On the Carolina Hurricanes …
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes forward Kris Versteeg is a pending UFA and will be one of the many decisions that GM Ron Francis will have to make leading up to the trade deadline.
“If it happens I would not be shocked,” Versteeg said. “At the same time, I’ve really enjoyed my time in Carolina and I’d really like to be part of this young team and help them win.
“That obviously is up to management. If they want me and feel I can contribute to the team and have helped them enough, I definitely would like to be here. But in the end it’s a business and you find out when the time comes.”
On the Winnipeg Jets …
- Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Darren Dreger on the TSN 1290 on the Winnipeg Jets leading up to the trade deadline.
“Well, I mean I had one general manager tell me today that the league is somewhat paralyzed – which I think is an exaggeration, but this is how it was described to me – waiting for the Winnipeg Jets to make a decision. Are they going to be able to sign both Byfuglien and Ladd, or is one of those players – speculation persists that it’s Andrew Ladd – going to hit the market.
“What I reported on Insider Trading last night is accurate. The Winnipeg Jets haven’t made that determination yet. There is a possibility that they’re able to sign both of those guys and keep the team intact. But they haven’t formally decided whether they can do that, or whether or not Ladd or someone else is going to hit the market.
“As of last night, there was no one on the market from Winnipeg’s perspective, as they continue to push forward. But the league is waiting for that final decision.
“But there’s still time for Cheveldayoff.”