Canes weighing ways to acquire top forward

Hurricanes

Canes weighing ways to acquire top forward

Jun 20, 2012

comments

Raleigh, N.C. — Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford has spent the last two months making calls, trying to land a top-line forward.

The Canes have the No. 8 pick in next week's NHL draft, an asset other teams would love to acquire via trade.

The question: How much have you looked into possibly dealing that pick? More Info More Hurricanes Stories

Rutherford’s answer: "It's not something we really want to do because we're building our team piece-by-piece with young players. But at the same time, we have a real priority this year to get a player to play with Eric Staal. It may take that pick as part of the deal to do that. But when you get into some of these names that could be available, it's going to take more than just that pick."

The top forwards on the trade market include Staal's brother, Jordan, of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Rick Nash from Columbus. The top free agent forwards, like the Devils' Zach Parise, will carry too heavy of a price tag.

"Free agency is going to be difficult for us,” Rutherford said. “I think we're going to have to fill the holes through trades."

Free agency begins July 1. The Canes' only unrestricted free agents are defensemen Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek.

"Spacek and Allen will test the market, and we'll see if our paths cross again in that first 24-48 hours,” Rutherford said. “That's what happens lots of times."

Before that is the draft, which begins Friday, and the talent pool is loaded with defensemen. Rutherford says he'll pick the best player on the board, unless he gets that trade offer he's looking for.

"I feel if we can add that one player to play with Staal, with all the other good pieces we have here, then we can take that next step," Rutherford said.

Fans can join in on the Carolina Hurricanes draft party at Rudino's Sports Corner on Friday night beginning at 6:30 p.m. The party will have appearances by Canes TV play-by-play voice John Forslund, Stormy, the Storm Squad and more. There will also be the annual Draft Challenge where one fan will go home with a Hurricanes jersey.

Reporter: Jason Jennings
Web Editor: Aaron Schoonmaker

Most Recent Comments

View All Comments

RE: Canes weighing ways to acquire top forward

Hmmm, I don't know about the Faulk,Sutter and 8th pick thing. Than again it would be nice to have something different and exciting, The Staals could be and amazing scoring team like the sundin's . I wonder how The Staals feel about it.

RE: Canes weighing ways to acquire top forward

The Canes wanted to resign Cole but Montreal bellied up crazy money that he wasn't worth and turned out is not earning. If we wouldn't give J Staal over $4 mil/year we certainly won't take that on from the remaining Cole contract and give up the #8 pick.

I agree with babedan again. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have J Staal on the Canes but I wouldn't mortgage the farm for him. I wouldn't do any more than what atc2 mentioned - Sutter for Staal straight up and Pitts would never do that trade.
- Posted by Willie_11

I know in my head that you're right in what you said about Cole. In my heart, he's always been one of my favorite Canes, and I thought for sure he'd re-sign last year because he was so disappointed about the Canes not making the playoffs. I hoped he'd retire a Cane. I think he did ask for a lot of $$$ and a long-term contract, neither of which JR would agree to. At one point, he was having a very good year with Montreal; I guess he didn't end the year as successful as he started it.

RE: Canes weighing ways to acquire top forward

That 8th pick is not valuable to a team unless they want a defenseman they can put in the minors for a few years. GM's (aside from Rutherford) have commented that this draft is the weakest in the past decade. One went as far as to say 12 years, if I recall. That being the case, unless the Canes want to sign in free agency, they don't have much they can give up that other teams want for their talent. I mean who really wants Joni? Then again there was Kaberle....

Rutherford is a snake oil salesman.

RE: Canes weighing ways to acquire top forward

The Canes wanted to resign Cole but Montreal bellied up crazy money that he wasn't worth and turned out is not earning. If we wouldn't give J Staal over $4 mil/year we certainly won't take that on from the remaining Cole contract and give up the #8 pick.

I agree with babedan again. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have J Staal on the Canes but I wouldn't mortgage the farm for him. I wouldn't do any more than what atc2 mentioned - Sutter for Staal straight up and Pitts would never do that trade.

Cole

they'll trade the 8th pick for Cole.
- Posted by Me again

They NEVER should have let Cole go, but I do get your sarcasm:)

View All Comments

WRAL Sports Fan

Hurricanes