A Look Forward: Hurricanes RFA's

With the beginning of the free agency period just around the corner, here is my take on what the Hurricanes should do during this offseason.  While the Canes do have financial limitations, there are plenty of decisions to be made.  Based on history, I am assuming the Canes will set a personal salary cap of about $51 million.  This would allow them somewhere between $3 and $5 million to spend during the season to add a piece or two.  Please let me know what you think of my opinions.

Hurricanes Restricted Free Agents

Tuomo Ruutu– Ruutu is a skilled physical player that can score.  He throws his body around, will set up in front of the net, and plays a complete game.  His areas of concern are his injury history, recklessness and decision-making.  He fits best on either a 1st or 2nd line and can play on the power play.  He can play with anybody, but I think he complements Eric Staal very well.  Staal, Ruutu, and a skilled playmaker/passer would be a formidable line.

My offer: 3 years @ $8 to $8.4 million

I would like to see Ruutu signed long-term, but the Canes can always provide a qualifying offer of 1 year @ $2.48 million.

Jussi Jokinen– Jussi is solid two-way player that can play any forward position and contributes on all special teams.  He is a shootout specialist, is smart with and without the puck, and has the skills to become a nice point producer.  His areas of concern are his consistency, he not very physical and gets pushed around, and sometimes lacks confidence.  I think he is an ideal 3rd line center that can fill other positions and play on both special team units.

My offer: 1 year qualifying offer @ $1.99 million.

If he continues his play from the playoffs, the Canes should offer him an extended deal to possibly replace Matt Cullen at the end of next season.

Anton Babchuk– Babchuk is a power play specialist with an unbelievable shot.  He has offensive skills, can produce points, and has a lot of potential.  His areas of concern are his decision-making, skating, work ethic, and defensive responsibility.  He fits best at a reserve defenseman and plays on the power play.

My offer: Hopefully another team likes his offensive potential and offers him a deal and the Canes receive some compensatory picks, if not then they should let him walk.

Dwight Helminen – Mayo is an effort player that is defensively responsible.  He can give you a few solid minutes a game and may develop into a penalty killer.  His areas of concern are his size and skill level.  He fits best as a reserve forward and can play on the 4th line, but he’s not going to score much.

My offer: two-way contract; 2 years @ $1.05 million.

He’s not a bad player and will give it his all when on the ice; I think he’s just never going to develop into more than a 4th liner.

Patrick Dwyer– Dwyer is a solid young player that can play on the penalty kill.  He has a decent all around game, but excels on the defensive side.  His areas of concern are his small frame and lack of a scoring touch.  He fits best as a reserve forward that has potential to be a career forth liner and penalty killer.

My offer: two-way contract; 2 years @ $1.1 million.

I think given a little more time, Dwyer will be seen more regularly in the NHL.  It will probably be on the 4th line and in penalty kill situations.

Casey Borer– Borer is good young defenseman with NHL potential.  He has decent size, skates well, and plays responsible in the defensive zone.  His areas of concern are his lack of offensive and his reluctance to use his body to be physical.  He fits best as a reserve defenseman that may become a third pairing guy.

My offer: two-way contract; 2 years @ $1.2 million.

Borer needs to step up and show he can play at the NHL level.  He should receive limited NHL time this year, but needs to play a bigger role in the years to come.  

Brett Carson – Carson is a big guy that can play a good all-around defensive game.  His size it intimidating, passes the puck well, and has limited offensive abilities.  His areas of concern are his defensive responsibility and his inability to use that big frame of his.  He fits best as a reserve defenseman that can move up to a third pairing.

My offer: two-way contract; 2 years @ $1.2 million.

Carson may be asked to play a larger role at the NHL level this year.  He needs to use this year to learn how to play on this level.  I foresee Carson becoming a 2nd pairing player that can be used on special teams.

Bryan Rodney– Rodney is a smart defenseman what plays a complete game.  He makes good decisions with the puck, moves the puck well, and can contribute in the offensive zone.  His areas of concern are his lack of strength and consistency.  He fits best as a reserve defenseman that can play on the third pairing.

My offer: two-way contract; 2 years @ $1.2 million.

Rodney impressed me when he was called up this year.  If he can become more physical, he should become a solid NHL defenseman for years to come.

Noah Babin– Career AHLer.  My offer: Let him walk.

Mike Angelidis – Reserve forward.  My offer: two-way contract; 2 years @ $1.05 million.

Mark Flood – Occasional call-up.  My offer: two-way contract; 1 year @ $550,000

Joe Jensen – Reserve forward.  My offer: two-way contract; 1 year @ $574.750

Daniel Manzato– AHL goalie.  My offer: Let him walk.

Justin Peters – Possible call-up goalie that may replace Leighton after next season.  My offer: two-way contract; 2 years @ $1.48 million.