On the Carolina Hurricanes …
- Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer: It’s hard to see the Hurricanes and Eric Staal reaching a contract extension that makes sense for both sides. The same can be said for Cam Ward. The Hurricanes only sit a few points out of the playoff race.DeCock thinks it’s time for GM Ron Francis to get whatever he can for Eric Staal, Cam Ward, John-Michael Liles, Kris Versteeg and maybe Jeff Skinner, Jordan Staal or Ryan Murphy.
Even if they have to retain some salary on a pending UFA, getting something is better than nothing. Francis can’t lose Staal or Ward for nothing.
On the Nashville Predators …
- Adam Vingan of the Tennessean: (mailbag) Pekka Rinne is on his way to playing 70 games. Elliotte Friedman suggested the Predators should consider bringing in a backup. Vingan thinks they will keep Carter Hutton as the backup for the remainder of the season, but re-evaluate in the offseason. Hutton will be a UFA.
GM David Poile is in zero danger of losing his job.
Wouldn’t be a surprise if pending UFAs Paul Gaustad, Cody Bass and Carter Hutton are not brought back.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Scott Hartnell and Fedor Tyutin are among the veteran players the Blue Jackets will make available before the trade deadline. Don’t expect major changes by the Blue Jackets though as they are not rebuilding.
“We’re in the midst of a build, three and a half years into it,” Davidson told The Dispatch today. “Now that first half-year (the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season) is kind of getting-to-know-you. But three years into the build, some things have gone well and some things haven’t. But, no, we’re not looking to tear this thing down.
“Are you kidding? We have some pieces in place. These guys are going to play every game to win. That’s just in their DNA and the coaches DNA to win every game they play. That’s just how it is.”
John Davidson said they won’t be trading any of their young talent leading up to the deadline.
“Oh, no. We’re not giving up on our future,” Davidson said. “No chance, unless it just makes a ton of sense. There’s no sense that happens. We’re going to continue to draft and develop and go through the process, whether it’s here, Cleveland, junior, college, Europe … whatever it is. We hired Jarkko Ruutu to give ourselves two of those guys in development. We’ve got Clarkie (Chris Clark) here and Jarkko over there, because growing our young kids the right was is very important for us.
“We’re in the middle of a process. It just is what it is.”