Hurricanes trade rumors: Jiri Tlusty, Tuomo Ruutu reportedly on the block

Both forwards are having sub-par years, and a move for either wouldn’t come as a surprise as the Hurricanes are struggling on the ice this season. Dreger said the two are being shopped as part of Carolina’s search for a puck-moving defenseman.

Tlusty, just 25 years old, has just six points this season in 23 games. He’s found himself in coach Kirk Muller’s doghouse, relegated to checking-line minutes the last two weeks. Tlusty’s regression is surprising considering he scored 23 goals and 38 points in 48 games last season. He’d be a hot commodity due to his age and $1.4 million cap hit.

Ruutu has battled nagging injuries all season, managing just three points in 18 games. At that rate of production, his $4.75 million cap hit will be a tough sell on the trade market.

• Ryan Suter’s is playing far too much hockey

• Watch: The Penguins power play is so, so good

• Minnesota’s 62-game winning streak ends

• Doc Emrick takes a dig at Obamacare