Signings

[ohara]

Excellent news from the FO. Taking care of our own and keeping some players who would otherwise have become FA's. We resigned Pitkanen, Dwyer and LaRose. Very happy to keep them in the fold. We still need Jokinen and Erik Cole, but those are not looking as favorable as they were a few days ago. Hopefully we can find a way to keep one of them, if not both. I know the FO is going to try. We have some young defensmen we can bring along, but I wonder if they wont still go after a FA signing as a high profile defenseman. Kinda doubt they will ante up big money if they cannot keep Cole and Jokinen - unless that is the reason they cannot as they have a signing in the plans. Who knows.

[ohara]

Just signed Jokinen to a 3 year deal. Very happy to keep him on the team!

[ohara]

Well, we lost Eric Cole to the Montreal Canadians. But we signed Goalie Brian Boucher to strengthen our position when Cam sits out. Helps our depth there.

Also, we signed LW Alexei Ponikarovsky who had a miserable year last year and hopefully lives up to expectations this year with Carolina. Could be a big signing if he does. We also signed F Tim Brent and we resigned Jiri Tlusty.

Overall, not bad so far.

[ohara]

Couple of additions on Saturday 7/2/11.:

RW Anthony Stewart to a 2 yr deal and LW Justin Soryal to a 1 yr deal. I think they are banking on Soryal's youth giving him room to grow and improve. I like the Stewart signing as adding some depth and he can score.

Really like what the Canes are doing. Resigning who they wanted to and going after some needed depth.

[ohara]

Great signing today. Canes signed D Thomas Kaberle away from the Bruins. Big 3 year deal. A great puck mover like Pitkanen.

We then traded Joe Corvo to the Bruins for a 2012 4th round pick. Kinda hated to see him go, but it may have been due to the budget for the Canes. But I love the Kaberle signing today!

[ohara]

Resigned 2 of our young Defensemen - Bellemore and Joslin. They are young and will improve so I am glad to keep them aboard.

[Walt Cronkite]

Pretty pleased with Rutherford's decisions so far. Excited about next season!

[ohara]

Great job keeping Sutter with a 3 yr deal. I agree with you Walt. Rutherford is doing a very nice job so far. We've kept pretty much everyone we wanted to keep, and then signed some FA's from other teams. I really like what the team is doing.

[ohara]

And Rutherford keeps to the plan. Resigning our players. Today we resigned both Brett Sutter and Sanquinetti. Good job.

[ohara]

And the Canes now resign Rutherford to a 4 year extension. Great move! He is one of the top GM's in the entire NHL and he makes us better. Keeping to the gameplan - smart move.

[ohara]

Traded Ponikarovsky for a minor leaguer and a 4th. OK with that, but does this signal a firesale to start?

Just resigned Tim Gleason for 4 yr and $16 mil. This is a quality defensman, so unless he was signed to get ready to trade, I am happy.

[ohara]

Resigned Ruutu to a 4 year deal today. He is off the trade market. Good!