The Carolina Hurricanes acquired minor league defenseman Kyle Masters and a fourth-round pick from the San Jose Sharks for a fifth-round selection in 2027. The deal, finalized Friday, was primarily a contract management move for San Jose, clearing space to keep rookie Michael Misa on the roster.

For the Hurricanes, this is a low-risk depth acquisition. Masters, a 22-year-old drafted by Minnesota in 2021, has yet to play in the NHL. He brings minor league experience from the ECHL and AHL, providing organizational depth on defense for Carolina's system.

San Jose made the trade to stay under the NHL's 50-contract limit and ensure Misa could play his 10th game. Masters will likely report to the Hurricanes' AHL affiliate in Chicago. The move signals both teams are managing roster logistics ahead of the season's second half.