Carolina Hurricanes Trade Rumors

Canucks acquire Alberts from Hurricanes
Comment
March 3
TSN.ca
 
"The Vancouver Canucks acquired defenceman Andrew Alberts from the Carolnia Hurricanes in exchange for a third-round pick in 2010. Alberts, 28, is in his fifth season as a professional hoceky player, spending time in Carolina, Philadelphia and Boston."
Capitals acquire Corvo
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March 3
TSN.ca
 
"The Carolina Hurricanes have traded defenceman Joe Corvo to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Brian Pothier and Oskar Osala. Corvo returned to the ice in late January after missing two months recovering from a horrible skate cut to his calf. In 33 games played this season, Corvo has four goals and eight assists with a minus -8 rating. The 32-year old native of Oak Park, IL, put up quality offensive numbers from the blue line last season with 14 goals and 24 assists. Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the 4th round (83rd overall) in 1997, Corvo signed with the Ottawa Senators as an unrestricted free agent in July 2006, where he reached the Stanley Cup Finals. He, along with Patrick ..."
Capital gain, Walker shipped to Washington for 7th rounder
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March 3
Washington Examiner
 
"The Caps have made their first NHL trade deadline move by trading for Carolina Hurricanes forward Scott Walker. The price for general manager George McPhee was simply a 7th-round draft pick. Walker is 5-foot-10, 196-pounds and 36 years old. He had a lively playoff run with Carolina last spring, decking former teammate Aaron Ward — then a defenseman with the Boston Bruins — with a controversial sucker punch. But Walker also scored the series-winning goal in overtime of Game 7 to lift the Hurricanes to the Eastern Conference finals. No hard feelings with Ward, who returned to Carolina in the offseason."
Trade deadline looms for Canes
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March 1
Raleigh News & Observer
 
"The Winter Olympics are over. For NHL general managers, that means another Olympian task begins. In the next three days, teams will scurry to make trades and look to solidify lineups. The NHL trade deadline is Wednesday at 3 p.m., but the break for the Vancouver Games - and the NHL trade freeze during the past two weeks -- will make the next few days extra intense. "It will be an interesting time," Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Sunday. Rutherford said he had received calls from 10 teams in the past four days - team officials were allowed to inquire about potential deals during the Games. Veteran winger Ray Whitney has drawn the most interest, but Rutherford said ..."
Canes' Ward could be back in net this season
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February 24
Raleigh News & Observer
 
"There's a chance Cam Ward could be back in goal for the Carolina Hurricanes this season. General manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday that Ward, sidelined since Feb. 3 with a back injury, had his second appointment with a back specialist in Charlotte this week. Rutherford said surgery will not be required. "We're real encouraged with the progress he's making," Rutherford said. "He has been feeling much better in the last week. We'll see where he is in the next week or two. "When this first happened, we felt he may not play again this year. Based on how he feels now, the progress he's made, he could play in a few weeks. But we will not push it by any means." Ward, 25, was bothered by back ..."
Carolina Hurricanes close to trading Niclas Wallin, and San Jose could be destination
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February 5
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes told the Raleigh News Observer on Thursday that a deal was pending for veteran defenseman Niclas Wallin that should be announced within 24 hours. General manager Jim Rutherford did not identify the other team involved, but other reports have been saying that Wallin will be coming to the Sharks. Wallin, 34, was a healthy scratch Wednesday night when Carolina played in Calgary. That fueled speculation that a deal was imminent following earlier reports that he had been asked to waive his no-trade clause and approve a deal to San Jose. "There is nothing new on the trade front," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said Wednesday night when asked ..."
Hockey team may move to Charlotte
Comment
January 22
Raleigh News & Observer
 
"Although no official confirmation has been made, it's expected the Carolina Hurricanes will have their American Hockey League affiliate in Charlotte next season. The Canes have been affiliated with the Albany (N.Y.) River Rats for the last four years but are in the last year of that arrangement. Hurricanes management in the past has expressed a desire to have an AHL team closer to Raleigh and in North Carolina, if possible. Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Thursday that he would neither confirm nor deny that the move to Charlotte will be made."
Canes may open overseas
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December 17
Raleigh News & Observer
 
"The Carolina Hurricanes could be opening next season on the road - in Finland. General manager Jim Rutherford said Wednesday that the Hurricanes could be one of the teams selected to participate in the 2010 NHL Premiere games. "We've been in discussions for a few weeks," Rutherford said. "There has been no confirmation of it, but there's a good chance we will be in it. The discussions have been good, and everything is moving in the right direction." Quantcast Rutherford attended the NHL governors meetings Tuesday and Wednesday in California. Having the Hurricanes involved - probably playing exhibition and regular-season games on the trip - makes sense. Carolina has three Finns in its ..."
Flyers claim goalie Leighton from Hurricanes
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December 15
Camden Courier-Post
 
"The Flyers announced today that they have claimed 6'3'', 186-pound goaltender Michael Leighton (LAY-tohn) on waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes, according to club General Manager Paul Holmgren. Leighton, 28, has appeared in seven games with the Hurricanes this season, posting a 1-4-0 record with a 4.28 goals-against average and .848 save percentage. In 2008-09, he had a 6-7-2 record with a 2.92 GAA and .901 save percentage in 19 appearances, and his six wins matched his NHL career-high. This will be Leighton's second stint with the Flyers, having also appeared in four games during the 2006-07 season, where he posted a 2-2-0 mark, a 3.69 GAA and a .882 save percentage. He was originally ..."
Not everyone is happy about return of Crosby
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December 8
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Penguins coach Dan Bylsma was giddy enough over the prospect of getting Sidney Crosby back against Carolina last night at Mellon Arena that he was in a joking mood earlier in the day. "We weighed our options and decided to let him play," Bylsma said. Crosby, the team captain and leading scorer, sat out Saturday's overtime loss against Chicago because of a sore groin. He took part in the morning skate yesterday and declared himself ready to return. "I've had a good couple of days to rest and get it worked on," he said. "There's no more pain." Crosby, who led the team and ranked third in the NHL with 36 points going into the game, is one in a long list of Penguins who have missed time ..."
Canes' Ward back on ice
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December 5
Raleigh News & Observer
 
"Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward faced practice shots from his teammates Thursday for the first time since the freak injury that sidelined him on Nov. 7. Before even seeing a puck, Ward spent the two previous days working solely with Canes assistant coach Tom Barrasso. "Yesterday was the first time I saw a puck [in drills with Barrasso]," he said. "Today we made progress, and I feel pretty good out there." Ward's knee was cut by a skate while facing the Columbus Blue Jackets, the first of two similar accidental injuries that afflicted the Hurricanes this season. More recently, in Monday night's 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, the Hurricanes lost defenseman Joe Corvo for an ..."
Leafs send F Tlutsty to Canes for prospect Paradis
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December 4
TSN.ca
 
"The Toronto Maple Leafs have shipped forward Jiri Tlusty to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the rights to center Philippe Paradis. Tlusty will report to Carolina's American Hockey League affiliate, the Albany River Rats. ''This trade gives us an opportunity to pick up a young, skilled forward who is further along in his development, albeit still in the development phase,'' president and general manager Jim Rutherford said. ''We feel that Jiri has a chance to be with the Hurricanes sooner than Philippe, who is a good, but still very young prospect.''"
Ovechkin injured in Caps' win
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December 1
Washington Post
 
"For the second time in three games, Alex Ovechkin was ejected after being assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct. But this time the threat of receiving a suspension from NHL was secondary to the injury the Washington Capitals' star suffered when he hit a Carolina player in open ice, knee-on-knee, in the first period Monday night at RBC Center. With Ovechkin banished to the dressing room for most of the night, Nicklas Backstrom scored two goals and José Theodore made 38 saves to lift the Capitals to a 3-2 victory over the NHL-worst Carolina Hurricanes. The victory, Washington's third straight, helped the Capitals keep pace with Pittsburgh and remain tied with the Penguins atop ..."
Rutherford 'firmly' supports Maurice
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November 29
Raleigh News & Observer
 
"Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said today that the team may face some tough decisions in the next few days but said he supports coach Paul Maurice. "I stand firmly behind him," Rutherford said. "We all have contributed to what's happened. It's everybody, from me to the coaches to the players. We all share in the responsibility. "But it's way too early, especially when you think of all the things that went right last year. All the things that went right last year are going wrong this year. We'll just try to sort through it." The Canes (5-16-5) have lost their last four games, allowing five goals in the third period in collapses against Atlanta and Buffalo. Carolina faces the ..."
Eric Staal expected to play tonight
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November 25
Raleigh News & Observer
 
"Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal was activated from injured reserve this morning and is expected to play tonight against the Anaheim Ducks (10 p.m., Fox Sports Carolinas). Staal, 25, missed the last 10 games with what the Hurricanes are calling an "upper-body injury.""
Hurricanes lose Cole for 4-6 weeks with fractured leg
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
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?
Comment
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
Comment
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
Comment
January 5
The Times of Trenton
 
"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 ..."