BURNS BROUGHT IN BY CAROLINA
The Carolina Hurricanes acquired defenseman Brent Burns and forward Lane Pederson from the San Jose Sharks for forward Steven Lorentz, goaltender Eetu Makiniemi and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2023.
What does it give the Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes lost Dougie Hamilton to New Jersey in 2021, and then decided to trade Tony DeAngelo to Philadelphia this off-season. So Carolina needed a true offensive defenseman, which is what Burns is. He is old but still capable of running a power play with aplomb. Pederson has a chance to earn a fourth-line forward role with the 'Canes in 2022-23.
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are definitely retooling under new GM Mike Grier. With Erik Karlsson in tow and young Ryan Merkley also capable of running a power play, Grier decided to move on from Burns. In doing so, the Sharks have created some cap space. Lorentz is a huge body who can play all three forward positions. He should play more in San Jose in '22-23.
Fantasy impact
Burns should continue to produce big point totals in Carolina, although he may need an adjustment period in order to acclimate himself to the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference. Both Pederson and Lorentz have more value after this deal, but neither is a recommendable draft option in most leagues at this time. Makiniemi is a solid goaltending prospect, but his keeper value remains more or less the same after this move.
