"General manager Jim Rutherford talked a lot Tuesday about the Carolina Hurricanes being a team in transition last season.

And next season? More transition.

To wit:

Paul Maurice will remain the coach, but Ron Francis no longer will be behind the bench as associate head coach. Rutherford confirmed the Hockey Hall of Fame member will return to his old job as assistant general manager and director of player personnel.

The Hurricanes likely will re-sign veteran forwards Erik Cole and Chad LaRose but may lose defenseman Joni Pitkanen and forward Jussi Jokinen. The four players are due to become unrestricted free agents July 1, and Rutherford called Cole a top priority. Pitkanen and Jokinen "question marks" given the value of the contracts they may be looking to receive, he said.

Cory Stillman, who helped Carolina win the 2006 Stanley Cup and returned to the Canes in a late February trade with the Florida Panthers, could be back. But not, Rutherford indicated, if Jokinen is re-signed.

Forward Zac Dalpe could make the jump from the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League to right wing on Tuomo Ruutu's line opposite Jeff Skinner."