Would rather keep KK at 2C than overpay to bring in a different 2C. Cap can definitely be used better than that.

He's not ready for it yet. Perfect situation would be a 1 year rental to see how things go...if he's not quite there yet next summer 1 more rental, but he's not ready for #2C responsibilities yet.

Considering that he was putting up a 60 point pace for the entirety of the second half of the season while maintaining his defensive prowess, the notion that he “isn’t ready” is, respectfully, a pile of crap.

That Hague trade makes no sense and we’ll find a way to keep Stevenson

In general, thanks for making my point for me. I'm assuming you want the Canes to win a cup??? 60 point pace...for HALF a season is bad. I'm not saying he can't turn into a #2C. He's just not there...or even close to it.

Have to agree. Can't see the Canes winning a cup with Aho & Kotkaniemi as their top 6 centers, especially when you look at teams who've won cups in recent history.

Maybe Stephenson isn't the right guy, but someone is surely needed to bridge the gap.

IMO, out of all the teams that need to win a cup soon, it's the Carolina Hurricanes.

I don't want people to think I hate KK. I don't. I think he's a good player. Needs more development to be a true #2C on a cup winner. He might get there, but #2Cs need to score near a PPG pace for an entire season.

If I were the Canes...I'd see what it costs for Lindholm to come back...and I'd probably pay it If it doesn't include Nikishin/Morrow. Everyone else is available prospect wise. Likely Turbo in the deal top for the now. The Canes have one of the best farm systems in the league. Getting Lindholm would mean they've got one of the deepest teams at the center position in the entire NHL. Aho, Lindholm, KK can all play a 200' game. In this hypothetical, they'd all be locked up for MANY years to come. Currently best Defense in the NHL. In my mind...if they got Lindholm, they'd be cup favorites.