NHL insider reveals Hurricanes willing to deal prized forward

Reported by The Fourth Period, during "Saturday Headlines" 32 Thoughts podcaster and Sportsnet Insider Elliotte Freidman indicated that the Carolina Hurricanes have been talking calls and exploring a possible trade of Hurricanes forward Micheal Bunting.

Bunting, who had his career take a jump with the Toronto Maple Leafs, signed a lucrative a three year 13.5-million-dollar contract with the Hurricanes during the 2023 offseason. It hasn't gone as well as he hoped with a drop-in ice time to a low of 7th overall on the team.

The Hurricanes have a goaltender problem with a lack of a quality starter with Antti Ranata being recalled recently from the AHL and Freddie Andersen not having a timeline of his return.

The team needs cap space and the thought is to move a player like Bunting to open room to acquire a goalie while holding enough offense remaining.

Over 35 games this year, Bunting has scored 7 goals, 17 assists for 24 points and is a -9.

If the Hurricanes want to compete for a playoff spot and a long run to the Cup they will need to address their goaltending ASAP. Over the next month will determine whether they will move him or keep as their playoff hopes lie in the balance.