Carolina reportedly has been trying to make a major trade up front for a while now. Legit insider rumors have linked them to Eichel, Tkachuk, Meier and Lindholm.
It’s unconventional for a club in that competitive position to accept futures, but it makes sense in that context.
Think of it this way. If Pettersson doesn’t want to commit in Vancouver by mid-season and the Canucks are meh again, Carolina needs to be there. The roster player in an Eichel-like deal is there (Jarvis/Necas). The pick can be offered. The Krebs equivalent may not; depending on how Morrow is valued, it may be a big drop after Nikishin.
It’s unconventional for a club in that competitive position to accept futures, but it makes sense in that context.
Think of it this way. If Pettersson doesn’t want to commit in Vancouver by mid-season and the Canucks are meh again, Carolina needs to be there. The roster player in an Eichel-like deal is there (Jarvis/Necas). The pick can be offered. The Krebs equivalent may not; depending on how Morrow is valued, it may be a big drop after Nikishin.