garnetpalmetto
Jerkministrator
I personally don't think any of them will be moved this coming year, but if you accept the premise that one will be moved, here's my view in order of least likely:
Slavin: No chance in hell
Faulk: Some people think he's available, but I don't. He provides too much offense that the other guys can't so trading him for a forward isn't going to gain as much scoring as people think. Also, he's on the RHD side and Canes only have Faulk and Pesce on that side. I don't think he's going anywhere short term. A couple years down the road if he looks to be going UFA, that's different.
Pesce: Probably not because his value to the team is more than he's probably worth on the outside. Plus, Canes are not deep on RHD side.
Hanifin: Right now, probably the most likely of the group, but that's a "here and now" statement. I don't think they want to move him, but if they decide to, I'd expect they'd be looking for a top notch, young 1C type player (not a package deal).
Like I said though, I really don't see them trading any of them right now.
I think Hanifin - as of today - would be the one traded, as the canes are moving up the ladder a bit and trading Faulk while he's on a good deal and plays such a big role doesn't make sense. This doesnt mean I think Hanifin is being traded or is in any way on the block. I just think if the right forward became available, and RF had to trade one of them to make the team better than Hanifin is the one.
I think it would be a lot easier for one of the AHL guys to step in and take Hanifin's spot than trying to fill Faulk's shoes. Though I'd consider Faulk for the right guy.
As for Kruger, I can't see spending 3 million plus a year on a fourth line guy...even if he's really good at it. If we didn't have jstaal playing "shut down" guy then I could see bringing in a strong defensive guy for the third line but we're seemingly still looking for more scoring to add. I wouldnt be upset to see Kruger, I'm just not sold on it being the move to make next.
What BBA and Bleed both said (although I'm much more against trading Faulk than Bleed is to the point where a deal would REALLY have to knock my socks off) - none of the Big 4 are, I think, names Francis would consider trading but if he were to do so, Hanifin's the most likely based solely on where he is right now.