The Canes aren’t attaching anything to him, definitely nothing like a first. He fills a role and isn’t expensive. He has played solid this season, he seems unlikely to drive offense but he plays a pretty heavy two way game. When Staal retires that becomes KK’s job presumably, and when he’s with someone like Necas all is generally well. I could see us wanting to upgrade that spot but if they have to attach a first or high end prospect to move the guy they’d just keep him. The Canes won’t move KK mid season if that true 2C isn’t coming from the same move or a separate one at the same time so it feels more likely to be an off season thing.
We have more time with the cheap buyout but I doubt they’ll do that. 8 pts in 13 games. You’re not getting any Canes fan to say we’ll give you a first to take him away.