Mr. Rutherford: We're counting on you
by hockeymomof2 on Feb 11, 2010 4:21 PM EST
9 comments
Once the Ilya Kovalchuk trade was consummated last week, the focus of those NHL media mavericks, eagerly twittering messages of rumors and deals with the trade deadline approaching, turned to the office of Carolina Hurricanes' GM Jim Rutherford. The extreme parity in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings has created a short list of sellers and available "assets". For better or for worse, we've known for months that Jim Rutherford is open for business.
With the patience of a professional goaltender, Mr Rutherford is at last in an enviable position, maximizing the return he can bring home on these deadline deals. The Hurricanes faithful should expect his negotiations to bring to our Hurricanes an impressive foundation that will make the team serious contenders next season, and for years to come.
Have at it, Mr Rutherford; make it happen. It's painful enough for all of us (and we know you hate it too) to say good-bye to these familiar faces when we share so many remarkable memories. Still, in the CBA salary cap world exacerbated by this "hard times" economy, we unfortunately can't have it all. So, if this has to happen, we're counting on you to build another thrilling team for whom the Caniac Nation will be cheering for years to come.
Now, the Buyers may look at this differently
However, if you're a bubble team or one looking to go all the way, and you're desperate for the missing element on your roster, that consistent play-off veteran who will bring stability to your room as the post-season approaches, you may not take kindly to Mr Rutherford's powerplays for the Hurricanes' benefit. By all reports, numerous "buyers" have approached our savvy GM in recent weeks; John Forslund said in comments on NHLLive Tuesday that there were nine teams scouting at the RBC Center that night - including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild, and presumably that night's opponent, the Florida Panthers.
This article appeared in the Florida Sun-Sentinel a few days ago, describing the predicament the Florida Panthers General Manager, Randy Sexton finds himself in, and gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of the dynamics amongst all the NHL GMs this week. Here's a reminder of his comments, and it's safe to say we know one seller he has been talking to:
..With so much parity in the Eastern Conference, hardly any team has decided it will be a seller. As for teams talking possible deals with the Panthers, "there are a lot of [teams] out there with guns and masks."
(Thanks go out once more to Raccoon Fink for illustrating the idea so well)
Here's my request as a dedicated member of the Caniac Nation: Hang tough, Jim Rutherford! Be smart, be patient and remember the longterm plan. This isn't your favorite part of the job, we know, but I believe you understand how to do it well. And for that, we Caniacs owe you our support and tremendous gratitude.
Go Canes!
0 recs |
9 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Awesome article
Great job HM2. Excellent, excellent article.
Let’s get 5,000 more STHs and at least be on equal footing financially with all NHL organizations. It won’t be the panacea, but it will be a huge improvement for everybody concerned.
Time will tell IF JR “remains” as the GM with the steel " cahonies" or not. While the canes as a team can improve it’s over all w/l record by the end of this season…but and this is why i hate the business side of pro sports…as at times it gets too slick, too sneaky and too slippery for my tastes…but i’m an old fan, what would i know ?
If you think you can't, you won't !
I just read a HockeyBuzz article about Cullen going to Buffalo for their 2nd. Don’t we already have their 2nd?
by PackPride17 on Feb 11, 2010 5:59 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Did I hear somewhere else the Dominik Moore was traded to Montreal for a 2nd round draft pick?
If Fla. can get a 2nd rounder for Dominik Moore… We can surely get a LOT more for Cullen…
If apples are really apples and oranges are really oranges…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Feb 11, 2010 11:01 PM EST reply actions
Off topic
Has anyone seen or heard from Paladin?
Hate to say it but I kinda miss the ol’ cantankerous bastard! ;-)
Is he snowed in on a mountain somewhere?
Hope all is well.
-martin (ducking)
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canes Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- In which former NHL coach Ken Hitchcock foils a shoplifter
- Montreal's Price talks new 2-year contract, expectations post-Halak
- Donald Fehr aware of Kovalchuk drama, mum on everything else
- Puck Headlines: Savard's agent rants on Bettman; Halak in Montreal
- Boudreau, Crawford placed on the coaching hot seat
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
