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Cole tested market, but Canes were best fit

By Adam Harris

Jul 2, 2009

The Carolina Hurricanes wanted to have unrestricted free agents Erik Cole and Chad LaRose signed before July 1.  June came and went, and both players had rejected the Canes' offers, allowing them to negotiate with other teams as of Wednesday at noon.

While LaRose was still shopping himself, the Canes did get a deal done for Cole on the first day of NHL free agency.  The 30-year-old forward signed a two-year contract worth $5.8 million less than five hours after the open signing period began.

Cole has said since the season's end that he wanted to stay in Carolina.  He re-emphasized that again after reaching a deal with the Canes on Wednesday.

"We sat around for a little bit this afternoon and made some phone calls.  But at the end of the day, you know, this is where we wanted to end up.  And this was just the easiest decision, for sure."

Cole admitted to The Insiders on 99.9 FM The Fan ESPN Radio that he did test the waters.  He and his agent did speak with other teams before inking a deal with the Hurricanes.

"He spoke with some other teams today, and you know, he was gauging some interest levels from some clubs," said Cole.  "But, we just felt like this was where we wanted to be...  The reason for speaking with some other clubs was really just to gauge the deal here."