HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARRY!




Can't believe the guys over at Barry Melrose Rocks did not have something special for us on this momentous occasion.

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Length of Contract Is Sticking Point for Ruutu

(photo: CarolinaHurricanes.com)



Interesting article over at Tracking The Storm on Tuesday regarding the ongoing negotiations between the Canes and forward Tuomo Ruutu.

It appears that the main thing the two sides are haggling about at the moment is the length of the contract Ruutu is willing to sign. The Canes want to sign him to a multi-year (3) deal while the player and his agent are angling for a one year contract, so that they will be able to test the market as an UFA after next season.

Here's what Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford had to say about the situation as it stands right now:

“Really I think what’s happening here is trying to decide if it’s a one-year contract and letting him go out as a UFA the following year or a longer-term contract. We really like Tuomo, we’d like him to stay here and we’d like to do this long-term.”

Interesting conundrum. While I understand Ruutu's desire for a possible larger pay day after next season, it could be risky to sign a one year deal - suppose there's an injury (which has been an issue at times in his career), or he does not put up quite the numbers he did this season. At that point the security of a long term contract might look pretty good in hindsight. Plus there's the real possibility that the salary cap could be reduced significantly next year, and there might not be as much $$$ being thrown around on the open market. A lot of the major market (big money) teams are likely to have some serious juggling to do when it comes to the cap heading into 2010/2011.

As of now, Ruutu's arbitration hearing is set for July 30th, and I would expect that neither side particularly wants to go through the process of a hearing, so something should be done by then either way.

Whether it's a one year contract or something longer term, I certainly hope that Ruutu is on the ice in a Canes sweater next season...and possibly for many seasons to come.

-m

Canes Sign Free Agent Tom Kostopoulos

(photo: Phillip MacCallum/Getty)


Ok. This one was a surprise.

The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Tuesday afternoon that they had signed free agent forward Tom Kostospoulos to a 3 year, $2.75 million contract. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford had this to say about the signing:

“Tom is a character player who adds grit to our lineup. He is a strong penalty killer and plays a high-energy game that will fit our team’s style of play.”

Kostopoulos is 30 years old and has played 7 seasons in the NHL, the last two with the Montreal Canadiens. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft (7th round - 204th overall), and suited up with the Penguins in parts of 3 seasons. He then moved on to the the Los Angeles Kings for two years before ending up in Montreal.

Kostopoulos tallied 22 points (8 goals, 14 assists) for the Canadiens in 2008/2009, and was also 2nd on the team in penalty minutes (106) and hits (167), appearing in 78 games. He played in all 4 Hab playoff games last season, tallying 1 assist. For his career, Kostopoulos has tallied 105 points (40 goals, 65 assists) and 468 penalty minutes in 367 regular season games. He has 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) in 16 career playoff games.

Kostopoulos is known as a gritty player, who is strong along the boards, has good speed, loves to get physical and is a solid and responsible 2-way player. He definitely fits the bill for the Canes getting bigger, stronger and perhaps a bit meaner.

This is probably a good signing based on talent, but the perplexing part for me is that all we have heard about over the last couple of weeks is how the Canes are in the market for a veteran, physical presence on DEFENCE. Instead we just added $2.75 million to the budget, on the 4th foward line.

One can look at this as an upgrade in size and physicality from Ryan Bayda. But I cannot help but wonder what it might mean in regards to how negotiations are going with Tuomo Ruutu. Perhaps there's absolutely no correlation whatsoever. But with this signing the Canes have around $47 million allotted, from what has been rumored to be a cash budget of around $50 million. Supposing we sign Ruutu for somewhere around $3 million - that obviously doesn't leave much room for bringing in a quality top 4-6 defenceman, without busting the proposed budget. Of course the rumored buyout of Frank Kaberle's contract could free up a little bit of $$$ for a possible defensive signing.

The other obvious possibility would be a trade for a top 4 defencemen. One speculative scenario here could involve packaging something - maybe Babchuk and Patrick Eaves - for a defenceman who is already under contract with another team. (I would hate to lose Eaves)

Or, if things bog down with Ruutu, and a long term/multi-year deal cannot be reached, perhaps the Canes look at moving him rather than facing the possibility of losing him to unrestricted free agency. I have to admit that - a trade or losing him to free agency - makes me shudder to think. I really, really want to keep Ruutu.

There's obviously a few more chips to fall into place before this is all over with. The wheels are turning, and it's always fun to watch and speculate without having any real idea of what is going on behind the scenes.

One thing that is certain as we stand right now, the Canes have 4 pretty impressive forward lines (on paper) to work with. Lots of grit, savvy and speed, as well as some fairly deep scoring potential. Would be fun to watch, but I'm not sure the patchwork defense would be all that amusing behind them. Unless the young defencemen in Albany are ready to contribute big minutes right out of the gate (doubtful).

It also appears that the Canes might be leaning towards giving their young forwards (Sutter, Boychuk, Bowman, et al) a full season together in the AHL , or at least a significant part of the season . Which would be a great luxury to have. (The River Rats are looking like a monster next year as it stands right now).

Lots more to come I'm sure.

At least the off-season has not been boring so far.

-m

HURRICANES PROSPECT AND CONDITIONING CAMP

Carolina Hurricanes 2009 1st Round Draft Choice - Phillipe Paradis (photo: www.sbuisson.com)



The Carolina Hurricanes will hold their annual Conditioning Camp for young prospects this week at the Rec Zone (912 W. Hodges St) in Raleigh. The camp kicks off tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15th and runs through Saturday, July 18th. On-ice sessions at the Rec Zone start at 4:45pm and are open to the public.

10 prospects will be attending this year, including 2009 1st round draft pick Phillipe Paradis.
Bubba over at Canes Country does a great job (as per usual) of previewing the camp and offering some background on each of the players. Here's a list of this year's attendees:

Phillipe Paradis - F/LW - 2009 1st round pick (27th overall)
Zac Dalphe - F/RW - 2008 2nd round pick (45th overall)
Brian Dumoulin - D - 2009 2nd round pick (51st overall)
Matt Kennedy - F/RW - 2009 5th round choice (131st overall)
Matt Pistilli - F/RW - 2009 free agent signee
Mike Murphy - G - 2008 6th round choice (165th overall)
Kai Kantola - F/C - non-roster collegiate invitee - Bowling Green (grew up in Raleigh, NC)
Beau Schmitz - D - free agent try out
Scott Pitt - F - collegiate invitee - Mercyhurst College
Michael McKenzie - F - free agent tryout (son of TSN analyst Bob McKenzie)

Hopefully I'll be able to make it over on Thursday afternoon. I've never been able to make it to one of these camps, but have always wanted to. Sounds like a fun way to spend an afternoon.
If I'm able to make it, you can be sure I'll be all geeked out to blog about it.

BTW, the Hurricanes will also have their 2nd Annual Summer Fan Fest on Friday evening at the RBC Center. Live music, inflatables, interactive games, free giveaways, mascots, guest speakers from the Hurricanes, discounted concessions and a classic Canes game on the jumbotron. Should be fun for the entire family. Admission and parking are free. Things kick off at 6pm in the RBC Center parking lot.

-m

Canes Free Agency (So Far)

photo: Michael Ryan, Carolina Hurricanes (by Tammy Biondi, About.com)



Heading into Free Agent Frenzy, I don't think anyone thought the Hurricanes would be big time players. Canes GM Jim Rutherford was focused on keeping as much of his core in tact as possible following a great second half of the season and a completely unexpected playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Rutherford tried the same strategy after the Stanley Cup run of 2005/2006. Let's hope the results turn out a little bit better this time around.

So far Rutherford has mostly achieved his goal with the resigning of UFA's Chad LaRose and Erik Cole, as well as RFA and playoff hero Jussi Jokinen.

The big question mark still hanging in the air over the triangle involves the status of RFA Tuomo Ruutu, who has received a qualifying offer from the Canes and, in turn, filed for arbitration. Now we all wait and see, fingers crossed, hoping that both sides can iron out a deal sooner rather that later (arbitration hearing are set to start around July 24th).

UFA Denis Seidenberg (as I commented on earlier today) appeared to be out the door, looking for more money than the Canes could possibly offer. But those negotiations seem to have started up again in the last couple of days.

RFA Anton Babchuk got a qualifying offer from the Canes, and was none too impressed by it.
Reportedly the Canes offered him a one year deal at essentially the same salary he made last season. Babchuk apparently thinks he deserves a raise (and he is probably right based on the season he had in 2008/2009), and perhaps a multiple year deal, but since he is not eligible for arbitration (due to spending the 2007/2008 season in Russia while still under contract to the Canes), the Canes did not feel compelled to offer him much. Both Rutherford and the Babchuk camp have taken hard line stances, and there do not appear to have been any qualifying offers from other teams. The Canes really hold all the cards here, as Babs really only has two options - play for the Canes under their current offer or take another year in Russia. Although, Rutherford reportedly gave the Babchuk camp the go ahead to dig around for trade offers if they are so inclined. However this thing shakes out, bringing Babchuk back into the fold will likely involve some give and take from both sides, not to mention a nice meal of crow.

Ryan Bayda is also an UFA, and both parties seem content for Bayda to seek opportunities elsewhere. Not much room in the Canes budget for a depth forward, and Ryan has earned a shot at a decent pay day somewhere.

The rest of the Canes free agents moves so far have mostly been two-way deals to improve their depth at Albany and to add some insurance for call-ups if needed by the big club. Although an impressive training camp could lead some NHL time for a few of these guys. Here's a quick run down of those deals:

Jay Harrison (UFA) - D - 26 y/o - 1 year, 2 way deal: Harrison's signing is a depth move on the blue line. Harrison was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the 2001 draft and has spent most of his professional career (minus a brief sojourn in the Swiss Elite League in 2008/2009) as a depth player in the Maple Leafs' system (including 2 years under current Canes coach Paul Maurice). He has played a total of 20 NHL games and 376 AHL tilts. He will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in training camp, along with some of the young defensemen the Canes already have in Albany. Harrison will make $500,000 at the NHL level and $125,000 in the AHL, with $175,000 guaranteed.

Steve Goertzen (UFA) - F - 25 y/o - 1 year, 2 way deal: Goertzen adds some depth at forward and will get the chance to compete for a fourth line spot in training camp. A more likely scenario is his spending a good chunk of the season in Albany as depth for call ups. Goertzen was originally drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 7th round of the 2002 draft. He split last season between the Phoenix Coyotes and their AHL affiliate in San Antonio. He has played in 62 career NHL games. Ironically enough, Goertzen scored his first NHL goal on Feb 7th 2009 against the Carolina Hurricanes (a 7-2 Canes victory). Goertzen will make $500,000 at the NHL level and $100,000 in the AHL.

Michael Ryan (RFA) - F - 29 y/o - 1 year/2 way deal: Ryan was signed as a free agent in October of 2008, made 18 appearances with the NHL club, and played 40 games in Albany. Ryan led the River Rats in goals (25) last season, despite playing in less than half their games. A valuable depth guy, he spent the last two months of the season with the big club providing depth/insurance as a gritty two-way forward. Ryan has played in 83 NHL games with the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes, scoring 15 points - 7 goals and 8 assists. Ryan's new deal pays him $500,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 in the AHL, with $150,000 guaranteed.

Patrick Dwyer (RFA) - F - 25 y/o - 2 year/2 way deal: Dwyer made his NHL debut with the Canes in 2008/2009 playing in 13 games, including two playoff games. Like Michael Ryan, Dwyer provided solid depth, with gritty passionate play during 3 different call-ups from Albany.
Dwyer was originally signed as a free agent by the Hurricanes in July 2006. He was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 4th round (116th overall) of the 2002 draft. Dwyer's new 2 year contract will pay him $500,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 in the AHL.

Casey Boer (RFA) - D - 23 y/o - 1 year/2 way deal: Borer is widely considered one of the Canes best young defensive prospects, having spent the last two seasons with the Albany River Rats, but also enjoying some success during several NHL call-ups (1 goal, 2 assists in 14 NHL games). Unfortunately, he has suffered two significant injuries in the last two years. First, he blew out his knee near the end of the 2007/2008 season, then, after rehabbing and returning to form for 2008/2009 Borer was seriously injured (broken vertebrate) in the River Rats bus crash in February. Prognosis is good for a full recovery, but we will have to wait and see. Borer gets $500,000 at the NHL level and $60,000 in the AHL, with $65,000 guaranteed.

Justin Peters (RFA) - G - 22 y/o = 1 year/2 way deal: drafted by the Hurricanes in the 2nd round (38th overall) of the 2004 draft, Peters was once considered a possible "goal tender of the future". Now with the emergence of Cam Ward as a cornerstone of the NHL club, and Mike Murphy making lots of noise in juniors, Peters' future is a bit cloudy. He has been solid, but not spectacular thus far in his AHL career, and even managed to dress 4 games as a backup for the Canes when Ward was out with a groin injury last year. If he puts together a good year in Albany, and manages to hold off the hard charging Murphy, he could be in line for a back up job in Carolina if/when Michael Leighton moves on, or he could end up as trade bait at some point. Peters gets $500,000 at the NHL level and $60,000 in the AHL with $65,000 guaranteed.

Chris Terry - F - 20 y/o - 3 year/entry level: Terry was drafted by the Hurricanes in the fifth round (137th overall) of the 2007 NHL draft. The young forward finished the 2008/2009 season as the second leading scorer in the Ontario Hockey League. Terry scored 94 points (39 goals, 55 assists) as captain for the Plymouth Whalers (the junior team owned by Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos). In four OHL seasons with the Whalers Terry notched 289 points (114 goals and 175 assists), played in two All Star Games and was part of the OHL Championship team in 2007. Terry's entry level deal will pay him $60,000 AHL/$500,000 NHL in the first year, and $65,000 AHL/$550,000 NHL in the second and third years. He also received a $225,000 signing bonus.


WORK TO DO: Moving forward, the Canes will have to sort out the details of a new deal with Tuomo Ruutu and then see what they have left over to possibly spend on a free agent defenseman (or two). Rutherford's plan all along was to wait and see what kind of deals could be made with whoever is still around in August. There's also the possibility of the team buying out the last year of Frank Kaberle's contract in order to free up some extra $$$. There's always the chance that Seidenberg and/or Babchuk could return to the fold if the price is right. But those could still be long shots at this point.

-m