Jim Rutherford and Mike Komisarek comment on signing

Mike Komisarek’s comments on signing with the Hurricanes:

“This was a lot more enjoyable going through it. It wasn’t as hectic and crazy.

You look at teams, you look at spots, you look at markets where you think that would be the best fit for you and Carolina definitely seemed to be that place with me. The organization, the market, seemed like the best fit for me.

When my agent spoke to Mr. Rutherford, whether they’d be interested, it was a no brainer for me.

I just thought this would be the best fit for me and my family, to go down there and get a fresh breath of air, get a new opportunity to play and be a part of a team that’s up and coming.

I’ve always enjoyed coming down there. It’s a great place, great city, a great environment. It’s going to be a breath of fresh air.”

Komisarek previously played under Muller in Montreal, where Muller was an assistant coach for the Canadiens:

“Kirky was a heart and soul guy, there’s no grey area for him. I think that you know exactly where you stand. I think he’s a hard guy, with the way he played and the way he coaches—he wears his heart on his sleeve. There’s no ‘bs’ about it.”

Komisarek’s thought’s on moving from a “hockey hotbed” in Toronto, to a smaller market in Raleigh:

“To go down to Carolina, where I don’t think there is that same sort of pressure and expectations and you’re not under the microscope every day, is just going to do wonders for me.

At the end of the day, you look for a chance for a change of scenery. This deal wasn’t really about the contract, the money or anything. This is a place where I wanted to go. I wanted a chance and I wanted to contribute.”

What he hopes to contribute to the team on and off the ice:

“In the end I’m just looking to quietly come in, contribute any way I can. I’m not a guy yelling and screaming, but lead by example. You do the right things, say what needs to be said and get to work.”

General manager Jim Rutherford’s comments on Komisarek signing:

“We added a defenseman today that we’d set out to. This is an important piece to our defense group, where we added a guy with size. He’s physical, he’s got great character and he’s a great penalty killer, and we’re very pleased to have him to give us a more balanced defense.”

Komisarek has struggled with staying healthy over the past few seasons. Here’s Rutherford’s comment regarding the defenseman’s current health:

“I don’t think they’re any risks, especially when you’re signing a one-year contract with a player. Based on our background check he’s in great shape. I’m not concerned about the injuries.”

Potential locker room presence:

“He’s really good with younger players and he will help our locker room.”

Rutherford also said there’s a possibility that the team could carry eight defenseman next year:

“As we saw this year, you cannot ever have too many defensemen. That could be a possibility if they all have good training camps.”