Carolina Hurricanes Acquire Depth Forward from Philadelphia

Philadelphia Flyers Complete Nicolas Deslauriers Trade with Carolina Hurricanes

Deslauriers has played for the Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Flyers. The 35-year-old forward has one assist and 33 penalty minutes in 24 games so far this season. He averaged eight minutes and five seconds of ice time when he does play. Deslauriers has a Corsi for of 46.1 and a relative Corsi of -1.6.

The Lasalle, Quebec native has 53 goals and 52 assists for 105 points in 701 career games. The Los Angeles Kings originally drafted him in the third round, 84th overall of the 2009 NHL Draft. He had a standout career at the major junior level in the QMJHL with Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and Gatineau Olympiques.

The veteran forward is in the final year of a contract that sees him make $1.75 million per season. Deslauriers originally signed that deal in 2022 to join the Wild.

What It Means

This may not be the main move that Carolina makes at the deadline. However, this deal does add some grit and toughness to the lineup. Deslauriers does have a big frame at 6-foot, 1-inches and 215 pounds. He can throw the body around and drop the gloves if he has to.

The Hurricanes currently sit in the first place in the Eastern Conference and are hoping to find a way to break through. Carolina continues to trip up at the Eastern Conference Final hurdle. This move won’t put them over the top. However, little moves like this can give the team an extra body in case of injury.