The Carolina Hurricanes players and front office continue their exit interviews today. The general vibe seems to be that the team would like the same group back next season, and the players who have the option to leave want to stay.
Right now everyone is saying all the right things. But as they say, money talks. But players like Jussi Jokinen, who got his groove back in Raleigh playing with two fellow Finns, and Erik Cole, who returned to the team that drafted him after less than a season in Edmonton, would likely look beyond the dollar signs to stay with the Canes.
Also, Peter Laviolette is pursuing the Minnesota Wild's coaching vacancy, telling the Star-Tribune:
"It's a terrific, prime position for whoever gets the opportunity there, but nothing at this point officially has happened yet. I'm definitely interested in coaching again. Minnesota is one of the premier jobs out there, so if there was a possibility, it's certainly something I'd like to explore."
Canes Country: Highlights of Jim Rutherford Press Conference • Hurricanes’ First Offseason Acquisition? New HD Scoreboard For RBC Center
News & Observer: Expect Canes captain to return • Jokinen hopes to return • Focus turns to coaches • Canes start next task • Cole expects to be back • Tough timing for Cullen • Wallin, Corvo talk defense
CarolinaHurricanes.com: Cole Expects to Return Next Season • Coming Back a No-Brainer for Captain • Jokinen Hoping to Stay • Rutherford/Maurice Conference Notes • Exit Interview Videos
WRALSportsFan.com: Stories, video and audio
850 The Buzz: Brind’Amour Will Have To Fight For Spot?
Puck Daddy: The breaking of Cam Ward • Eulogy: Remembering the 2008-09 Carolina Hurricanes
Yahoo! Sports: Cowher underfire for supporting Hurricanes against Pens
Star Tribune: Laviolette in the hunt for Wild coaching job
St. Paul Pioneer Press: New Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher taking his time to find a new head coach
Post-Bulletin: Laviolette in the hunt for Wild GM position