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The Carolina Hurricanes have a unique advantage at this year’s NHL trade deadline compared to other contending teams.
The Carolina Hurricanes have a unique advantage at this year’s NHL trade deadline. Most contenders head into the deadline looking under the couch cushions for assets they could use to make deals.
That situation is the result of years of dealing top draft picks and prospects. But that doesn’t seem to be the case for the Hurricanes this season.
As Sean McIndoe of The Athletic noted, the Hurricanes are unique insofar as they possess a first-round draft pick in the next three drafts, including an extra in 2028.
That’s not luck. It’s part of a shrewd design. For instance, the Hurricanes traded away their first-round pick in 2026 in the K’Andre Miller deal. Yet, they managed to recoup a 2026 first-rounder in the Mikko Rantanen swap.
Having those first-rounders is what could make the Hurricanes a team to watch at this year’s deadline. Given the position of those first-rounders, the Canes may not be particularly attached to them.
The 2026 first-rounder, for instance, projects to come 28th overall as it originally belonged to the Dallas Stars. As such, Carolina might be more than willing to move the pick if it means landing a major star at this year’s deadline.
An Interesting Twist to Hurricanes’ 2026 1st-Rounder
There’s an interesting twist to that Carolina Hurricanes first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Chronologically, the Canes acquired Dallas’ 2026 first-round in the Rantanen trade, which came before the Miller deal.
In the Miller deal, the Hurricanes sent their own 2026 first-rounder with a condition attached. The New York Rangers would get the better of Dallas or Carolina’s picks. That’s where the twist lies.
According to Tankathon, the Hurricanes would land the 30th overall pick. Meanwhile, with Dallas projected for 28th overall, the Rangers would actually get Dallas’ pick and not Carolina’s.
That’s a projection now, of course. Circumstances could certainly change from now till draft day. But by the looks of it, the Hurricanes would still be in a position to make something big happen at the deadline.
Carolina Looking to Take a Big Swing
Carolina has been in on just about every big name in the last two or three seasons. Beyond Rantanen, they’ve struck out on just about everyone. But that lack of success hasn’t deterred GM Eric Tulsky from looking to make a splash.
One of the ongoing rumors is the Hurricanes’ interest in Elias Pettersson. While that doesn’t necessarily seem to be a deadline deal, things can change with a phone call. The Hurricanes have the first-round picks to make a deal like that work. As such, the club doesn’t seem afraid to weaponize them in a blockbuster deal.
The Vancouver Canucks, meanwhile, could see those additional first-rounders as lottery tickets to help push their rebuild. If the Hurricanes can’t really figure out a deadline blockbuster, those picks could come in handy in the offseason.
Even a draft-day deal could make those available first-rounders a hot commodity. That’s why Hurricanes fans shouldn’t be surprised to hear rumblings centered around multiple picks making up the core package for a star player.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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