Carolina Hurricanes
Now, some of you may be thinking: “The Hurricanes are in the same division, never deal a player in the division.” Jeff Gorton doesn’t seem to care about that, as is evidenced by the Michael Grabner trade.
The Hurricanes could make a nice trading partner for the Rangers, and for Hayes. Carolina is pretty set at the top two center positions, with Teuvo Teravainen and Martin Necas. However, Jordan Staal is only getting older, and could be replaced soon.
Hayes could slot into the third line center role, or even the second line, if Necas shows he isn’t ready for top-six minutes yet. This could give Hayes the chance to play with some dynamic talent, namely Jeff Skinner (if he isn’t traded) and recent number two overall pick Andrei Svechnikov.
The Hurricanes have picks, as well as prospects that could entice the Rangers, including Julien Gauthier, Haydn Fleury, and Jake Bean. If Gorton could entice new general manager Don Waddell to part with one of these players and a draft pick, he should definitely be all over it.