Matt Karash: Carolina Hurricanes blog: Shopping what's left of free agent pool

Problem with who's left is you're going to sign them to a one year deal, they'll perform well and earn a ridiculous raise in two seasons, and sign in Pittsburgh or something like that.

Forwards

C Roy
C Handzus

Wingers
I like the Stempniak option but he may be a product of the Pens top Cs
Heatley (yes hes a LW but he could be a 1 yr grab that could bring big benefits)

D- D is more than likely set
Del Zotto - I dont think he's an option unless Peters isnt ready for Murphy.

I really dont see an addition until August when Heatley, Stem, or Roy reduce their price to a low 1 year deal.

Sign Roy and MDZ.

Matt,

I would like to see the Canes sign a Derek Roy, Danny Heatley, or Stepniak. The list of top 9 capable forwards is thin.

As far as defense, if a deal can be made to sign Bellemore, I think it should be done. I fear though that since he hasn't been signed he must have a high asking price and possibly no longer wants to be a Cane (based on the signing of Gleason). Pure speculation on my part though.

If Del Zotto can help run the power play, then the Canes need to pick him up. The powerplay has suffered for quite a while. Sekera had a great year last year, but is no Pikanen on the powerplay. Canes need a PP QB.

Based on the 1 year signings and lack of moves RF has made so far, could RF be setting the team up for a rebuild after this upcoming season? Since you can't give Ward away right now I can easily envision a scenario where Franchise hopes Ward and E Staal have a decent enough season that he can trade them for draft picks at the trade deadline if the team isn't competing for a playoff spot.

Also any thoughts on Ek's rumor of a possible E Staal for J Thornton trade?

Also any thoughts on Ek's rumor of a possible E Staal for J Thornton trade?
- jdtarheel78

No idea.

I like the Ward for Marleau deal better though but would have to either eat salary or sweeten this deal somehow. Marleau is a big overpaid but still functional top half of roster player whereas Ward is a player who needs to rebound to justify even 1/2 of his price.

Preds sign Volchenkov for $1 mill for one year Is he washed up and if not why would the canes not take a shot at him Seems like a good solid choice for hardly any money

Good lord, you guys got gleason back?

If this is the Canes team that is heading into the season, I think it will be 6 in a row without playoffs. Current ESPN Power Rankings has the Canes dead last. While I don't think they will be that bad, I do think there are still a lot of holes for them to fill still in order for them to be competitive.

I agree another Top 4 D is needed, though I don't agree at all that MDZ is the answer. A big right wing who can score (maybe take a gamble on Heatley?) is another key need. And lots of help needed on the power play, nothing at all has been done to address this key need.

I know it won't happen, but I would love to see Joe Thornton skating next to Semin instead of E Staal. Semin would likely score 80+ points.

http://espn.go.com/nhl/powerrankings

The Gleason signing was frustrating. You mean to tell me that he wouldn't have been there in September?

What I'd like to see more than any signing/trade RF is contemplating: EFFORT. Mother truckin' effort every flippin' shift. I'd rather pay Gerbe 8 mil/year (read sarcasm) than Stall (I spelled his name wrong on purpose because that's what he looks like going back on D half the time!)

Brassard, Klein, Talbot, and a pick or prospect from NYR for E. Staal, Carolina eats about 1.5M of his salary to make it work cap-wise.

Carolina gets a C to replace Staal, a goalie to potentially replace Ward in the future, and a top 4 D-man, as well as a pick/prospect.

What do you think Carolina fans?

Number One need has to be a productive third line center. Can't have another season with 2 4th lines.

MDZ could be a decent addition to the D, R Murphy not proven, would be an upgrade over J Harrison, and who knows if Gleason has anything left.

Brassard, Klein, Talbot, and a pick or prospect from NYR for E. Staal, Carolina eats about 1.5M of his salary to make it work cap-wise.

Carolina gets a C to replace Staal, a goalie to potentially replace Ward in the future, and a top 4 D-man, as well as a pick/prospect.

What do you think Carolina fans?
- vroppelt

Meh no chance but I do think we'll get Marc Staal straight up next season to go with Eric & Jordan.

Sad that the Canes have done nothing in the past two weeks that warrants an update.