Chad LaRose and Erik Cole Hit Open Market in Two Days

by Bob Wage on Jun 29, 2009 11:19 AM EDT

Jim Rutherford has two days left before his top free agents, Chad LaRose and Erik Cole, will enter the free agent marketplace. The Carolina Hurricanes general manager has mentioned on more than one occasion that he wants to bring both players back into the Carolina Hurricanes family, but obviously the parties are having trouble agreeing on the terms. While the Canes could still sign one or both of the players after the July 1st target date, it is unlikely that will happen because there is no way that Rutherford will enter into a bidding war to keep their services.

Both players are generating a bit of interest around the league. Chad LaRose's name has been brought up numerous times on various blogs as a productive player who could be signed at a reasonable price. While there seems to be less fan interest out there for Cole, he can still be a dangerous player and his physical nature is something several general managers crave. The magic question is, at what price?

While losing one of these players would be understandable considering the budget restraints as well as the unknown marketplace, losing both of them could be disastrous. Each of them bring positive intangibles into the dressing room as well as onto the ice. Both are extremely popular players with the fanbase. Could it come down to making a choice between the two?

LaRose gives you constant energy. He had a career year last year, excelled in the playoffs, and would be a cheaper option. His stock is certainly rising.

Cole brings a physical strength the Canes need on the forecheck, helps create space for Eric Staal which makes his game better, and has more experience. But even though his stock seems to be dropping because he may have lost a step or two, he would command more money than LaRose.

The time is getting near. Jim Rutherford might need to make a choice, step up to the plate and sign at least one of these guys, or possibly lose them both.

______

Hurricanes Newsstand:

We have not had a newsstand recently because quite frankly, there has not been much team related news out and about to share. Even the News and Observer has been pretty quiet. But with all the activity that comes with the draft, there are some interesting stories to review. Here are a few we found:

News and Observer - Walkers Winning at Life, (Julie Walker cancer update)

Kennebec Journal - Hometown boy, Brian Dumoulin, gets drafted by Hurricanes

New England Hockey Journal - Carolina on his Mind

Finnish Hockey Draft Review - Another opinion about players from Finland

Guelph Mercury - Kennedy surprised to be picked by Canes

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A little more info from Canes Now this morning:

About the contract negotiations:

“I don’t know. It’s tough to read,” general manager Jim Rutherford said today. “I really don’t know. There has not been any change in terms of getting closer together.”
Cole and LaRose are unrestricted free agents and Rutherford had said he hoped to quick negotiate with the forwards after the playoffs ended and reach an agreement before July 1. He said both had been offered multi-year contracts.
“Originally, we were looking at a one-year contract with Erik, but before leaving for the draft we moved it to two years,” Rutherford said. “You put out the best deal you can. We think we’ve made both of them fair offers. But what we think is fair and what they think is fair can be two different things.”

He re-stated that discussions w/Seids were done till after July 1. Then, about Babchuk:

He again mentioned veteran defenseman Frantisek Kaberle and sound very optimistic that Anton Babchuk, a restricted free agent, would return. “Babchuk, with Joni Pitkanen, could round out our top four,” he said.

Read the rest here.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

Hmm...

So I wonder what his “mention” of Kaberle meant, exactly.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Chad vs LaRose

Well hopefully it won’t come to that with JR having to decide between the two of them with what their agents are asking. I have always been a Chad LaRose fan and would rather see him if I had to choose between the two of them.

I really do think we will hear about a signing for both of them tomorrow. I think Cole will be signedat 2.5 million/yr for 2 years and LaRose at 1.5 million/yr.at 3 years. Just my gut feeling, nothing else.

by c59 on Jun 29, 2009 11:50 AM EDT reply actions

Those numbers would be fair to both sides….And I agree they’ll wait to the last minute.

Is this something we should approach the hockey gods about ? – Just trying to help however I can. Or, do they stay away from contract negotiations? Any evidence one way or the other? (Hossa comes quickly to mind).

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

what is supposed to be blessed by Wallin this time? JR’s desk, or phone?! =)

by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 29, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Good question. His calculator, maybe – to make the numbers work?

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd say the executive fountain pen.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Correction: Cole vs LaRose

Sorry this is what I meant.

by c59 on Jun 29, 2009 11:51 AM EDT reply actions

i the consensus is that cole returning with no larose is a lose for us. but that larose returning with no cole is not as bad.

hm..

by chrisj on Jun 29, 2009 12:12 PM EDT reply actions

At this point, I don’t care.

JR has will have made a HUGE blunder if he loses both.

Absolutely colossal. Has to go out and make a splash with someone else’s UFA colossal.

by Iggy Reilly on Jun 29, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Then again...

If that money is freed up, he’ll have a chance to get another guy or two who are undervalued that we haven’t even had the chance to think about.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Remember, we still have to get thru Ruutu and Jokinen – tho I suppose they won’t demand as much negotiating, as they are RFA’s. Wonder if they’ll get longer term (>3 yr) contracts?

And we all know Mr Ward becomes a UFA in 367 days.

This is a real juggling act for JR – especially with $6mil less to throw around than the GM’s working with a cap.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions

If I were GM for the moment, I would focus on keeping Rosie…

by Andrea's evil twin on Jun 29, 2009 12:42 PM EDT reply actions

I guess business is business…..

But then again… a guy like LaRose can put butts in the seats… or standing in front of the seats… whichever you choose….

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jun 29, 2009 12:51 PM EDT reply actions

I’m so eager to know how these discussions go today and tmrw, I signed up for Twitter just so I can get instant “tweets” from both Canes Country and the Hurricanes directly on my cell the moment the announcements are made. RSS just wasn’t fast enough.

Then, my 12-yr old son had the nerve to ask me if this was really healthy. Hmmm. (you’d think with the way he obsesses playing Call of Duty online with his buddies he could relate.)

Maybe I should just quit the Canes for the summer and not think about it till September.

Naaah.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 12:54 PM EDT reply actions

"you’d think with the way he obsesses playing Call of Duty online with his buddies he could relate"

LOL. At least he’s not a world of warcraft kid.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions

That was last year.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

you should thank god every night that phase didnt last long!

by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 29, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

+1 (million)

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

From Pokemon in kindergarten, then Yugioh, Runescape, World of Warcraft thru the entire gamut of Gamecube, then PS2, then Xbox 360 and Wii, there is no “phase” we’ve skipped in the last 7 years.

Th upside is that both boys discovered and learned to love classic Rock Music thanks to RockBand (& now study guitar and drums) Even more importantly, they started and stuck with playing ice hockey, thanks to an introduction to NHL06 in April 06.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Did you know...

That Rock Band drumming is supposed to actually be a good teaching tool for beginning the fundamentals of real drumming?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I can vouch for that. My 9-yr old is doing amazing things after only 3 weeks with a real drumset. The teacher was quite impressed after one lesson how quickly he picked it up (both the rhythms and the hand-foot coordination)

And my guitar playing 12 yr old apparently has an amazing sense of rhythm which his very experienced teacher says he has seen in other kids who began with RB or GH.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Gross

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Re signings

This smells a little bit like Tampa Bay. I love Staal , think he is great for this team …. but when one player takes up so much cap space, it really creates difficulty trying to preserve
a balanced lineup. I like both players and would hate to see us lose either one .
If I had to guess, they sign LaRose and let Cole walk.

by JohnSS on Jun 29, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

Staal's contract is reasonable for what he gives and what guys of his stature are paid.

It’s cap burdens like Kaberle, Wallin, et al. that are making things difficult.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Detroit's Way or No-Way?

Detroit does some of their star player contracts over 10 tyears so they can stay under the cap and keep the player for long term. I wonder if in the long run that this will prove to be a productive thing for them, It certainly is working for them now. Maybe JR should have done this for a player like Staal and Ward to keep more room for the cap.

We better come out with a good team in the next 2 seasons, because the East is becoming more and more talented with younger players than we are and that is scary to me!

by c59 on Jun 29, 2009 2:10 PM EDT reply actions

Canes as a budget team

Since we don’t actually get near the cap, instead having to stay with the $50mil owner-imposed budget, some of this doesn’t really apply to the Canes, does it? I’d like to think the next 2 years Mr Karmanos will finish with a profit and allow us to creep a little closer to the big boys with their $57mil payrolls. Are there any teams near the floor (about $40mil I think)?

You’re right we don’t have many regular players on the roster <25 yrs old. I was thinking that during the playoffs, esp vs the Pens (the most obvious with 3 strong centers, all at 22 and under). But it sounds like we have a few just coming up who have strong potential. I guess we’ll know more about these kids after Camp. This is when it’s very nice to have someone with Cory’s connections to re-assure us…

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

From the 'Canes down last year...

22 CAR 51.071
23 TBL 50.973
24 BUF 50.625
25 TOR 50.107
26 NYI 46.705
27 PHX 45.521
28 NAS 45.437
29 LAK 43.899
30 ATL 43.591

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Geez, that took you friggin’ 25 minutes! Can you imagine how frustrated the fans are in ATL? I’m surprised at the Kings though.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

How many Full-Cap teams are there?

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions

There were 12 teams at (cap-$1 mil) or above:

PHI, WAS, CGY, and CHI actually managed to somehow spend over it. The others were ANA, MTL, DET, DAL, SJ, BOS, PIT, and NYR.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks again. Not Toronto? WTF?- don’t they have a decent enough fanbase and TV contract?

I’d like to see us in the middle “10” (instead of the bottom 9), if we get thru a couple rounds of the playoff this season.

You see Canes Now says Jussi just got a 2-yr deal:

Jokinen, a restricted free agent, will receive $1.5 million next season and $1.9 million in the 2010-11 season.
“Jussi was a good addition to our team last season, and he really stepped into his role in the playoffs,” general manager Jim Rutherford said. "His ability to contribute on the power play and penalty kill, and his versatility at different forward positions makes him a valuable player."

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

NHL Fanhouse

recent free agent article at NHL Fanhouse includes Cole and LaRose

Bargain bin-

Chad LaRose – Carolina Hurricanes. LaRose proved his two-way value during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as he was a huge factor defensively while chipping in some huge goals for the underdog Hurricanes. He made just $875,000 last season, so he’s in line for a huge raise. That said, he isn’t likely to break the bank, and he could be a great addition to a playoff contender.

Buyer beware-

Erik Cole – Carolina Hurricanes. Instead of being a huge piece in Edmonton’s return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Cole became a non-factor in Edmonton, tallying just 27 points in 63 games. The Oilers didn’t hesitate to send him back to Raleigh in a three-team deal at the trade deadline.

Back with his old team, Cole was okay down the stretch, but then went goalless in 18 playoff games, picking up just five assists. He may be looking for a raise on the $4 million he made in his walk year, but why would anyone want to give it to him?

GM of CanesCountry.com

by Bob Wage on Jun 29, 2009 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

Come on now...

I don’t think Cole would be looking for a raise in his wildest dreams.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Sounds like they’ve been reading your blog Bubba. I think we all agree that LaRose shouldn’t “break the bank” and Cole won’t get many lookers with open checkbooks.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting that Cole and Havlat were the only 2 members they assigned to the Buyer Beware aisle. You’d think there would be a more lengthy list. Gee whiz – Cole’s stock is dropping like an anchor this month. I kinda feel sorry for him.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope he felt sorry for us during April and May.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 29, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I think that’s when he was feeling sorry for himself actually (esp’ly during those 4 games with Orpik on the same ice).

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Birthday request

Dear JR,
All I want for my birthday tomorrow is a Carolina Hurricanes Contract signed by Chad LaRose! Thanks!!!! :)

by jenniwa30 on Jun 29, 2009 5:46 PM EDT reply actions

And you certainly deserve it young lady! Let’s all think good thoughts on that.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jun 29, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions

SAME HERE!! We need LaRose more than Cole, sorry Cole fans, but I think LaRose will help us more in the long run……

by lrcaniac on Jun 29, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

ditto

Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader

by Ivan459 on Jun 29, 2009 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions

couldnt agree more

by Lrccolt4 on Jun 29, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Please JR just get Rosie resigned. The guy proved to me he can play and he deserves a pay raise. Let Cole go. The guy didn’t show enough to me this time, and unless he goes with a deal similar to Jussi, I would pass.

Rosie needs to come back. We DO NOT have a replacement for him!

Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader

by Ivan459 on Jun 29, 2009 9:51 PM EDT reply actions

Exactly what time does FA start? Is it midnight, or some time during the day today?

by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 30, 2009 10:18 AM EDT reply actions

http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/rutherford-cole-to-test-fa-market

Cole to test the market

Chad looking better, but no word for sure yet.

by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 30, 2009 12:36 PM EDT reply actions

Screw Cole. We don’t need him anyway. He wants top dollar for his play when his play qualifies as a third line player. HE ISN’T WORTH THE HASSLE OR THE MONEY. Thank God he is walking. At least now Jr can use today and the money he saved to get Ruu, LaRose, and whoever else he trying to sign back, re-signed.

Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader

by Ivan459 on Jun 30, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions

he def does not deserve anything over 2.5 mil, but I am sure the Sabres, The Sens, and a few other teams will pay him at least that, probably closer to 3.5 though.

eh… whatever. I like the guy, but would rather have Ruutu and Larose ANY day.

by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 30, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions