Carolina Hurricanes Trade Rumors

Trade rumors continue to surround the Carolina Hurricanes for the 2011-2012 NHL offseason. The latest 2011 NHL Free Agents most likely to hit the market on July 1st are Erik Cole, Jussi Jokinen, Chad LaRose, Joni Pitkanen and Cory Stillman. The Hurricanes are farthest away from signing Jokinen and Pitkanen who are looking to get contracts elsewhere.

General Manager, Jim Rutherford is looking to replace the two Finnish players by trading them for a top four defenseman, who can quarterback the powerplay. "We’re talking about a couple of trades, as that may be the way we have to go where we know what contracts are going to be for next season. We’re exchanging ideas, and something could happen any time," Rutherford said. The Carolina Hurricanes are in trade discussions with the Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets.