The Hurricanes have signed defenseman Jamie McBain to a two-year contract worth $3.6 million. Carolina also re-signed minor league defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti and forward Nicolas Blanchard to two-way deals.
Rutherford Won't "Gut" Canes Roster
By David Droschak
The Florida Panthers tore apart their team and won the Southeast Division. The Philadelphia Flyers dealt two of their captains and finished with 103 points.
Tempting indeed -- especially for a team that has missed the playoffs five of six seasons since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006.
But Carolina GM Jim Rutherford re-enforced a point Monday that the Canes improvement since the All-Star break under Kirk Muller spells a bright future; and that the club may just be one top forward away from contending. Read more.
Staal's Parting Shot
By David Droschak
Eric Staal drove past the security gate and entered PNC Arena on schedule for a game night like he had done so many other times this season. His compete level was there, even though his heart was hurting a bit.
“It was kind of depressing driving into the rink today,” Staal said following a 2-1 shootout victory over Montreal in the home finale. “Not being in the playoffs, it was tough coming in, but when you’re here the fans wanted to watch a hockey game and you want them to leave happy." Read more.
"It was never
about fighting"
by Kurt Dusterberg
Jesse Boulerice made his living in the NHL primarily with his fists. But like other tough guys, he couldn't have made it to the league with hockey skills. Now retired, Boulerice has to take the long view of his role.
As he moves into the next chapter of his life, he tackles some weighty questions: Was it worth the health risk? Does he feel fulfilled? In Part II of his interview with HurricanesBeat.com, Jesse tells the story of his last years in hockey — and the first year of the rest of his life. Read more.
Confidence Carried Boulerice to NHL
by Kurt Dusterberg
Jesse Boulerice has a secure place in Hurricanes history as the franchise's most tenured —and revered — enforcer. On sheer confidence, he made the roster in 2002. But like many players who drop the gloves for a living, the challenges grew more difficult over a 12-year career.
Jesse sat down with HurricanesBeat.com for a wide-ranging discussion. In Part I, he talks about playing for the Canes, including his time with Carolina's Stanley Cup team of 2005-06. Read more.
Battaglia pushes on with Swedish team
by Kurt Dusterberg
*UPDATE: Battaglia's team, Karlskrona, won its league championship on Wednesday.
Bates Battaglia, one of the stars from Carolina's 2002 Stanley Cup Finals team, is still in the game 10 years later. But there's a bit of adventure involved: Bates is skating six time zones away, in Karlskrona, Sweden.
Battaglia checks in with HurricanesBeat.com to talk about Swedish hockey (he's got a couple beefs), his thoughts on the 2002 Cup run, and...beer. Read more.
Next up: Finding players who fit
by Kurt Dusterberg
Two weekend home games brought separate issues into focus. With Friday's overtime loss to Winnipeg, the Hurricanes were officially eliminated from playoff contention. Then a 5-0 loss to New Jersey on Saturday drew attention to the talent gap between Carolina and the NHL's top teams. It is clear that the Hurricanes must address that gap.
Plus, we chat with Devils legend Martin Brodeur, former Hurricane Alexei Ponikarovsky and not-so-quirky Winnipeg goalie Chris Mason. Read more.
The Grim Reaper: Living on the Edge
By David Droschak
Stu Grimson earned his living with bare knuckles, protecting teammates – and at times himself from flying haymakers -- for the Carolina Hurricanes and seven other NHL clubs during his lengthy career.
At 6-foot-6, 240 pounds and few if any superior offensive skills to speak of, Grimson’s cast was set when he logged four fights in his first four NHL games, taking him on a curious journey and membership into an enforcer fraternity that is unlike anything in organized sports. Read more.
© 2012 Created by Kurt Dusterberg.
