The first move of the 2020 trade deadline for Hurricanes GM Don Waddell was arguably his biggest, as he traded Erik Haula, Lucas Wallmark, Chase Priskie, and Eetu Luostarien to the Florida Panthers in exchange for former All-Star Vincent Trocheck.

Trocheck wasn’t having the greatest year offensively in Florida, as he only scored 10 goals and registered 26 assists in 55 games. However, at 26-years of age, Trocheck is still young enough to revitalize his career in Carolina so he can return to his all-star caliber play. In 2017, Trocheck scored 31 goals and had 44 assists for 75 points in 82 games. He had a +4.25 individual AB score that season as well, which was among the higher scores on a Panthers team that missed the playoffs by a singular point that season. Trocheck’s career AB score, however, is a -0.05 in a 6-year sample size, as he is coming off three straight negative seasons, with a career-worst -4.22 in 2018-19. This season, he has two more points than his total from last season, in only one more game played. His penalty drawn/taken ratio was solid at 12:12, but his giveaway/takeaway ratio was an unimpressive 61:48, and he was -3 +/- wise. His down-year offensively could be a result of less ice time, as, under coach Joel Quenneville, he was averaging almost two fewer minutes of ice time per night than his previous career average of 18:47. He makes $4.75 million, and Florida did not have to retain any salary in this trade. Trocheck is under contract for two more seasons following this one.

Coming off a stunning win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Hockey Night in Canada, the Hurricanes had both of their NHL goalies exit the game with injuries. One would think the Canes may have looked to acquire a goalie at this year’s trade deadline, however, they opted to bolster their defense corps instead, with the acquisitions of Brady Skjei and Sami Vatanen. Articles will be published regarding those trades in the coming days.

The Hurricanes are currently 35-23-4, which is good for 6^th in the Metropolitan Division. The Canes are 2 points out of the final wildcard spot currently held by the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, they have three games in hand on the Jackets and are hoping that Vincent Trocheck can help them creep into the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs and help them return to the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2^nd consecutive season. More to come.