The Carolina Hurricanes have several open roster spots and so far they’re not sure what to do with them. Alexander Semin officially joined a new team, signing an extremely affordable contract with the Montreal Canadiens, which presumably leaves an open spot on the first or second line. Scanning through the rest of the roster, the club could also use some additional NHL experience on defense.
According to the News & Observer, the Hurricanes have spoken with a few players but they’re keeping their options open.
“There’s been some dialogue with some guys, but we’re still sitting and waiting to see where the numbers go,” Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis said Friday. “The guys we’ve talked about are not in a range we’d be comfortable with yet, so we’re keeping an eye on it. I’m not in a hurry to jump in.”
The Hurricanes are waiting to see how arbitration hearings pan out around the league.
“Some of what we’re looking at is not just guys who are out there, but there’s another week of arbitration hearings and teams might have to move guys or make people available,” Francis said.
Even if an AHL player is able to step up and win an NHL job, the Hurricanes still need to go out and find some help. That’s not to say fans should expect a marquee free agent acquisition, but it is difficult to envision the team standing pat as it is currently structured. If there is a blockbuster, it may come from a trade of Jeff Skinner. Rumors have suggested that the Hurricanes have been given several offers dating back to the NHL Draft, but to date the return hasn’t met the organization’s needs.
