Mid-season I thought there would be no way VAN makes a trade like this, but if they like Necas as a potential Petey linemate I think it's much more possible now. Hronek's been a great partner for Hughes, but I think he's more versatile in who he can play with. Petey clearly needs at least one skill guy on his line to get the best out of him.

I’ve seen some variations of this trade on here a few times now. I am fully on board not bringing back Necas, but why would it be for another RFA without a deal?

You can’t evaluate this move without knowing the contract for both players.

I’m not convinced Hronek is the type of player the Canes pay long term for high AAV without seeing him in the Canes system first.

They might have to settle for something like that unless they go for a guy with 1-year left. Maybe Travis Konecny? Chychrun if they want a defender. Other pieces will need to be involved of course. RFA for RFA makes it a bit more simple if they can find someone who is 2-years away from UFA maybe. Utah's Durzi perhaps or one of their other RFA defenders.

Trading for a player whose an RFA and expected to get a decent raise is a killer to a GM's negotiations. Forces the team to cave a little because the agent knows the team wouldn't trade for a player then not sign them before the start of year. That way if its RFA for RFA its kind of swap of issues so that you at least the position of need if you are going to have to overpay.

Honestly I would just do it. Hronek isn't a superstar but he is decent, young and RHD are becoming hard to get without overpaying in free agency. With Burns getting older, Pesce leaving, I think this makes sense. I don't think any team is giving the Canes what they think Necas is worth. Same for Van with Hronek. Everyone wants to shed cap and get loads of picks and prospects but not many teams are doing that anymore.

Yeah, it’s my concern…the track record for trading for RFAs and shelling out the dough on the front end isn’t really great. You are basically backing yourself into a corner in the negotiation immediately. I have to think agents are thinking immediately that the players value just went up 20% for nothing.

I guess if the Canes have FH on the list of guys they want to target then fine.

I’m of the mindset that Necas is traded for player/players with known contract values who can plug holes that are created by departing UFAs.