3 sound trades that will catapult the San Jose Sharks rebuilding efforts

Kaapo Kahkonen could spark the Carolina Hurricanes goaltending woes

Kaapo Kahkonen will be going to a good team with questionable goaltending, and there are a few contenders who need his services. Teams like the New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Colorado Avalanche stand out, but the Carolina Hurricanes may find themselves in the worst situation since there is no playoff-caliber goaltender in their lineup. 

At least there was a time when Antti Raanta could play, but his current 0.872 save percentage and 2.99 GAA are uninspiring. Pyotr Kochetov’s 2.61 GAA looks like it’s shining, but when he’s facing just 23 shots on goal per game, it should be even better. Plus, 13 quality starts in 23 games played (25 overall) isn’t impressive. 

While Kaapo Kahkonen has struggled in San Jose this season, you can blame the team before you put any onto him. Not even a top Vezina contender would save that situation, as Kahkonen has faced an outrageous 31.25 shots on goal per game, roughly the same as what he faced last season. 

So, the Sharks will deal Kahkonen to the Hurricanes for a second-rounder in 2024 and a prospect in Jackson Blake. With the Hurricanes possessing so much cap space, the Sharks don’t need to retain any portion of Kahkonen’s contract, making this one an easy deal.