Many of you may have already seen that the Hurricanes have been busy this week with trades Brian Boucher (G) and Mark Alt (D)to the Flyers for Luke Pither (C) (to be assigned to the Checkers). Apologies to those who will miss Anthony Stewart as he (and 2 draft picks) will travel to Los Angeles for new Hurricanes RW enforcer Kevin Westgarth.

Haven't seen much on this kid Luke Pither yet.....but he has scored 11 goals and 14 assists in 35 games in the ECHL this season. Looking forward to good things here as he brings depth to the system at Center.

The Goaltending barometer is completely clear now with Boucher moved along. This makes room for newly acquired Dan Ellis (Anaheim last year) to back up Ward and so far, has gone 8-7-2 with a .922 save percentage for the Checkers this season.

I just need to mention here that Jim Rutherford and the Canes have not wasted any time getting things done now that the new CBA is effective. Combined with the moves the Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin things are shaping up. Very excited for the 19th to get here to see how Muller has things set.