Carolina/Ottawa Trade

To Carolina: E. Staal, M. St.Louis, 1st 2012 and S. Varlamov

To Ottawa: N. Backstrom, M. Erat and R. Helenius

It has been quite obvious during the past 10-12 games that the Hurricanes need to make some drastic changes in the makeup of our team. While Nik is a superstar, we feel he has plateaued for us and he needs a change of scenery.

There are many reasons for this trade, and to narrow them down:

- I feel I needed someone else to lead this team..cant beat 94 LD
- 6 million in salary savings
- Younger, stronger players - reason a first rounder was expendable
- no need for 2 young stud goalies, why not share the wealth

Although near the top of the league, I needed someone new to lead the team past the hump..I believe Backstrom is that player.

In return, Carolina gets 2 experienced and proven players, a stud goalie to look forward to, and a draft pick to help even out the ages.


Ottawa agrees.