Canes shoot for the stars in off-season moves
Jordan Staal checks the scoreboard after his goal in the third period. Photo by Mike Hurst.
Jul 2, 2012
NHL free agency opened Sunday and the Carolina Hurricanes didn’t waste any time making moves. Hurricanes president and general manager Jim Rutherford made it well known during the off-season that he wanted to focus on bringing in some experienced forwards and size, which is exactly what he did.
The organization started out Sunday by signing recently acquired forward Jordan Staal to a 10-year, $60 million deal. Ten years is the longest term for a contract the organization has ever offered.
"In the hockey world and around the national media, based on the interviews that I’ve done, the perception has totally changed about the Hurricanes since we’ve acquired Jordan Staal," said Rutherford. "This is really a game changer for us, the fact that you get a young elite player that can do so many different things in the game, we’re just excited and very fortunate to have him."
The sentiment is evident as former players continue to rejoin the organization. Rutherford signed former Hurricanes defenseman Joe Corvo to a one-year, $2 million deal early Sunday, meaning Corvo returns for his third stint as a Hurricane.
"Corvo gives us our veteran defenseman, he can come back and have some good chemistry with Gleason which he has had in the past," said Rutherford.
It was thought that another former Cane would rejoin the team once free agency began - many Caniacs hoping it would be Ray Whitney. But with the year Whitney had in Phoenix, and his desire for a two-year contract, the Hurricanes did not want to commit to a 40-year-old player or the eventual offer he took with Dallas - a two-year, $9 million deal. Signing Corvo, who wanted to return and would do so for less, seemed like a deal.
Rutherford hoped bringing Staal in would further entice other big name players to the area as the organization made bids for star forward Zach Parise and defenseman Ryan Suter as soon as free agency opened.
Both players had several options to consider and the waiting game began. Late Sunday afternoon Parise’s agent informed the Canes he would sign elsewhere and the team turned their attention to Suter, who said he would make his decision Monday. Monday brought reports that Suter had also cut the Hurricanes from his list.
But Rutherford didn’t focus on just the free agents, as he has offered a trade to the Blue Jackets for right winger Rick Nash. Terms of the offer were not publicized but Canes head coach Kirk Muller said that he was comfortable with the trade that was on the table and the team would not lose any key players if it went through.
The Hurricanes also brought back two free agents. Goalie Justin Peters signed a two year deal, worth 1.75 million dollars. The first year of the deal is a two way contract, the second season is an NHL level deal only. With back-up goalie Brian Boucher out for four to six month with a shoulder injury, where word is he sustained jumping into a pool, Peters could easily fall into the number two spot.
Along with Peters, the Canes signed Brett Sutter to a one year deal, worth $550,000 in the NHL, $105,000 at the AHL. As the forward provides a good source of depth for the organization.
Whether or not the Canes are able to make anymore big splashes, Muller said he’s excited about what Rutherford has been doing and is ready to hit the ground running in his first full season with the team. Which may be evident by the fact that he spent Monday at Fort Bragg with Canes athletic trainer Peter Friesen looking into team bonding activities to kick off Hurricanes camp later this summer.
Most Recent Comments
Posted Jul 7, 12:32 p.m.
Rank: Veteran Posts: 379
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Location: Cary, NC
RE: Canes shoot for the stars in off-season moves
And both Parise and Sutter sign with the Wild. Thanks for playing, JR. Let's face it...most big names don't want to play here.- Posted by fzero
I would take Jordan Staal over both Parise or Suter. Sure Eric was a big lure for Jordan as playing near their families was a big lure for both Parise and Suter. They didn't go to NY, Detroit or Philly. Everyone has their reasons...it's got nothing to do with players not liking Carolina.
RE: Canes shoot for the stars in off-season moves
And both Parise and Sutter sign with the Wild. Thanks for playing, JR. Let's face it...most big names don't want to play here.Posted Jul 3, 3:16 p.m.
Rank: Sports Legend Posts: 22580
Joined: Dec, 2007
Location: Southern Pines, NC
RE: Canes shoot for the stars in off-season moves
Nice job Erin. The Canes have surely spent some monies in contracting this off-season. Maybe one or two more top people could get them back to challenge for the Cup again.RE: Canes shoot for the stars in off-season moves
Second thoughts....why not try moving Pitkenan to forward. Defensively he is a liability, often out of position, and not very physical (doesn't hit anyone). Offensively he is a good skater, handles the puck well, has a hard shot and spends a lot of his 'on ice' time around the oppenent's net anyway. I think it is worth a try - what do the Canes have to loose?RE: Canes shoot for the stars in off-season moves
- Posted by jgunngunn, I think with these moves, and maybe a couple more or even one stellar more, the canes could at the least become a perennial play-off club.. but that is yet to be seen. however I too like what's happened so far, though I'd love to know who's on the block for Nash...- Posted by Cragsdale
I agree that adding just one more big name would push the Canes to the next level, but it looks like that won't be easy to achieve. I wonder who's going to land Nash as well.
My gut says nobody. Columbus reportedly wants wayyyy too much for him.
