Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Hurricanes lose Cole for 4-6 weeks with fractured leg

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October 5

TSN.ca

"The Carolina Hurricanes will be without forward Erik Cole for four-to-six weeks after an MRI revealed a fracture in his lower left leg. Cole suffered the injury in the third period of Saturday's loss to the Bruins when he collided with Bruins' defenceman Dennis Wideman. The loss will be an additional blow to the 'Canes who have lost their first two games of the season."

Former Cane Babchuk gone to Russia?

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September 21

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Anton Babchuk saga apparently has come to an end -- for this season. While neither Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford nor Babchuk's agent could completely confirm it Sunday, there were media reports out of Russia that the defenseman will play for Avangard Omsk of the Continental Hockey League (KHL) this season. "That's my understanding, that he is going to go about it," Don Meehan, Babchuk's agent, said. Babchuk, who scored 16 goals in 72 games for the Canes last season, was a restricted free agent but had forfeited his arbitration rights by leaving the Carolina organization to play for Avangard Omsk in the 2007-08 season. The Hurricanes made a one-year, $1 million ..."

Canes want trade involving Babchuk

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September 9

Raleigh News & Observer

"Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday he hopes to complete a trade involving defenseman Anton Babchuk by the end of the week. Babchuk, a restricted free agent, was offered a one-year, $1 million contract by the Hurricanes but refused and asked to be traded. The Canes have since added veteran defensemen Aaron Ward and Andrew Alberts. Rutherford said he has one offer in hand for Babchuk but noted, "It's not one I'm totally comfortable with." Rutherford said another NHL team has serious interest in working a trade for Babchuk, who scored a career-high 16 goals last season. "They've walked me through the situation but they don't seem to be in a hurry to make a firm ..."

Bruins trade Ward for Eaves and draft pick ... then place Eaves on waivers

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July 24

Boston Globe

"Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has acquired right wing Patrick Eaves and a fourth round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Aaron Ward. After acquiring Eaves, the club has placed Eaves on waivers for the purpose of buying him out. Eaves, 25, just completed his fourth pro season following a three-year college career at Boston College where he twice earned All-American and Hockey East All-Star honors (2004, 2005). Drafted by Ottawa as their first pick, 29th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, he played his first two-plus seasons in the Senators organization."

Canes Sign Ruutu to 3 Year Deal

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July 24

Raleigh News & Observer

"With an arbitration hearing pending, the Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Tuomo Ruutu to a three-year deal. The Canes announced this morning that Ruutu, who had career-highs in goals, assists and points last season, has agreed to a contract that will pay him $3 million next season, $4 million in 2010-11 and $4.4 million in 2011-12. "We are very happy to have Tuomo under contract on a long-term deal and to avoid arbitration," Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said in a statement released by the team. "He is still quite young at 26, and is one of the cornerstones of our team moving forward." Acquired by the Canes in February 2008 in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, Ruutu had 26 ..."

Canes hope to sign Ruutu

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July 10

Raleigh News & Observer

"Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Wednesday he hopes to lock up restricted free-agent forward Tuomo Ruutu with a two- or three-year deal. The team is less hopeful about defenseman Anton Babchuk, who has no arbitration rights and wants more than the $1 million he has been offered to play next season. After signing free-agent forward Steven Goertzen, who played 16 games for the Phoenix Coyotes last season, to a one-year deal, Jason Karmanos, the Hurricanes' executive director of hockey operations, said the team is looking to add a veteran defenseman. "In light of the Babchuk situation, the best way to look at it is we're looking at our options to fill our holes on ..."

Canes signs Cole; LaRose probably gone

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July 2

Raleigh News & Observer

"Erik Cole's flirtation with free agency proved to be brief. Cole officially went on the NHL's open market as an unrestricted free agent at noon Wednesday. Less than four hours later, the power forward signed a new, two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes that pays him $2.8 million next season and $3 million in the 2010-11 season. But while the Canes quickly were able to reach an agreement with Cole, general manager Jim Rutherford said Wednesday night that unrestricted free-agent forward Chad LaRose likely would sign with another team. Rutherford said he had been in discussions with LaRose's agent, Patrick Morris, throughout the day. At one point Wednesday afternoon, there was ..."

Cole, LaRose are not signing

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July 1

Raleigh News & Observer

"Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford did not sound like a happy man Tuesday. The NHL's free agency signing period begins today at noon, and Rutherford didn't want to play that game. Rutherford had hoped to have forwards Erik Cole and Chad LaRose, both unrestricted free agents, signed, sealed and in the Canes' fold. But Rutherford said Tuesday that he was informed Cole would not agree to a new contract with Carolina before the deadline and would test the free-agent market. LaRose will do the same, according to his agent, Patrick Morris. Cole, 30, signed a three-year, $12 million pact with Carolina in July 2006, just after the Canes' Stanley Cup run. To keep him in Raleigh, ..."

Time running out for Canes

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June 30

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Jussi Jokinen to a new two-year contract. Now, what about Erik Cole and Chad LaRose? General manager Jim Rutherford said Monday said he would like to sign Cole and LaRose to multiyear deals before Wednesday, when the free-agency signing period begins in the NHL. As unrestricted free agents, the two forwards will be able to entertain -- and accept -- offers from any team. Jokinen, a restricted free agent, will be paid $1.5 million next season and $1.9 million for the 2010-11 season. But coming to terms with Cole and LaRose has been challenging, and Rutherford said he was unsure if he would have either signed by Wednesday. "I don't know. It's ..."

Hurricanes keeping staff together

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June 9

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Carolina Hurricanes should make an announcement on the coaching staff in the next few days, general manager Jim Rutherford said Monday, and no surprises are expected. "We'd like to keep everything together and the way it was at the end [of the season]," he said. That would mean giving a new contract to coach Paul Maurice. It would mean Ron Francis remaining as associate head coach, with Tom Rowe and Kevin McCarthy as assistant coaches and Tom Barrasso as the goaltending coach. Rutherford, who met last week with owner Peter Karmanos Jr. in Detroit, did leave himself a little wiggle room. Asked if Francis would keep his coaching position, Rutherford said, "I believe so." Francis served ..."

Focus turns to coaches

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May 29

Raleigh News & Observer

"Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Thursday that his goal was to bring back the coaching staff intact for next season. "Based on the information I have now, I would say yes," Rutherford said, addressing the media after conducting exit interviews at the RBC Center. Rutherford said a final decision would not be reached until he met next week with team owner Peter Karmanos Jr., but it's likely Paul Maurice will return as head coach and Ron Francis will remain as associate head coach. Tom Rowe and Kevin McCarthy are assistant coaches and Tom Barrasso the goaltending coach. "I think first we need to make the decision as to the new contract [for Maurice]," Rutherford said. ..."

Expect Canes captain to return

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May 29

Raleigh News & Observer

"Rod Brind'Amour says he has every intention of playing out the final two years of his contract, which will disappoint all the Carolina Hurricanes fans hoping that he will gracefully step aside after a dismal season or at the least turn the captaincy over to Eric Staal. Don't bet on it. And don't bet against Brind'Amour. He will be 39 by the time next season starts, but Brind'Amour has every opportunity to recapture the form that made him a two-time Selke Trophy winner as the NHL's best defensive forward and regain his effectiveness as a leader in the dressing room. Coming off one of the most frustrating seasons of his career, Brind'Amour won't lack for motivation. He has never lacked for ..."

Canes, coach mum on contract

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May 23

Raleigh News & Observer

"Canes coach Paul Maurice doesn't like to talk about his future. His contract does not extend past June, but he said has been more concerned with the current season than the next. Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said Friday that Maurice has done an "extremely good job" and that he likely will be back next season. "The fact of the matter is, something extraordinary would have to come up for this coaching staff not to return," Rutherford said. "But I still want to wait and go through the process when we're finished playing." Maurice went 33-19-5 after taking over for Peter Laviolette on Dec. 3 and led the Canes to series wins in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Maurice, 42, said he ..."

Canes could be without Cole, Ruutu

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May 21

Raleigh News & Observer

"Again, the Carolina Hurricanes face a crucial Game 2 in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Again, they must try to win in the other team's building, coming off a Game 1 loss and needing a split of the first two games to avoid the dreaded 0-2 deficit in a best-of-seven series. The difference: The Canes could be without injured forwards Tuomo Ruutu and Erik Cole tonight in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Carolina coach Paul Maurice said Wednesday that Ruutu and Cole are "day-to-day" and that the decision on their availability won't be known until after today's morning skate at Mellon Arena. That's the Canes' official stance. But it appears highly unlikely ..."

Cole and Ruutu questionable for Game 2

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May 20

Raleigh News & Observer

"An extra day between games may not be enough time to get injured forwards Erik Cole and Tuomo Ruutu back into the Carolina Hurricanes' lineup Thursday. General manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday that Cole and Ruutu are both questionable for Game 2. Both players suffered lower-body injuries Monday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rutherford said he consulted with Hurricanes trainer Pete Friesen after the two players underwent MRIs on Tuesday. "I do not think it looks good for either player," Rutherford said. "Pete Friesen was not overly optimistic about it, either. "But we have two days between games and extra time. Certainly if we played ..."

Maurice weighs changes for game 7

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May 13

Raleigh News & Observer

"Canes coach Paul Maurice said there could be an adjustment on defense and with the lines for Game 7 against the Bruins. What adjustments, exactly? Maurice wouldn't go that far today, but it may be a safe bet that defenseman Frantisek Kaberle may be back the lineup, possibly for Anton Babchuk. Kaberle has not played in the Boston series, but Maurice has noted that he has more big-game experience. A member of the 2006 Stanley Cup champs, Kaberle had the winning goal in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals against Edmonton. Given the Canes' puck-handling problems in the Carolina end the last two games, something must be done or the season likely will end tomorrow night in Boston. While goaltender ..."

Elbow swells, so Kessel sits

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May 3

Boston Globe

"Phil Kessel was the only Bruin missing from practice yesterday. During the second period of Game 1, Kessel fell on his left elbow, and it had swollen by yesterday morning. But coach Claude Julien said Kessel should be 100 percent today and ready to play in Game 2. "Not a big deal," said Julien. "He just woke up this morning and it was a little swollen. So we just kept him off." Kessel is the team's second-leading playoff scorer (4-4 -8), 1 point behind Michael Ryder (5-4 -9). Kessel assisted on Marc Savard's third-period goal in Game 1. Byron Bitz, a healthy scratch in Game 1, practiced in Kessel's spot on the first line. Heavier duty In the second period of Game 1, Carolina coach Paul ..."

Ruutu hopes to stay with Canes

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April 4

Raleigh News & Observer

"Canes fans seem to appreciate Tuomo Ruutu and his sometimes rambunctious, often entertaining brand of hockey. When he controls the puck or smacks somebody into the boards at the RBC Center, there is the "R-UUUUU" rumble from the stands. And guess what? Ruutu likes it here, too. A restricted free agent after the season, he made it clear this week that he hopes to stay with this team, in this city. "I feel like it's home here," he said. "It was a big change coming from Chicago, but right away I felt like I came home. "This season I realized it — that it's a great place to live and to play, as well." Ruutu's happiness shows on and off the ice. Traded by the Chicago Blackhawks to the Canes ..."

Cullen may miss next two games

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March 24

Raleigh News & Observer

"The Canes probably will be without center Matt Cullen the next two games, coach Paul Maurice said today. Cullen took a shot off the foot against the New York Islanders on Friday and had limited playing time Saturday against Washington. He did not make the trip to Florida for Monday's game against the Panthers. "I don't expect Matt back probably to next week," Maurice said. Forward Scott Walker may return this week, possibly for Saturday's game at New Jersey, Maurice said. Walker has been sidelined the last nine games with post-concussion symptoms but has been practicing with the team."

Captain plans on staying

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March 18

Raleigh News & Observer

"Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes is in his 20th year in the NHL and will play his 1,394th game tonight against the New Jersey Devils. As Canes coach Paul Maurice put it, "That's a lot of miles." But while 20 years in hockey can take its toll, while this season has had its ups and downs, Brind'Amour says there will be a 21st, that he hasn't given any thought to retirement. "It's not a question of whether I'm going to play again," Brind'Amour said. "I know I still love the game, and I still think I can play. And that's the key." For Brind'Amour, this season has been more trying and taxing than any of the 19 before it. There were times he appeared slower than usual on the ice, ..."

Fate of Maurice not set in stone

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March 17

Raleigh News & Observer

"In a way, Carolina Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. Team owner Peter Karmanos and general manager Jim Rutherford could decide to give him a new contract. Or, Maurice and the Canes could part ways and a new coach could be hired. Rutherford said Monday that no decision had been made on Maurice's future with the team, saying his timetable remains the same. "It will be after the year," Rutherford said. That's fine with Maurice. "Jim has the same routine whether you're playing for the Stanley Cup or you miss the playoffs -- he takes his time," Maurice said. "I'm pleased with the way this team is playing right now. I'm not worried about ..."

Deadline sellers unlikely to see big returns

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March 4

Toronto Star

"More and more, today's trade deadline appears to be a prelude to that which lies ahead. To a significant degree, much of what we'll see today – or don't see today – is the direct result of 30 clubs trying to forecast the future in terms of where the industry is heading and, in particular, where the salary cap may be headed. In fact, there were moves yesterday that were indicators of what teams are thinking. Nicklas Backstrom signed a new contract to be the starting goaltender with the Minnesota Wild, and the salary was significant, an average of $6 million per season."

GMs go down to the wire

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March 4

Toronto Star

"Coffee brewed, scouting charts laid out, and lists of wants and needs neatly organized, the general managers of the NHL's 30 teams will meet in boardrooms across North America this morning prior to the trade deadline. Around them will be their confidantes, assistants and scouting directors ready to dial phones, buzz the BlackBerrys, text the messages and e the mail. Reputations will be carved, saviours will be anointed, nerves will be frayed, and regrets – there'll be a few. If things begin as normal, the morning will go slowly from a public perspective: Perhaps a few fourth liners, or fifth defender for some low-round picks as selling GMs try to talk up the price to the buyers. Behind ..."

For Canes, no easy calls at deadline

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March 3

Raleigh News & Observer

columnist Luke DeCock

"At the NHL's trade deadline, there are buyers and there are sellers, and the Carolina Hurricanes are neither. Though the Hurricanes were only one point out of a playoff spot going into Monday's games, it's hard to argue this team is playing well enough to mortgage a significant portion of the future -- and that's what it would take -- to bolster a team with an uncertain present. It's equally hard to imagine, if the Hurricanes decided to sell, anyone wanting much of what they have to offer. They have 17 players under contract for next season, leaving little to dangle on deadline. If general manager Jim Rutherford wants to make a deal, he's going to have to get creative. So there the ..."

Deadline provides good theatre

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March 2

Globe and Mail

columnist Eric Duhatschek

"This is how the sands can shift in the ridiculously close NHL standings, with the trading deadline less than 72 hours away: At the all-star break, during the final week of January, it looked as though the only bona fide seller in the Western Conference would be the 15th-place St. Louis Blues, a team undermined for much of the season by injuries, limited scoring and so-so goaltending. The Blues featured at least one tradable commodity - left winger/centre Keith Tkachuk - who would be of some interest to a contender. Every week, a new version of the Tkachuk to the Boston Bruins rumour made the rounds. In the meantime, the Blues quietly chipped away at the gap between them and eighth place. ..."

Guerin expected to be traded to contender today

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March 1

Newsday

"As exciting as the Islanders' 2-0 shutout of Buffalo was last night at the Coliseum, the greater drama occurred moments before faceoff when captain Bill Guerin was not on the bench after skating during warm-ups. That was the first tip-off of a trade expected to be announced today. A source close to Guerin, who recently agreed to waive his no-trade clause for a deal sending him to an Eastern Conference playoff contender, said the Islanders had a deal in place that awaited only his approval. The source called his no-show a "precautionary scratch" and indicated he will make his decision this morning. Another source with ties to Guerin indicated only that the team is not Boston or the Devils. ..."

D-Day looms

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February 28

Edmonton Journal

"Trade deadline day, in the words of Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, is a mixed bag -- "an awful day, an exciting day, a day full of magic, also a day full of very poor decision making." While we've basically had a league-wide roster freeze for the last five months because of salary cap issues with teams, the trade deadline is the one day where GMs actually try to appease (a) braying fans, (b) players who are looking for a jolt, and (c) coaches who can't transplant hands on Shean Donovan or get a heart that beats for Tyler Arnason. You always get some strange trade ideas on Internet sites -- like Edmonton Oilers unrestricted free agent Erik Cole and a fourth-round draft to ..."

Carolina (re)calling for Gerber?

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February 27

Ottawa Sun

"The winds of change could be blowing for Martin Gerber. The Senators placed the 34-year-old veteran goalie on re-entry waivers yesterday and sources say the Hurricanes have a mild interest in reacquiring Gerber since Ottawa would be on the hook for half of the $850,000 (all terms US) that remains on his contract. Gerber, who can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, was sent to Ottawa's AHL affiliate in Binghamton last month."

NHL teams have stars in their eyes

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February 26

Buffalo News

"The NHL trade deadline is next Wednesday, and nobody is quite sure what to expect in the days ahead. Six teams were within nine points of fourth-place Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference heading into Wednesday night. Eight points separated fifth-place Vancouver and 13th-place St. Louis in the West. Buy, sell or flip a coin? So many teams, so many players, so many possibilities. Several superstars are almost certain to change addresses, and several more are capable of pushing teams into contention. Here are a few items worth watching leading into Wednesday while pondering trade rumors du jour. STAR GAZING Jay Bouwmeester, D, Florida. General Manager Jacques Martin didn't rule out trading ..."

All or nothing

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February 22

Toronto Sun

"Will the desperate Habs finally sever ties with Kovalev? Will the Panthers send big Bouwmeester packing to beef up their forward ranks? And what about Pronger, Havlat, Gaborik, Tkachuk... With the NHL trade deadline only 10 days away, Sun Media's Bruce Garrioch breaks down what each club needs -- and who's up for grabs as teams look to play let's make a deal. --- FLORIDA PANTHERS Needs: The Panthers have to decide what they're going to do with D Jay Bouwmeester, who won't be back next season. The club needs scoring up front and there's no question it would be able to fetch that in a trade. GM Jacques Martin could be the biggest player at the deadline. Who's available: D Jay Bouwmeester, D ..."

Canes' Francis ponders coaching

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January 6

Raleigh News & Observer

"For years, Ron Francis told anyone who would listen that he wasn't interested in coaching when his playing career was over. When he left the Carolina Hurricanes' front office to join Paul Maurice's staff after Peter Laviolette was fired, even his closest friends were surprised. Now, the question for everyone -- his friends and fans alike -- is whether his time as an assistant coach is a stepping stone toward the head job or a brief detour on his way to the general manager's office. "I thought he was on the same path as everyone else [thought]," said Ulf Samuelsson, a Francis teammate with the Pittsburgh Penguins who is now an assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes. "I thought as far as ..."

New Jersey Devils coach Sutter to face son Brandon in visit to Hurricanes

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January 5

Trenton Times

"Brent Sutter has coached his son, Brandon, many times. But he's never coached against him. That will change Tuesday night when Brent's Devils face Brandon's Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C. What will it be like for the Devils coach? "I don't know," Sutter said Sunday. "I haven't been through it. I coached him, obviously, but I never coached against him. I don't know how I'm going to feel. I'm not sure I'm going to like it that much." He said they did not discuss it when the family was together in Raleigh for Christmas. "I think the most important thing is I'm excited for him," Sutter said. "This was a dream of his and he's living it. I happen to be his dad and I'm going to be coaching ..."

Possible job for Laviolette?

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December 7

Toronto Sun

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"Recently fired Carolina coach Peter Laviolette may not be out of work long. The whisper among executives is Laviolette could land with the Blues before the end of the season if St. Louis cans coach Andy Murray ."

Off The Glass

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November 30

Toronto Sun

"Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is ready to dump cash and there are some familiar names available: Patrick Eaves, Joe Corvo and Frantisek Kaberle. Eaves hasn't scored in 18 games this season and has struggled with injuries, while Corvo could be attractive on the market. Kaberle has been offered around for months. The 'Canes may have saved coach Peter Laviolette's job with Friday's 3-2 OT victory over the Philadelphia Flyers ... The talk is the deal to send Chicago Blackhawks centre Michael Nylander to the Washington Capitals isn't completely dead ... Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey has been busy working the phones. While he'd like to bring in Mats Sundin, the Habs also need another ..."

Canes' coach on the hot seat

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November 18

Raleigh News & Observer

columnist Luke DeCock

"Only Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford knows whether Peter Laviolette saved his job with Sunday's 3-2 comeback, shootout win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.But this much is certain: Laviolette's seat has been pretty hot lately after a three-game losing streak in which the Hurricanes were outscored 13-5. Here's another certainty, if Hurricanes history is any guide: Just because times are tough now doesn't mean he can't rally the team to the playoffs.Whatever ends up happening, Laviolette's uncertain position ranks among the five most significant coaching crises in the Hurricanes' time in North Carolina -- this week's Tuesday Top Five.5. NOVEMBER 2008: After consecutive ..."

Rutherford Turned Down Leafs' Job In August of 2007

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November 13

TSN.ca

"If Brian Burke is offered the job as president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he will be the second person Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has asked to take over the reins of the NHL club in the last 15 months. TSN has learned that Carolina Hurricanes' general manager Jim Rutherford was formally offered the dual position as president and GM of the Leafs in August of 2007, at which time John Ferguson Jr. was still in place as the GM of the team. Sources close to the MLSE board told TSN that the Leafs went through a prolonged dialogue with Rutherford that started in August of 2007 when the Leafs requested and were granted permission from Carolina owner Peter Karmanos to ..."

Hurricanes Must Re-Submit Staal's Contract

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September 16

TSN.ca

"The National Hockey League rejected the Carolina Hurricanes' contract extension for centre Eric Staal on Monday, citing issues with the no-trade clause in it. The issue with the contract pertains to the wording of the clause. The contract that was rejected by the league specified that his no-trade clause kicked in on July 1, 2010, when he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. But Staal is only eligible for unrestricted free agency on that date if he plays both of the next two seasons, as he needs those two years service to qualify for free agency. If for any reason he doesn't play one of those two years, he wouldnt be eligible on the specific date. The re-submitted contract ..."

No stormy skies ahead for Laviolette

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September 14

Raleigh News & Observer

"With the Carolina Hurricanes fast approaching a new hockey season, general manager Jim Rutherford has given some assurances to coach Peter Laviolette.In short, Laviolette's job will not hang in the balance from game to game nor will the coach be given a short leash by management."I don't want to enter the season with anybody being under the gun," Rutherford said. "It's not fair for someone to go into a season under that kind of pressure."But much will be expected this season -- from the Hurricanes' players, from Laviolette. After the team's scintillating Stanley Cup run in 2006, the Canes failed to make the playoffs the last two seasons, costing the franchise millions of dollars and ..."

Staal deal in works

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September 10

Raleigh News & Observer

"All-Star center Eric Staal is expected to sign a new long-term contract with the Carolina Hurricanes in the next week to 10 days.Staal's deal will give him added financial security. His agent, Rick Curran, said it also could say a lot about the direction and resolve of the franchise."It should send a message to the people of Raleigh that they're committed to keeping their best players going forward, and, in particular, that they want Eric to be part of that future," Curran said Tuesday.Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said he hoped to have an agreement with Staal before preseason training camp opens Sept. 19. Neither Rutherford nor Curran would disclose the financial figures being ..."

Seidenberg signing means trade likely

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July 8

Raleigh News & Observer

"When Dennis Seidenberg signed a one-year contract Monday, the Carolina Hurricanes added another defenseman to their rapidly growing group on the blue line. Now they're looking to go the other direction. Seidenberg's $1.2 million contract -- a hefty raise from the $850,000 he made last season -- puts additional pressure on the Hurricanes to shed salary before training camp opens in September. While they remain well below the NHL's $56.7 million salary cap, they're above the $45 million payroll budget set by owner Peter Karmanos."

Thin blue line for Sens

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July 4

Ottawa Sun

"The Senators' search for a puck-moving blueliner isn't going to be easy. With little left on the unrestricted free-agent market, GM Bryan Murray will probably have to go the trade route. While Tampa's Dan Boyle and Anaheim's Mathieu Schneider are expensive options, Carolina defenceman Frantisek Kaberle is being dangled by the Hurricanes and is scheduled to earn a reasonable $2.2 million (all terms US) a season for the next two years. Carolina would want a winger in return."

Oilers Close To Dealing Pitkanen

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July 1

Edmonton Journal

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"Lowe will indeed be focused on signing Hossa today but sources say he is working on at least one other trade which is likely to be consummated this morning and the Oilers "will definitely get another forward." Defenceman Joni Pitkanen is the most likely Oiler to be shipped out, perhaps to Carolina for a package that would include Erik Cole and a draft pick. The Pitkanen exodus was basically rendered a fait accompli by Sunday night's shocker as the Oilers acquired Lubomir Visnovsky from Los Angeles for Matt Greene and Jarret Stoll."

Canes can start to shop for free agents

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July 1

Raleigh News & Observer

""I don't think we'll be very active," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "Certainly there are some players there that we could consider, but I think in order to balance our team out to add the type of player we'd like to add on defense, it'd be more apt to be done through trade." Restricted free agent Dennis Seidenberg would fill one of the openings on Carolina's defense, but Rutherford has been outspoken in his desire to add a top-tier, offensive-minded defenseman to the team. There are plenty of those available today, from blue-chip veterans such as Brian Campbell and Wade Redden to younger options such as Ron Hainsey."

Defensive Options For S.J.

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June 30

San Jose Mercury News

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"If the Sharks are looking to bolster their defense, Bret Hedican is an obvious candidate. Hedican, 37, has told the Carolina Hurricanes that if he plays, it will be closer to the Northern California home of his wife, Kristi Yamaguchi. If the Sharks do lose Campbell and need more offensive presence at the blue line, Wade Redden will be available. Redden, 31, reportedly refused to waive his no-trade clause when the Sharks tried to acquire him from Ottawa in February, but his circumstances have changed. The Rangers' Michal Rozsival is another possibility. Rozsival, 29, played junior hockey at Swift Current in 1996-98 when the team was coached by McLellan."

NHL Free-agent shopping list

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June 29

Montreal Gazette

"The opening bell will sound on Canada Day Tuesday, marking the start of the NHL's free-agent season. Here's a look at some of the players who will be most coveted by NHL general managers."

Draftee reaffirms tie to Ohio State

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June 24

Columbus Dispatch

"Ohio State recruit Zac Dalpe said yesterday that he plans to honor his commitment to the university despite being drafted in the second round by the Carolina Hurricanes. Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos also owns the junior team, the Plymouth Whalers, that drafted Dalpe last year. The Buckeyes fear that the Hurricanes will steer Dalpe, an 18-year-old forward, toward the Whalers. "Nothing has changed," Dalpe said by phone from his hometown of Paris, Ontario. "I'm 100 percent committed to Ohio State.""

Canes are not looking to trade up

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June 19

Raleigh News & Observer

"In April, Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said it was unlikely the team would trade up to take one of the high-profile defensemen in this weekend's NHL draft, as much as the Canes might need one. Rutherford's position then was that by the time a defenseman has developed into an NHL player, he's ready to become a free agent. But after going over the team's draft board and the available talent with amateur scouting director Tony MacDonald, Rutherford said this week that a defenseman may be on the Hurricanes' agenda with the 14th overall pick Friday. "We could end up taking a defenseman with this pick," Rutherford said."

Canes' Ron Francis honored by university

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June 7

Raleigh News & Observer

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"Although the Hurricanes are looking for defensemen, Anton Babchuk isn't in their plans yet. Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford denied an Internet report that the Hurricanes had offered Babchuk a contract to return to the NHL. Babchuk, 24, left the organization to play in Russia last summer after he initially refused an assignment to Albany (AHL) during the 2006-07 season."

Canes have decisions on the horizon

June 2

Raleigh News & Observer

"While it appears increasingly unlikely that the Canes will re-sign Bret Hedican even as Hedican is considering playing another season in the NHL, they're still waiting for a decision from Glen Wesley whether he plans to return. Wesley said last week he had "no update" on his status. Nevertheless, after the successful trade for Joe Corvo last February, Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford would like to add another offensive-minded defenseman, whether through the free-agent market or by trading from Carolina's surplus of forwards. Whom to pursue and what to offer will be on the agenda as assistant general manager Ron Francis, pro scouting director Marshall Johnston and Hurricanes ..."

Hurricanes Trade Rumors