Hurricanes examining trade options for Jake Gardiner?

The Carolina Hurricanes, who have some pretty talented defensemen, are reportedly looking to move on from one of them. 

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that the Hurricanes are examining trade options for Jake Gardiner. He also adds that the team is looking to add a goal scorer for the upcoming campaign despite ranking 11th in the league with 3.19 goals per game last season. 

Gardiner has three years remaining on his contract worth $4.05 million annually. The 30-year-old signed a four-year deal with Carolina last offseason.

Including Gardiner, the Hurricanes have six defensemen under contract next season and are likely to agree to terms with Haydn Fleury. Moving on from Gardiner wouldn't be a horrible move for the club, who needs some extra cap space. 

The former Toronto Maple Leaf recorded four goals and 24 points while averaging a career-low 16:40 of ice time in 68 games last season with the Hurricanes. 

There's no telling what Carolina could get in exchange for Gardiner, but they should be able to add a valuable depth piece in moving him.