Spring Break
Hurricanes already eyeing NHL playoffs
Canes will have a tougher look next season
Kellen Holtzman
Issue date: 7/9/08 Section: Sports
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The biggest move of the off-season has popular forward Erik Cole heading to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for 24-year-old defenseman Joni Pitkanen.
Cole's status as a fan-favorite began during the Canes' 2002 Stanley Cup run as part of the famed BBC line that also featured Rod Brind'Amour and Bates Battaglia.
Cole was enjoying his most productive campaign when he was sidelined with a serious neck injury in the Canes' 2006 championship season.
"The friendships and everything make this tough," Cole told the Raleigh News and Observer. "The good news is it's during the summer, so we have some time. If this were midseason, I'd be packing my bags and catching a flight. At least we can take our time and talk about everything."
At 6-feet-3 and 210 pounds, Pitkanen's unwieldy build should provide a stopping presence in front of the net.
Pitkanen is joined by fellow defenseman Josef Melichar, who spent 2007 and 2008 in Sweden. Melichar, 29, has over 300 games of NHL experience with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In February, the Canes acquired defenseman Joe Corvo from the Ottawa Senators in an attempt to create a more mobile defense. Canes general manager Jim Rutherford also acquired forward Patrick Eaves in the deal that sent veterans Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore to Ottawa.
The Canes' back line also includes Tim Gleason and the recently re-signed Anton Babchuk. Glen Wesley and Bret Hedican will not be returning to the red and white next season.
In all, at least nine regulars from last year's squad will be sporting new colors this season.
Signing All-Star forward and face of the franchise, Eric Staal, to a multi-year contract extension is next on the agenda for general manager Jim Rutherford and the gang.
Staal led the Canes with 38 goals and 44 assists last season. The offensive services of Cole will be missed, but wingers Ray Whitney and Justin Williams as well as centers Matt Cullen and Brind'Amour will be returning.
The Canes will need all the help they can get in a stacked Eastern Conference. Fortunately, the abysmal Southeast Division is usually ripe for the picking.
Last season however, the Ovechkin-led Washington Capitals edged the Canes out for a division title and a playoff berth.
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