Only six teams are giving up more goals, and Allen should be able to help in that department. Cory Stillman, who arrived from the Panthers last week, should be able to help with a power play that ranks 22nd in the NHL.
In the process, though, the Hurricanes lost a young defenseman and made it more difficult to keep Pitkanen, while at the same time passing on what may have been their last opportunity to get something of value for him.
If they’re able to hold onto their playoff position, and they may now be more likely to do just that, the ends without question justify these means -- and leave the future of the Carolina blue line, over the next month and the next year, very different than it was 24 hours ago.
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at (919) 829-8947, @LukeDeCock on Twitter or
Comments
Missed the Point
Tue, 03/01/2011 - 09:34 — sittler27This may be the dumbest hockey article Luke has written among a portfolio that includes many.
This was not all about money. First off the Canes are already carrying an extra defenseman who will be in the press box most nights (Joslin). The only way to get Carson to Charlotte was to waive him and with the need to bring up some forward spares for the playoff run, it was impractical to carry two extra D-menon the NHL roster.
Secondly, there are plenty of "Carsons" out there that will be available in the offseason to sign if we want them. We may even get him back. We also have D-men in college, juniors and Europe that we will need to make room for next year in the AHL. So we lose Carson's services for about 6 weeks. Big deal. Michal Jordan has emerged in Charlotte and he can take on extra ice time there.
As for this being the end of Joni. Not so fast. First off we will have removed over $2.0M in annual salary with Sammi gone. Similarly I doubt LaRose will be back. They will be replaced with $600K a year guys from the AHL. The ownership situation will be resolved next season. They can sign Joni if they want him, if he wants to be here and if the agent's $ request is reasonable. If not, there are free agent options to replace Joni with a solid D-man ( granted not at Joni's level but McBain should mature to take on more of the offensive role) and at a budget amount that is around what Joni makes now.
So cut the negativiity Luke. The fan base deserves a better thought out look at the future of their team.
Your numbers are off...
Tue, 03/01/2011 - 10:11 — CanarseLosing Samsonov and gaining Allen cost the Canes money. Samsonov was making 2.8, but is going to be a UFA. Allen makes 3.1 and will be around next year. LaRose is a UFA, but he's also one of Karmanos' boys, so don't be surprised when he's back next year. The other forwards that will be UFAs are Dwyer, Cole and Jokinen. I would be surprised to see more than one of them back. My bet would be on Jokinen.
The plan for Pitkanen has already been made by the Canes whether it's to keep him or let him go. Some of the negative comments from the organization lately suggest he'll be gone. That should mean they need to sign someone to take his place. McBain has not been good. He's had a few moments, but he's consistently scary under pressure in his own zone. There is a reason that Joslin may give McBain a few nights in the pressbox. Dumping Cole and Pitkanen should free up the cash to make the Canes more profitable and able to sign another experienced defenseman.
I didn't say it was an exact
Tue, 03/01/2011 - 12:57 — sittler27I didn't say it was an exact dollar trade. What I said is that the numbers are not as extreme or tight as Luke makes them out to be because there will be a lot of variables next year. To do a thorough analysis you have to build what you think will be a reasonable roster for next year and then go player by player as to salary and CAP hit. I did that based on the assumption that guys like Dalpe, Samson and Boychuk and one other current AHL players make the team. Then looked at resigning certain core players, and then what was left over minus Joni to see if we could fit him at say even $5.2M. I was pleasantly surprised that it all readily came together. But then assume no Joni.... we still have a good chunk of change to pursue a trade or free agent signing and there are lots of UFAs out there and several teams that due to contract escalations will have CAP issues and will have to jettison or trade.
The rest of what you say is pure conjecture. I have been around the organization and heard plenty of comments both positive and negative about Chad. You can rest assured that it will be a business decision. And what you don't know may surprise you.... JR put LaRose out there during the past weeks as being available.... there were just no takers.
JR plays his personnel decisions very close to the vest. I asked him directly about Joni during the All Star break and he gave a long answer that included all the variables I mentioned. Unless you have a better pipe line to JR, then you are purely guessing. Lastly, the organization is thrilled that Cole has been able to play at this level and for the first time in years is free of pain and feels confident in his neck. He worked tirelessly last summer to get stronger. The team knows he brings more to the team than just what he does on the ice. He is great in the locker room and with young players. Has been a big part of Corvo regaining his confidence. And his family really enjoys living here. So his contract demands will be reasonable. My read is that Chad will be gone unless he accepts a major cut in pay. Cole will be signed because he will be reasonable in his demands.
Thank you Sittler27 you said
Tue, 03/01/2011 - 22:48 — jgrant641Thank you Sittler27 you said what I was going to say.
I don't see Cole as a goner, he is mentoring Skinner and his worth there is high, plus he seems to be playing with a renewed energy, and looks to be having fun. I bet he doesn;t play hardball this summer and finds a fair deal to stay with the team.
I keep going back and forth on Pitkanen, some games I feel he is just not with it, but he logs big minutes and is a formidable d-man for other teams to play against. My knock on Pitkanen, for an offensive d-man, is that he has 2 goals... i dont expect a ton of goals from him but a few more than 2. He is relied upon mostly for power play offense which usually entails a ton of assists but a few more goals than 2.
As for LaRose it comes down to what he wants/demands for his salary etc. if it is reasonable for his 11 goals and 20 points (not complaining just stating that he won't see much of a raise at all).
also, and keep in mind very
Tue, 03/01/2011 - 23:11 — jgrant641also, and keep in mind very rough numbers here but here it goes. (all from capgeek.com)
Right now we have 21 players under contract for $49,782,542.
Next season we have as of now 10 players signed for $29,537,500
The means to meet the same $ amount we have roughly $20mill to sign 11 players.
This would average roughly $1.8mill per player to sign. Again rough numbers and all averaged based on what is shown. We can also look at the idea that with new ownership we can maybe see a few extra bucks thrown towards the roster no matter whether the cap goes up and down. We all don't expect the team spending to the cap but any increase is added benefit. We also will be seeing 8 (or so players) making under $1mill - 2 of which are already signed through next season (McBain/Samson). Also 4 players are RFA so we hold the cards for them resigning, Sutter the only on expected for a major increase.
As we are a team in a young movement/transition we have a great opportunity to cut the players we need to and search for replacments while keeping the young Charlotte guys in mind.
One more thing to add, Kaberle and Brind'amour's $ will no long be part of our budget, that is over $4mill off our books and the cap hit (if necessary). That could potentially be money we could add to the $ spent this summer.
Great Comments and Insights
Tue, 03/01/2011 - 18:45 — abramsdougsittler27: great comments and insights. I really thought Chad LaRose would be traded. I just don't see why the Hurricanes would pay him $1.9 million to play on the fourth line. I am very hopeful the Hurricanes can figure out a way to re-sign Pitkanen. With the addition of Boychuk and Dalpe, and without LaRose and if Stillman is a rental, the Hurricanes are very strong at forward. The addition of Allen and Joslin give the Hurricanes four defensemen who can clear the crease and fight when necessary: Gleason, Harrison, Allen, and Joslin. McBain, Pitkanen, and Corvo do quite well as puck moving defenseman. It's a team that could play together for quite a number of years and compete for the Stanley Cup. That luxury gives Jim Rutherford the chance to draft players who don't have to make an immediate impact.
I hope you're wrong about
Tue, 03/01/2011 - 12:21 — ocolumnI hope you're wrong about Cole. I think he's had a great year and is a big reason we're still in the race. Now, if he expects a big raise, that's another matter. Yes, bring back Jokinen. I'd take Dwyer back before Larose, but there does seem to be some legitimacy to your comment on his being one of PK's favorites. In fairness to him, he plays hard, just not smart all the time.
As usual not a very good
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 19:42 — jgrant641As usual not a very good story, negative as always. I have a feeling I can predict Luke's next 100 stories.
The Canes completely upgraded with Allen and there was no mention of Samsonov either.
Can't say I am surprised to see this.
I wouldn't say negative
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 21:25 — MrKnockoffBut just outlines the risk with a move like this. Nice to see the long view, I think.
I think JR realized also that the D can't go into the playoffs with only 3 bonafide NHL D-men. Add a more defense-oriented big body back there, and allow McBain to develop and play his game. $3M might seem steep, but if it can shore up the D, fine. Samsonove and his salary were expendable, thanks to the play of many of the young forwards.
I think JR
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 18:53 — hockeyhickhas every intention of trying to resign Joni, regardless of now having Allen's salary on the books next year. This move (and not trading Pitkanen) were made to push into the playoffs. Wise decisions on both accounts.
With the ownership situation hopefully coming to a close a playoff berth would create the revenue and "warm fuzzy" to help justify a higher payroll for next season, making it somewhat easier to spend the money on Pitkanen. I'm not sure it would take a huge increase in salary to retain Joni as I feel he likes the area and the organization. And if his price is too steep then we have ample cash available to spend on a defenseman. The Canes have the assest to make something happen at the draft as well.
From the hockey perspective I feel the unfoldings of today have left us in a better situation than yesterday. Losing Carson was unexpected, but my gut tells me his development would have peaked at a third-pairing guy at best. Joslin seems to have more upside. As for Allen, we gain a top 4 NHL defenseman with some sandpaper for an underachieving small forward with an expiring contract that would not have been resigned next year. I call it a win. Allen will add needed size and grit, and balance out the stay-at-homes with the puck-movers. I like the idea of having a big tough defender on the ice at all times.
Time will tell, but I'd put my money on Allen and Stillman being the perfect additions to help this team into the post season, and the price was right.
I just wonder if....
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 19:37 — AN0NYM0USJR miscalculated. I thought that Ian White was a solid, albeit unspectacular, D-man who was a definite contributor to the success of the team. He was worth far more than a 2nd round draft pick to a playoff contending team. I wonder if he was part of a trade package that fell apart at the last minute.
The pick up of Carson also caught JR by surprise. He was a good backup D-man who was developing--he easily could have been brought up from Charlotte with late season injuries. Now he's gone. The pick up of Allen became necessary at the 11th hour--and JR wound up getting an okay deal (Samsonov was a solid member of our team, but clearly expendable).
Bottom line is that we did not really improve our Blue line by getting Allen for White and Carson, and did not pick up a forward to add size or scoring presence up front (although the addition of Stillman already has contributed to the team). Also, when I look around us--The Sabres significantly increased their position with the addition of Boyes, the Caps picked up Arnott and Wideman, and even Atlanta picked up Dvorak--it remains to be seen if today was a stepping stone to the playoffs or a step back.....
What Luke doesn't know about
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 22:01 — sittler27What Luke doesn't know about hockey could fill a very large book.
While JR was hoping he could sneak Carson through and get him back to Charlotte, JR is way too seasoned a GM not to have known the risks.
As for the future... we have so many UFAs, and so many young (cheap) talented kids coming up next year there is no way that Allen's salary impacts the decision to sign or not sign Joni. I went through a simulated CAP with who I think will be here and who not. We have plenty of space to sign Joni and others and be well under the type of self imposed CAP I believe the Canes will work under. I'd ignore Luke and be thankful March madness is coming up and he can save his pearls of wisdom for college basketball.
If there's anything the
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 18:35 — imayagainknowantonIf there's anything the Hurricanes have proven conclusively, it's that acquiring bottom-pairing defensemen is extremely easy and cheap. And that's what Brett Carson was and - at 25 years old - is likely to be. At best. Not sure what the big deal regarding him is. He was a UFA this summer and could not find a one-way deal from anyone. He cleared waivers at the beginning of the season. He'll be a UFA in the offseason and it will be the same deal once again.
Losing Carson for nothing...
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 18:25 — CanarseCarson was a nice depth D-man, but really...he bounced between the AHL and NHL for a reason.
It's not so much...
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 18:05 — louis12580the 2011-2012 season, to me it's the 2012-2013 season. Yes, Joni's contract is up after this season. to me it's the fact that Joe's contract and Tim's contract are up after next season. While Joe will be 33-34 and who knows if he'll want to keep playing (I think he will) it's Tim that I'd be concerned about. He will garner a lot of attention from teams, especially the one in Toronto. Many of the prospects in Charlotte and in college are still 2 or 3 years away so it is incumbent upon the 'Canes management to stockpile as many assets as possible.