The San Jose Sharks and the Carolina Hurricanes have finalized a minor trade agreement involving defenseman Kyle Masters. The Sharks traded Masters and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Hurricanes in exchange for a fifth-round pick from the Chicago Blackhawks in 2027.
Details of the Trade
This transaction was largely motivated by forward prospect Michael Misa, who is poised to play in his tenth game of the season. To officially register Misa’s contract, the Sharks needed to make room, as they were at the limit of 50 contracts. Consequently, Masters was designated for trade.
Kyle Masters’ Background
- Age: 22
- Draft Position: 118th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft
- Previous Team: Minnesota Wild (acquired earlier this season)
- Contract Status: Final year of entry-level contract
- Current Performance: 10 games, 3 assists, -8 rating with the ECHL’s Wichita Thunder
Last season, Masters showcased better performance, scoring five goals and accumulating 13 points in 27 games with the ECHL’s Iowa Heartlanders. He also contributed three points over 16 games with the AHL’s Iowa Wild.
Carolina Hurricanes’ Strategy
The Hurricanes seized the opportunity to acquire Masters due to their available contract slots. They aim to elevate a fifth-round selection to a fourth-round pick by adding an expiring asset. It is anticipated that Masters will play for the Greensboro Gargoyles in the ECHL for the remainder of the season.
This trade reflects strategic decisions by both teams, with the Sharks optimizing their roster for prospects and the Hurricanes enhancing their draft standing.
