Calgary Flames and Carolina Hurricanes emerge as trade partners per insider

Under GM Craig Conroy, the Calgary Flames are moving towards a rebuild, and over the past 12 months, they've made some fantastic moves to ensure a bright future, but there's still work to be done. Now, NHL Insider Eric Duhatschek has suggested an intriguing trade that would net them some more future assets, proposing that they approach the Carolina Hurricanes about a deal for forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

Three years ago, Kotkaniemi was offer sheeted by the Hurricanes from the Montreal Canadiens, and while they were proud of the move they made on social media, it hasn't turned out too well.

Since that point, Kotkaniemi has struggled to live up to the $4.82 million AAV price tag, and with the Flames needing depth down the middle, with only Nazem Kadri and Mikael Backlund as established NHL centers, a deal would make sense. However, the Hurricanes in this deal would need to send significant assets Calgary's way, as they would likely be taking on the whole cap hit over the next five years.

It's unclear whether or not this is something the Flames have considered, but given their rebuilding move and the cap space along with a need for future assets, it's certainly something that makes sense and a move to keep a close eye on.

Source: Hockey Feed
Insider proposes trade between Flames and Hurricanes.