While Tkachuk's name has been dismissed in trade rumors, Carolina has a young star forward in Martin Nečas -- a pending restricted free agent due for a significant pay raise -- who might be available.

So how about both teams getting together and making something work here?

Given that Tkachuk is the better player the Hurricanes would almost certainly have to sweeten the pot along with Nečas, but it could be a potential starting point.

Tkachuk is also the type of player the Hurricanes might need to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference.

They keep running into a wall in the second and third rounds, with offense and goal-scoring tending to be a problem come playoff team. They need more difference-makers and top-tier goal-scorers that can fully take over a game. T

Tkachuk brings elements that the Hurricanes look for (possession-driving ability, an ability to get pucks on net) while also having the type of elite finishing they lack. Tkachuk has seen his goal numbers increase in the past four seasons, going from 17 to 30, to 35, to 37, all while shooting at around 10 percent. He is already great. With a little luck, he could have a 45 or 50-goal season on the horizon.