Give a Little Bit - Leighton in, Hedican out, Lavi quiet

by Bob Wage on Jun 6, 2008 10:21 AM EDT

Reviewing some brief news....

Luke reported late yesterday that Michael Leighton will indeed be offered a one-way contract with the Canes for next season. This news isn't shocking considering the goalie's outstanding performance in Albany last season. He also performed well in training camp and during a brief stint during a call up with the Hurricanes last year.

During a recent interview, Leighton expressed that he would be very happy if he could sign with Carolina before free agency starts on July 1st. It seems that there are two willing parties, so something should be completed soon on that front.

In the same article, apparently Bret Hedican has finally informed Jim Rutherford of his intention not to commit to the Hurricanes next year. Obviously, he wants to test the free agency market. It sounds like if he doesn't get any offers from other teams, then he might consider coming back to the Canes.

Hopefully, Jim Rutherford won't be holding his breath while waiting.

Luke also mentions that he has been trying to interview coach Peter Laviolette, but keeps getting referred to the Carolina PR department. Lavi has certainly kept a low profile since the end of the season. Are his feathers ruffled a bit over the way he was treated by upper management?

Maybe we will find out later. He will have to say something to the press eventually.

There is a report out of Russia that Anton Babchuk has been offered an invitation to Hurricanes training camp next season. Babchuk is contemplating his options. Don't take too long to think about it Anton, that's what got you into trouble in the first place.

06/03/2008 Anton Babchuk (Carolina Hurricanes) is currently evaluating his options, one of which is to return to North America and accept an offer from the Carolina Hurricanes. Another option for Anton is to remain in Russia and re-sign with HC Avangard (Omsk), which has given him a qualifying offer to remain with the club. While Babchuk did not completely fulfill the expectations placed on him this past season in the Super League (Russia 1), he did deliver a strong season, thus making his return to the NHL likely, though it may not be with the Hurricanes if they trade his rights .

I have mentioned before that I think it would be a good idea to bring Babchuk back in for training camp. He is still Canes property and maybe he can play well enough during the pre-season for the Canes to get some trade value out of him, if nothing else. If worst comes to worst, he can always go back to Russia. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

With both Wesley and Hedican gone, obviously Carolina needs help on the blueline. What will they do? One option could be Mike Commodore. He's a free agent, and he had a great year 2 years ago, (although a bad one last year). As long as the price is right, (under 2 million), I wouldn't have a problem bringing him back.

We will look more into other possible defensemen later next week.

I have added a couple of additional newsfeeds on the right sidebar. Eklund's Rumors are always entertaining to watch this time of year. 99% of his bunk never comes true, but it's still interesting to read. I have also added Puck Daddy's Blog, which is doing a great job over on Yahoo. I find myself checking James Mirtle's Blog a couple of times a day, so I thought that adding his feed would make things easier as well.

Supertramp

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Great update – but as for adding Eklund, that guy is a total scam artist, charging people for access to his bogus rumours that he generates himself. An awful, awful stain on the internet hockey community.

by Benjamin repenttokyo on Jun 6, 2008 11:17 AM EDT reply actions

yeah but the comments sections are a pretty good place to get together with other hockey fans from all over. I don’t pay any mind to the rumours except as humor!

by wylde4canes on Jun 6, 2008 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

I have slowly come around to blogs, and have come to really enjoy a few. Bubba, yours along with Fauxrumors, Puck Daddy, James Mirtle, Acid Queen and Joe Pelletier(?) are the best ones, I believe, and offer a wide variety of perspectives without all the BS.

I would be hesitant to bring Commodore back without addressing offense & grit on the blue line. It could be a step backwards.

Wesley without a doubt deserves to have his number retired, but I can’t help thinking about Rick Ley.

by marc on Jun 6, 2008 12:10 PM EDT reply actions

1) Thanks Marc! Bubba, you give Eklund a 1% accuracy rate? Very generous. LOL If there was ever any, the shine is definitely off Ek. Most now see him for what he always was: A tool for the NHL during the lockout, who had 1 legit contact(an agent) with minimal information. Have to give the guy credit for making more than a few bucks on a lot of gullible people
2) As for defensemen, if were Carolina we’d make a play for Orpik if his price isn’t ridiculous. He elevated his game in the post season and its good to have a defensemen that opposing forwards hate going against.

by fauxrumors on Jun 6, 2008 12:49 PM EDT reply actions

Faux-
I’m glad you mentioned Orpik – he was awesome during the finals, but didn’t like the whole Cole thing that went down. I was thinking how awesome he would be on the Cane’s blue line while I was watching, but I don’t think it’ll happen.

by marc on Jun 6, 2008 1:11 PM EDT reply actions

Thank God for Leighton! This is a great decision, and I dont see how any other one could have been made, without breaking bank for a backup in FA.

I am with you on Commodore- only if the price is right, and some CLEAR expectations are set. He just might be one of my fav players, but I want to see him excel.

I hate to see Hedican leave. I was really excited for him and Kristi during the Dancing With The Stars series… but I am selfish and want him to stay in Carolina.

by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 6, 2008 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I don’t know how Cole and Orpik would get along.

by Benjamin repenttokyo on Jun 6, 2008 6:29 PM EDT reply actions

I was actually a bit impressed with Commodore’s string of games after he returned from injury and just before he was traded. Seemed to be moving the puck better, putting some shots on net (and a goal or two), and upping the hustle level. With more work on his quickness, attention on the aforementioned items, an overall strategic focus on ‘Canes D by the new "Secretary of Defense’s" efforts to develop the entire game of those already on the roster, grit and intensity/desire by utility-man Conboy, and responsible backchecking and toughness by Ruutu (hopefully) and Brookbank, the team can build on Commodore and Corvo. Still need to add two to make the blue-line an iron curtain, though (Fortunately there aren’t any other GMs looking for the same :). ) Skilled, consistent, and 26-minute beasts preferred.

by SamsonovFan on Jun 6, 2008 7:23 PM EDT reply actions

….. also assuming Gleason, who is solid, stays.

by SamsonovFan on Jun 6, 2008 7:36 PM EDT reply actions

found a funny quote on Puckdaddy this morning:

“So is there a template all the Canadian newspapers share when it’s time to write the "hockey will never work in the United States, so let’s ship some warm-weather teams to Canada” editorial? It’s like an anti-U.S. Mad-Libs: “Obviously, hockey in (Southeast Division city) will never work, so they should be relocated to (Canadian city) before the NHL is completely (adjective).”

by Benjamin repenttokyo on Jun 9, 2008 10:45 AM EDT reply actions