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Chuck Kaiton was on 99.9 The Fan late today and told Mike Maniscalco that the trade sending Niclas Wallin to San Jose was close to being completed, but was still not finalized. The problem? Wallin's agent was negotiating a contract extension with Sharks GM, Doug Wilson.
According to Kaiton, he believed that the Sharks wanted to sign the big defenseman for a longer term than Wallin originally wanted. Apparently, the Swede did not want to sign a deal for longer than one year, but Wilson wants two. Plus, there is still a small matter of dollars and cents to be agreed upon as well.
The "Hall of Fame Voice" of the Hurricanes said that the return would be a good one for the Carolina organization, reportedly a second round draft pick. But to give up that much, Wilson wanted to make sure he could lock up "The Swede" for longer than a year.
Wallin still calls the shots here though as he could nix the trade by utilizing his "No Trade Clause"if he doesn't like the terms, but this deal looks to be about done except for the details. Although you know what they say about details.
Chip Alexander interviewed Jim Rutherford this afternoon and the Carolina GM said that they should know something within 24 hours.
In other news, Jiri Tlusty was reassigned to Albany this afternoon. The organization is still happy with the youngster, but they want to make sure he keeps playing through the Olympic break. The coaching staff wants him to work on his shot.
The young Czech had an open net the other night in Edmonton, but sent the puck wide. He and Sutter have been able to generate several chances together over the past few games, but need to put more of those chances on the scoreboard.
Tlusty has one goal and five assists in 18 games so far this season for the Canes.
The team was hoping that Erik Cole could take his spot in the lineup tomorrow night against Buffalo, but that looks unlikely. They may recall another player from Albany tomorrow.
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There is also a report that Tuomo Ruutu might be able to return to action as soon as Saturday night in Long Island. We will follow that news.