Curious, what’s up with Kochetkov.

Kochetkov has one more waiver-exempt year. Nothing else beyond that; he's as highly regarded as he was last year. They just brought Andersen/Raanta back because of the Cup push.

Makes sense. Plus extra injury insurance.

4th lines are usually a defensive or checking line lol there’s absolutely no way Kane is ever put on the 4th line

I'm thinking kind of like how the Canes used Stefan Noesen last year, except with Kane's still-excellent offensive vision. The Canes have a defensive 3rd line (because of Staal and Fast) rather than 4th line, so it actually makes sense to shelter Kane in this fashion.

It's crazy how good Carolina is and has been and they have never and still aren't right up against the cap.

Kane or Tatar to Carolina seems very reasonable as potential options.

He probably supplants Jarvis and Kane/Necas would depend on chemistry/fit for top 6. He's still better than Jarvis...

The great thing about Carolina, though, is that even if that is in fact the case, it doesn't have to be. Carolina is deep enough for another run without Kane's presence.

Ya I get that. Just saying on talent, I think he'd supplant some really good hockey players. Probably not ideal but might be worth a shot given how the injury bug bit last year.