The Carolina Hurricanes have added forward Nicolas Deslauriers from the Philadelphia Flyers, a move announced on March 31, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C. This trade addresses team depth as the Hurricanes prepare for the postseason, acquiring Deslauriers in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. The acquisition brings added physicality and experience to Carolina’s forward group.
Background and Career Highlights of Nicolas Deslauriers
At 35 years old, Deslauriers has participated in 24 games this season for Philadelphia, contributing one assist and accumulating 33 penalty minutes. He has led Flyers skaters with a hits-per-60-minutes rate of 26.60, showcasing his physical style. Originating from LaSalle, Quebec, Deslauriers has played in 701 NHL games across several teams, including Buffalo, Montreal, Anaheim, Minnesota, and Philadelphia. Over his career, he has scored 53 goals and provided 52 assists, tallying a total of 105 points along with 794 penalty minutes. The Los Angeles Kings originally drafted him 84th overall in the third round of the 2009 NHL Draft.
Deslauriers’ Impact and What This Means for Carolina
Eric Tulsky, General Manager of the Hurricanes, emphasized the importance of Deslauriers’ style of play, noting,
“This adds depth and experience to our forward group. Nicolas is a strong, physical player who plays with an edge, factors that become even more important as we get to the postseason.”
This addition is expected to enhance Carolina’s competitiveness and toughness as they advance toward playoff contention.
Wow, TWO Nicolas Deslauriers fights and some jawing in the penalty box. 🚨🥊 pic.twitter.com/f9Mfb8ZkM7
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) March 31, 2023
