On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Chip Alexander: GM Don Waddell said that it is unlikely that they will sign draft pick Hudson Elynuik to an entry-level deal before the June 1st deadline. Elynuik would then be eligible to re-enter the draft.
Chip Alexander: Waddell said that defenseman Klas Dahlbeck has left for the KHL.
Chip Alexander: Waddell said they haven’t made any decisions on pending unrestricted free agents goaltender Cam Ward and forward Derek Ryan and Lee Stempniak.
Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Trade speculation continues to surround Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner. Skinner has also recently switched to agent Don Meehan from Rick Curran.
Owner Tom Dundon has been on record saying some players may need a change of scenery, with Bob McKenzie and Elliotte Friedman saying the Hurricanes are shopping Skinner.
The 26-year old Skinner has another year left on his deal at a $6 million salary ($5.75 million cap hit) and he does have a no-movement clause.
“We have him for another year and that’s the way it remains,” Don Waddell, the Canes’ president and general manager, said Tuesday. “Jeff’s been a great player for our franchise. Certainly if there’s another fit someplace that makes sense for all of us we might explore it, but if not we know he’ll be a part of this group going forward.”
Agent Don Meehan said he hasn’t spoken with new GM Don Waddell, nor has he been asked if Skinner would waive his no-trade clause.