Rumors VI: Hurricanes, Matthias, Stevens and Canadiens

“It’s tough to say, but I am open to discussing changes and making changes,” he said during an interview this week. “When you finish like we did this season, and there are some reasons the season went the way it did, I’m open to listening to suggestions made that I believe can make this team better.”

They haven’t made a decision yet to buyout Alexander Semin or not. Semin has three years left at a $7 million cap hit. A buyout would cost them $14 million over six years. The Hurricanes could continue to look at trade him, while retaining some salary. Francis on Semin:

“It’s too early to say. We’re looking at all the options. Is it best to keep him here or should we do something else? At the right time we’ll do what’s best for our organization.”

Francis has spoken with the agents for Eric Staal and Cam Ward.

“Our discussions have been pretty general to this point,” Francis said. “It’s still pretty early in the process. In my opinion, I do think they want to be a part of turning this organization around and get it back to where it was. They’ve expressed an interest in doing that.”

Chip Alexander: Hurricanes GM Ron Francis said they could consider trading down in the first round, but added that it would likely be a “draft-floor decision.”