On the Hurricanes …
- Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer: By the time the Hurricanes finish their homestand, they should have a good idea whether they are playing for this year or looking towards next season.
- If they are in a position to make the playoffs, they should keep Brock McGinn in the minors and continue to make Noah Hanifin a healthy scratch on a regular basis. They should also not trade Cam Ward.
- If they are out of it, they should look to trade Ward by Christmas and let the kids play. Go with Eddie Lack and hope the lottery goes their way.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Gary Bettman said that people don’t need to worry about the Hurricanes relocating once owner Peter Karmanos sell his majority stake.
“I don’t think anyone needs to worry about the future of the franchise in Carolina,” Bettman said in an interview. “Peter is exploring his options, but there is no rush, no pressure, no timetable. I am certain if he sells the franchise, he will continue the legacy of having the franchise in what has been a strong market and keep it where it is.
“People should not be concerned about something fueled by media in other locations. Everything Peter is doing is being done to ensure the long-term future of hockey in the Triangle. That’s where the league believes it should be and where it will be.”
On the Eric Staal …
- Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Elliotte Friedman on Hurricanes pending UFA center Eric Staal.
“I don’t know how much he specifically asked for, but I just heard they’re not close. I don’t know. And I’m on record as saying that I think Eric Staal could really use a change of scenery. And some guys don’t realize it until they go through it – how much it rejuvenates you. How much it changes you. I really think that the best thing that could happen for Eric Staal is to go somewhere else, be in a race, and maybe if he wants to he can go back to Carolina in the summer.
“And I’ll tell you this. I think Eric Staal would look tremendous on a lot of rosters. I’m looking at the Nashville Predators – how good would they look with Eric Staal down the middle? How good would the Rangers look with Eric Staal on their team? I see a few teams if you gave them Eric Staal for a playoff run…
“He’s got a no-move clause. Ron Francis is a reasonable guy. I bet you if his agent, Rick Curran, went to Ron Francis and said, ‘Let’s work together on a deal here.’ Eric Staal would find himself in a situation that the Hurricanes could get something for him, he would be rejuvenated by being in a playoff race, and then he could decide in the summer if he wants to go back.
“I mean, I see too much sense there for that not to be a trade to happen.”