For all intents and purposes, this is the best trade in Carolina Hurricanes history. It not only helped the Hurricanes on the ice for a decade, leading to three long postseason runs, but it has shaped the face of hockey in Raleigh for the last 25 years and counting. Without Rod Brind'Amour, the Hurricanes might've spiraled into obscurity. I'll apologize ahead of time because this is a long one.
Entering the 1999-00 season, the Hurricanes had yet to reach an agreement on a new contract with captain Keith Primeau. Since joining the Whalers in 1996, Primeau had recorded three straight 26+-goal seasons, including 30 goals in 1998-99 after being named the team's captain.