Friday Free Agent Free-for-All: Open Discussion

Who will the Hurricanes target in free agency? Depth in the forward ranks? Improving the defense? Backup in net? All or none of the above? This off-season seems to lack the drama of a Suter or Parise (or enigmatic Russian winger) sweepstakes, but if history is any indication, there will likely be many twists and turns throughout the day as the league officially enters free agency starting at noon. Stay tuned here for news and discussion, and as always, if there is a transaction by the Hurricanes we'll publish a new article.

Media alert - Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford will address the media today at 2 pm.

The Canes website has a handy player tracker that summarizes transactions and lists out all the current UFAs and RFAs from the roster. Click [here].

Also for your convenience, the Hurricanes Salary Cap page, courtesy of [capgeek].

Chip's take: [N&O: Canes enter free agency with options, openings]

TSN has a "top 30" UFA tracker [here].

NHL Network US TV coverage starts at noon.

In yesterday's news:

* A blockbuster seven-player trade between Boston and Dallas sends Tyler Seguin to the Stars in exchange for Loui Eriksson. Completing the trade were Rich Peverley and Ryan Button from Boston to Dallas, and Joe Morrow, Reilly Smith, and Matt Fraser from Dallas to Boston. Reactions on [Stanley Cup of Chowder] and [Defending Big D].

* After being bought out by the Flyers, forward Danny Briere agreed to terms with the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens have reportedly offered a two-year, $8m contract with a no-trade clause. Read more at [Eyes on the Prize].

* Hitting the UFA market due to buyouts are Mikhael Grabovski (who had [this] to say about the decision], Erik Belanger, Darrel Powe, Johan Hedberg, and Aaron Asham.

And in other Hurricanes news.... yesterday this happened.

Hi twitter

— Jeff Skinner (@JeffSkinner) July 3, 2013