Well, here we are at the trading deadline. In some ways, it's an exciting day and in many ways the excitement carries over to after the 3 p.m. deadline, when teams are set and fans can now focus on the game and the game only as the real stretch drive begins.

The speculation ends, the rumors cease and the rosters are frozen. Over the last day or two it's been interesting to watch the Canes management position where they are at. Yesterday, it was no deal, today it's a possibility. In the world of 50/50 risks we will take a stab at it today and see if we can come up with a conclusion. So in the spirit of Howie Mandel, I'll say DEAL!

If the Canes are to make a deal today it appears that they will go down the road of a player on the younger end of the spectrum that can be part of the framework for years to come. The Canes could always go the "rental" player route and bring in a veteran by just surrendering a mid to late draft choice.  It appears that Jim Rutherford will attempt to continue in the same way he did with the acquisitions of Joe Corvo and Patrick Eaves. Make a deal that makes sense for this group and for the purpose of moving forward in the ensuing years.

Position of Strength...

The Canes have improved their fortunes and are dealing from a position of strength. Their play of late has put them in the favorable  light of realizing that, yes there is a deal to be made but it is not an all out necessity. If the asking prices get high today the Canes could back away from the table and move forward with this group. Should they? I would say no. They need to make a deal. You can never have enough depth for the postseason and the Canes are maxed out with what they have. The possibility of another injury is very realistic and quality depth is something they really need.

Position of Need...

My guess here would be that the Hurricanes would deal for a forward. Preferably a centerman. On defense the Canes have depth. They have made their deal for a puck mover, they have Dennis Seidenburg and Casey Borer in the wings. They appear to be set here. Up front, down the middle insurance is probably the way they will go. We have talked about a Mike Peca or Yanic Perreault  here and that could be an option. Those players would be "rentals" and would not surrender a huge asking price. They would be options for the "now" aspect but I don't think this fits the Canes' mindset at this point.

The Canes might make a splash today by getting a quality young center that would add to the " stable " for years to come. This of course would be at the expense of some of their younger talent. There are rumblings around the league this morning that the Canes are in the market for that. It's intriguing and makes a whole lot of sense.

Etc. ...

Patrick Eaves (shoulder) had a good hard workout yesterday. There is a slight chance he could play tonight. Glen Wesley (head/neck) had  full practice yesterday. He was hit by Alex Ovechkin on Saturday night and experienced some vision problems. He's a "go" for tonight. Dennis Seidenberg appears to be about and week to 10 days away from being ready to return from his ankle problem.

A Shot in the Dark...

Just for laugh here are three predictions for today's swap meet...

Brad Richards to Dallas

Marian Hossa to Montreal

Ollie Jokinen to Vancouver

Enjoy !!!!