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Mr. Rutherford: We're counting on you

GM Jim Rutherford via cdn.nhl.com

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.

Star-divide

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."

Outlaw-jim-rutherford__2__medium

(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!

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Kudos!

Well put and succinct.Couldn’t have said it any better.

Go Canes!

by ivyleager on Feb 11, 2010 4:31 PM EST reply actions  

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.

by abramsdoug on Feb 11, 2010 5:10 PM EST reply actions  

I don’t know about anybody else, but this trade deadline is very exciting to me. Usually, we might be in on a mid-level player or two, but this year we could be sellers of the best available talent. It is exciting to see what we may get in return.

by PackPride17 on Feb 11, 2010 5:16 PM EST reply actions  

Nicely done HM2. My sentiments exactly. Rutherford is one of the BEST.

That's Chuck and the letter 'K'

by caniac17 on Feb 11, 2010 5:53 PM EST reply actions  

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 !

by CaniacSteve on Feb 11, 2010 5:55 PM EST reply actions  

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  

My poker face, p-p-p-poker face!

Still not a crook!

by TrickyD26 on Feb 11, 2010 6:10 PM EST 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)

by UTTRmartin on Feb 12, 2010 12:16 AM EST reply actions  

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# Pos. DOB W H
Bryan Allen 5 D 8/21/1980 226 6-5
Brian Boucher 33 G 1/2/1977 200 6-2
Drayson Bowman 21 C 3/8/1989 190 6-1
Tim Brent 37 C 3/10/1984 188 6-0
Patrick Dwyer 39 RW 6/22/1983 175 5-11
Justin Faulk 28 D 3/20/1992 205 6-0
Tim Gleason 6 D 1/29/1983 217 6-0
Jay Harrison 44 D 11/3/1982 211 6-4
Jussi Jokinen 36 LW 4/1/1983 198 5-11
Derek Joslin 27 D 3/17/1987 210 6-1
Chad LaRose 59 LW 3/27/1982 181 5-10
Jamie McBain 4 D 2/25/1988 200 6-2
Andreas Nodl 14 RW 2/28/1987 196 6-1
Justin Peters 60 G 8/30/1986 205 6-1
Joni Pitkanen 25 D 9/19/1983 210 6-3
Tuomo Ruutu 15 LW 2/16/1983 200 6-0
Jeff Skinner 53 RW 5/16/1992 193 5-11
Jaroslav Spacek 8 D 2/11/1974 210 6-0
Eric Staal 12 C 10/29/1984 205 6-4
Anthony Stewart 13 C 1/5/1985 230 6-3
Brandon Sutter 16 C 2/14/1989 183 6-3
Jiri Tlusty 19 C 3/16/1988 209 6-0
Cam Ward 30 G 2/29/1984 185 6-1

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