Rathje is off the block

[Hanna Sniper]

Rathje to retire a 'Cane

The Carolina Hurricanes officially took Mike Rathje of any current and future trade blocks, but delayed a decision on whether the defenseman will undergo surgery and be placed on the long-term-injury list to have his salary come off the salary cap.

With such a foggy outlook, retirement may be the only option for the Rathje, who has gutted out the pain so far in Carolina.

With Mikes return to the ice this fall we had picked up talks about moving the baulking defender as we felt the Mike might be able to make one last Cup run. But with Mike's on going injuries problems it looks like a return to the ice will not happen.

The Hurricanes would hope the League officials can look into what the effect of being placed on Long Term IR in the NHL has on his CPHL statis because although such a move would be thought of retired but no official retirement would happen as the Flyers would not be responsible for paying him his salary.

Anyways Rathje shall finish of his career as a Hurricane either by fulfilling his remaining year in his contract or by exiting the dressingroom and letting a younger body gain the experience