Laviolette to return; Hedican, Wesley still undecided

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Laviolette to return; Hedican, Wesley still undecided

By Dane Huffman

May 16, 2008

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Coach Peter Laviolette will return, but defensemen Glen Wesley and Bret Hedican are still undecided. Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford confirmed Friday.

Earlier, in his postseason news conference, Rutherford had expressed displeasure with the Canes’ performance last season. That led to questions about whether Laviolette would return.

Friday, Rutherford said he had met with owner Peter Karmanos the day before and that Laviolette would remain as coach.

“For some reason, people were waiting for an announcement about Peter,” Rutherford said. “We just had our meetings we normally have and the owner was in yesterday and everything stays the same.

“Maybe I view this a little bit different. But it seems like the speculation was a little greater than it needed (to be).”

That speculation may have been sparked, Rutherford conceded, by his harsh postseason comments about the team’s work ethic in November and December.

“I do evaluate everybody based on work ethic,” he said Friday. “You can’t always control whether you win or lose games. Sometimes it depends on the breaks.”

As for Laviolette, who won the Stanley Cup with Carolina in 2006, Rutherford said: “He’s a proven coach. He won the Stanley Cup. He’s a good coach. We’re not going to have 82 good games. … But for the majority of games, at least 70 of 82, we have to be consistent and be on top of our game.

“That’s the players’ responsibility and the coaches’ responsibility.”

Laviolette has three years left on his contract. Rutherford insisted the Canes have a playoff-caliber team. Carolina has not reached the playoffs the past two seasons after winning the Cup.

Two Canes who may not be back are veterans Wesley and Hedican.

“We’re going to have to rebuild our defense with Glen Wesley and Hedican probably retiring or not returning,” Rutherford said. “We’re going to have to make some moves in that area.”

“I have not been told officially, but based on the information I have, it’s leaning that way,” Rutherford said.

Rutherford has not received an official decision from either player.

Sometimes veterans wait through the summer to decide if they want to continue playing. Hedican, for instance, waited until late June last offseason to notify the team that he would be returning after a lengthy rehab stint for a hip injury.

Wesley spoke to WRAL on Monday during a charity golf tournament and said: "I havent talked to anybody in the organization about what I'm gonna do. As of right now I'm up in the air and enjoying my time with our family and playing in some golf tournaments."

Wesley played in 78 games and had one goal, seven assists and a plus-minus of minus-3. Hedican played in 66 games, with two goals and 15 assists. He was plus-17.

Rutherford said the Canes would look to free agency or consider trades to bolster the defense.

Most Recent Comments

The Caps are one big hit away from being one of the worst teams in the NHL. That's what happens when over 50% of your scoring comes from one guy.

The way Lavi chews gum during the games, the Canes may want to contact Wrigley for a corporate partnership.

Why is Rutherford downplaying this while weeks ago he wouldn't confirm the coaching status? I usually don't question the guy's moves but, he was the reason local media made so much out of this. Besides, you don't let a good coach go without knowing who the replacement will be (right Pack basketball fans?).

My mighty Caps will be unstoppable in the SouthEast next season. Though the Canes are my second fave team....so whatever the Canes do, second best in the SouthEast and a playoff birth is in the cards. ScoDan says

I couldn't agree more.I like the Canes, but my Caps will be a force to be dealt with. :) Should prove to be a good season to come.

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