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Canes hopeful on LaRose, not close with Seidenberg or Babchuk

By Adam Harris

Jul 2, 2009

"He's still in the free agent market, and testing it.  And we have not done anything to add a player in his position."

Jim Rutherford's conversation with The Insiders on Thursday began with those comments on the status of unrestricted free agent Chad LaRose.  The Hurricanes were vocal about their hopes to sign LaRose before the open signing period began on Wednesday at noon.

"We're hoping to re-sign Chad," continued the Canes GM.  "If we can do that, I think everybody will be happy."

LaRose has been with the Hurricanes franchise for his entire NHL career.  The 27 year-old forward enjoyed career highs in goals (19) and points (31) in the 2008-09 season.

"It's hard to say how far apart we are," added Rutherford.  "I think it's more about what's out there in the market for him, and how high that number can really go.  And then, you know, is that a number that really the Hurricanes aren't in a position to reach."

With the potential of losing LaRose growing larger, Rutherford mentioned that Carolina was close to a contract with another free agent forward on Wednesday night.

Signing LaRose would have the Canes feeling confident about their forwards heading into 2009-10.  But what about the defense?

"We've been tipped off from (Anton) Babchuk's agent, saying he's not going to play on his qualifying offer," said the Canes GM.  "He doesn't have arbitration rights, but he doesn't want to play on his qualifier.  So, I am expecting a problem there within the next few weeks."

Most Caniacs won't bat an eye at the loss of Babchuk, whose 16 regular season goals were overshadowed by just 1 point in 13 playoff games.

A bigger impact to the blue line would be the loss of Dennis Seidenberg.  The Hurricanes front office nearly conceded any ability to re-sign the strong and gritty German defenseman before the end of June.  Rutherford also offered an update on the possibility of inking Seidenberg in the open signing period.

"Totally off the rails..." Rutherford told 99.9 FM The Fan ESPN Radio.  "His agent told me what the asking price is  - how much he was trying to get - and that wasn't within a million miles of what we were thinking."