'Canes Free Agency

[Hanna Sniper]

Hurricanes say goodbye too

Derek Boogaard – Derek was a valuable member for the ‘Canes in the 2010 season netting zero points in 78 games while amassing a total of 49 penalty minutes. Although his production doesn't reflected his use to the team the ‘Canes were unprepared to offer Derek a raise due to the league crackdown against role players like Derek in the league

Shane O’Brien – Shane was seeking a 2.10M contract from the Hurricanes and the ‘Canes weren’t prepared to over pay for the roll that Shane was going to provide for us. Although it is the CPHL way to not let an asset get away from you without anything in return, the Canes approached it in another way and used his 2M cap hit along with a 3M allocated cap for a backup goaltender to use the space to cover starting tender Cristobal Huet 5M cap hit for the season.

Jason Labarbera – After signing Jason to a 6M contract last season and then sending him to the farm directly afterwords and assuring him that he’ll never see CPHL ice for the remainder of the year… The ‘Canes didn’t expect Jason to be answering our calls anyway. Hopefully his new deal with the Rangers will guarantee a playing spot with the blue shirts and reward him for the shaft the ‘Canes gave him last season.

Martin Gerber – Martin had a 4.57 GAA for the ‘Canes last season. We didn’t want him back and are happy to be parting ways with him and look forward towards padding our stats against him in the future.

What’s old is new again

Chris Neil – The Hurricanes decided not to offer a grid contract and hope to retain his rights during UFA process. Chris was our number one targeted player through free agency, we knew we took a huge risk allow him to hit the open market but we also knew he was aware of his value and roll to our hockey club.

Tim Jackman – Tim rejoins the ‘Canes for his second tour of duty. Tim had previously played his younger years with the Hurricanes AHL affiliate at the time Lowell Lock Monsters. He’ll slot in and fill the hole of the departure of Boogaard as the ‘Canes slightly tweak the actual roll dedicated for that slotted player.

Welcome to Raleigh

Sean O'Donnell – Sean will replace O’Brien as a reserve defenceman but with a cap hit that more reflects such a roll. He’ll add a veteran leadership which will have a much needed addition if an injury occurs on our blue line and also opens up the possibility of trading away two defenders in a trade without acquiring one as the Hurricanes now have 8 NHL defencemen on their pro team.

Ales Kotalik – at 63ov Ales will provide some depth to the roster as his speed will be an asset to the usual slow footed physicals players the ‘Canes usually ice. This contract is a result of the risk we’re able to take on due to our usual tight budget ways. If he gets his game back then it’s a win win, if not then it’s no big deal as we’re be able to absorb his hit very easily.

Joey MacDonald – The jury is still out on if he’ll spend much time in the organization but we’ve offered him the chance to play in the CPHL elsewhere in this league and if that doesn’t happen then he can fight for a starting job in Albany this fall.

Nicola Riopel & Matt Dalton – after using last years free agency to fill the organization with veteran goaltending depth, the ‘Canes went the reveres and stocked up on goaltending prospects to protect the nets this year. With the AHL ov hit this year throughout the AHL alumni we felt going green between the pipes would provide less damage then previous seasons and begin the process of trying to build up some depth within the position.