Carolina Hurricanes Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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 ..."

Who's next? Burke says he is staying put with Ducks

April 24

Toronto Sun

"Peddie, the president and CEO of MLSEL, and sports lawyer Kirke now have some interesting choices: - Wait for the playoffs to run their course and see if any high-profile names become available. Should the Detroit Red Wings or San Jose Sharks go all the way, GMs Ken Holland or Doug Wilson might look to cash in elsewhere. - Concentrate on unfettered candidates, such as Doug Armstrong or Jim Rutherford. - Go after team presidential timber such as NHL exec Colin Campbell and sports agent Don Meehan and let them make the call on a GM. - Stay the course with interim GM Cliff Fletcher."

Rutherford still mum on Laviolette's future

April 24

Raleigh News & Observer

"Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford hasn't made a decision on the future of coach Peter Laviolette. "Everything's the same as it's been," said Rutherford, who was in Detroit last week to meet with Canes owner Peter Karmanos. Rutherford said he'll soon start working on signing the Canes' restricted free agents -- like Tim Gleason."

Martin still undecided about future in Florida

April 15

Palm Beach Post

"As another day ticked by Monday without a decision from Jacques Martin about his future, some NHL sources believed Martin was buying time while investigating the possibility of finding a coaching job outside Florida... It has been speculated that Waddell's first choice would be Peter Laviolette, if the Carolina coach is dismissed after failing to lead the Hurricanes to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons."

Change in the air for Canes

April 11

Raleigh News & Observer

"In his state-of-the-team news conference Thursday afternoon, Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford made it clear he had not yet seriously considered whether to make a coaching change. But Peter Laviolette's future is clearly on the agenda, and one way or another, it figures to be a busy summer after the Canes missed the playoffs for the second straight season. "I have enough information now to digest over the next couple of weeks and see what changes I may consider making," Rutherford said."

Samsonov comfortable with Canes

April 9

Raleigh News & Observer

"Left on the NHL's scrap heap in January, Sergei Samsonov resurrected his NHL career in three months with the Carolina Hurricanes. An unrestricted free agent, he said Tuesday he'd like to extend that relationship."

Sutter Signing Imminent?

March 15

Raleigh News & Observer

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"Brandon Sutter's junior season with the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League ends tonight, which means the Hurricanes' first-round pick in last June's draft will be available to play in the NHL or minors if the Canes can sign him."

Jackets could be focus of a lot of speculation

February 16

Columbus Dispatch

columnist Michael Arace

"'Tis the season for trade speculation, so chew on this: Sergei Fedorov to the Carolina Hurricanes for a first-round draft pick... Yesterday, the Jackets showed up in Joe Louis Arena amid a twittering of speculation that Fedorov will be a Detroit Red Wing by 3 p.m. Feb. 26, the trade deadline."

Rutherford to Toronto?

February 5

Detroit News

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"Could Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford become a candidate for the GM post in Toronto? Rutherford is from Beeton, about an hour north of Toronto, and values the Maple Leafs tradition."

Karmanos won't stop Rutherford

February 1

Toronto Sun

"Legality and necessity demand Peter Karmanos make Jim Rutherford fulfil his contract to the Carolina Hurricanes. But Karmanos' friendship with Rutherford would let the latter go to work for the Maple Leafs. Karmanos, the owner of the Hurricanes, said yesterday he would not block his general manager from listening to an offer from the Leafs next year and perhaps accepting, but only if his old pal was given the best chance "to do his job"."

Rutherford perfect fit for Leafs

January 31

Toronto Star

"Since John Ferguson was fired just over a week ago, Rutherford's name has repeatedly surfaced in speculation about who the new man might be when team executive Richard Peddie and sports lawyer Gord Kirke finish their head hunting. But unlike, say, Anaheim's Brian Burke, who shot down gossip linking him to the Leafs with thick bluster, Rutherford is far less dismissive."

Rutherford hears Leafs rumblings

January 31

Toronto Sun

"And on almost every radio show, newspaper article or television panel debating the issue, Rutherford's name invariably has come up along with those of Anaheim's Brian Burke and Detroit's Ken Holland. "It's flattering that I would be mentioned like that," the Carolina Hurricanes general manager said yesterday from Raleigh, where his team will play host to the Maple Leafs tonight at the RBC Center. "There is no doubt (the Leafs) are one of the most storied franchises in the league."

Hurricanes scout struggling Liles

January 25

Denver Post

"The Hurricanes continue to be looking over Avs defender John-Michael Liles, an unrestricted free agent after this season. Carolina has made no secret of its desire for a puck-carrying, offensive defenseman. Liles, however, is suffering through the worst season of his young career, with two goals and 18 points in 48 games coming in. Scouts from the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Washington Capitals also were in attendance."

Taking a Flyer on Sundin?

January 20

Toronto Sun

"While the Canucks and Flames have had scouts following the Leafs lately, sources told Sun Media yesterday that the Flyers might put together a package to try to pry Sundin out of Toronto... Keep an eye on Carolina coach Peter Laviolette, whose Hurricanes are struggling mightily, leaving some NHL insiders wondering if the players have tuned him out ... Montreal winger Michael Ryder probably wouldn't mind being dealt."

Liles in demand

January 10

Denver Post

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"According to a report in the Raleigh News and Observer, the Carolina Hurricanes have Avs defenseman John-Michael Liles at the top of their wish list for possible trade-deadline defensive help. The Avs play the Hurricanes Saturday. Liles can be an unrestricted free agent after this season, and the Avs have some offensive defensemen in the pipeline, including Kyle Cumiskey and last year's first-round draft pick, Kevin Shattenkirk."

Canes seek help on defense

January 8

Raleigh News & Observer

"With Justin Williams likely out for the rest of the regular season and with Matt Cullen slowly recovering from a concussion, the Canes are in talks to add an NHL forward to fill out their top nine -- perhaps as soon as today. But the Canes continue to pursue potential deals for an offensive-minded defenseman, even if the price now is far too high."

B's Looking For Chara Support

December 30

Toronto Sun

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"Boston GM Peter Chiarelli, troubled by his club's five-game skid, is trying to bring in a blueliner to support Zdeno Chara. The Rangers are trying to move defencemen Marek Malik and Paul Mara. Malik would be the most obvious choice for the Bruins because they have had him before. Another possibility is Los Angeles D Tom Preissing. He's being shopped around and it's believed both the Bruins and Hurricanes are interested"

NHL Trade Rumblings

December 18

Toronto Sun

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"There has been a small surge of trade talk around the league entering this week, partly due to teams wanting to wrap up odds and ends before the holidays. The Edmonton Oilers, with Sheldon Souray and Dick Tarnstrom returning to the lineup this week have a surplus, with Tarnstrom believed to be available, Scott Niedermayer's return to Anaheim means one less job there and Frantisek Kaberle is a healthy scratch in Carolina. Joe Corvo could be acquired from Ottawa, but never in an intra-division swap with the Leafs. Toronto is almost out of cap space, so Ferguson would have to be creative in getting an experienced defenceman."

Cole for Havlat deal was oh, so close

December 13

Ottawa Sun

"If he were to be truthful, there's one trade former Senators GM John Muckler regrets not making. The deal in September 2004 was supposed to look like this: Hurricanes winger Erik Cole for Senators winger Martin Havlat. Straight up. It was a done deal, but Muckler pulled out of the trade with Carolina counterpart Jim Rutherford at the last minute, deciding to hold onto Havlat until after the lockout and then wound up giving him away to Chicago."

Joe Corvo in Demand

December 9

Ottawa Sun

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"That hasn't stopped teams from calling. The talk is the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are both interested in Joe Corvo. While the Hurricanes want a puck-moving blueliner, the Oilers are trying to peddle either C Jarrett Stoll or LW Raffi Torres to the Senators. Both were scratched Friday."

Pens' Recchi placed on re-entry waivers

December 8

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"eteran forward Mark Recchi was placed on re-entry waivers by the Penguins Friday, the latest step in a parting-of-the-ways between the team and its former alternate captain... One team now not expected to make a claim if the opportunity presents itself is Carolina."

Stillman Not Moving

October 14

Toronto Sun

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"The Hurricanes won't be dealing winger Cory Stillman. He has a no-movement clause and is a key to their success."

Hurricanes Trade Rumors