NHL Rumor Roundup: July 2, 2024
I'm Laura Richardson of The Hockey News and my latest NHL Rumor Roundup column. I'm looking at the ongoing question about Martin Natures future with the Carolina Hurricanes. Natures is a 25 year old restricted free agent winger with arbitration rights this summer and there were rumors that he was unhappy with his role with the Hurricanes following the club's elimination from the playoffs back in May. Now there was an anticipation, if you will, that the Hurricanes would probably trade Natures. The days leading up to the recent NHL Draft or perhaps trade him during the first round of the draft. While there was talk of a possible deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, it failed to materialize and entering July, Natures remains with the Hurricanes. And that's going to create a bit of a problem for general manager Eric Tulsi because a number of the teams that he may have been speaking with prior to the start of free agency have already now addressed their needs by signing unrestricted free agent forwards. Which could leave him with a shrinking market of trade partners for Natchez if he intends to move him during this off season.