Hurricanes Re-Sign Erik Cole to 2-Year, $5.8 Million Contract posted by Jeff Ponder

Erik Cole has been brought back to the only team he has ever really wanted to know.

Cole was traded one year ago today from Carolina for Edmonton's Jani Pitkanen.  The trade saw Pitkanen play solid defense for the Hurricanes, but things did not go so well for the Oilers' end of the bargain.  Cole registered just 16 goals in 63 games with Edmonton, before being traded back to Carolina for Patrick O'Sullivan as part of a three-way deal with Los Angeles.  Cole added two more goals with Carolina in 17 games, but the real story was the resurgence of Canes' captain Eric Staal with Cole on his line.

Staal caught a lot of attention with his lackluster play during the season, but Cole helped rejuvenate Staal's numbers.  In the playoffs, Staal became one of the NHL elite once again, lighting the lamp 10 times and recording 15 points in eighteen playoff games.  The reuniting of these two players sparked the team, and was a major contributor to the team's run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Cole may not be putting up the numbers that he was intended to, but he plays a big part in the success of his friend and captain.  That is reason enough to bring him back for two more years.Continue reading "Hurricanes Re-Sign Erik Cole to 2-Year, ..."

NHL Playoffs Rock On! First the East posted by Joshua Tarkoff

Welcome everyone to my first post here on the hockey blogs! I know I am a Floridian, but hockey certainly runs through my veins. Today, I will first be talking about the Eastern Conference. And...how about them Bruins! They look like the team they were when the season started. I was a bit concerned about them in the middle of the season, I mean after all they lost to the Panthers and the Lightning in one road trip. I did not think they were contenders when the playoffs started, but I am starting to rethink that now. Their power play gives me nightmares. Bruins in sweep, I say.

The biggest surprise series so far has to be Caps-Rangers. Just like the Bruins, I was not much of a believer in the Rangers, but after taking the first 2 in Washington, they may just have a chance. I must say that the Washington fans are tough, I watched them lose to my Panthers in March and the team started booing after just giving up 2 goals...rough crowd! Things do not look good if Ovie gets going though. Maybe it was because he was caught watching the Rangers practice the other day ( http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs/2009/news?id=4083635). Lol, that Ovie. Whatever his off the ice antics, I firmly believe he is the best player we have in the game right now. I had the privilege of watching him twice this year and I was astounded at how good he is. Caps in 7.

And NJ is quietly doing their thing without much fanfare. While I am not too much of a Devils fan, it is tough to go against Brodeur and company. They may not be pretty, but they do have a solid playoff system going there. I was thinking upset by the Canes at first as they finished the regular season so strong, but I can't go against Brodeur quite yet. Devils in 6.

Hurricanes re-sign Cole for 2 years (AP)

The Carolina Hurricanes are keeping Erik Cole, agreeing Wednesday to a two-year deal with the physical forward. Cole will make $2.8 million this upcoming season and $3 million in 2010-11. The Hurricanes' third-round pick in 1998 took a pay cut to stay in Raleigh. He made $4 million last season while completing a three-year deal he signed in 2006. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Jokinen signs two-year deal with Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are keeping Jussi Jokinen, agreeing to a two-year deal with one of the stars of their recent playoff run.The team said Monday that Jokinen's new contract will pay him $1.5 million next season and $1.9 million in 2010-11. Jokinen could have become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday.Jokinen developed a reputation for scoring clutch goals during the Hurricanes' run to the Eastern Conference finals. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NHL

'Canes keep Jokinen for 2 years, $3.4M (AP)

The Carolina Hurricanes are keeping Jussi Jokinen, agreeing to a two-year deal with one of the stars of their recent playoff run. The team said Monday that Jokinen's new contract will pay him $1.5 million next season and $1.9 million in 2010-11. Jokinen could have become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

'Canes give coach Maurice 3-year deal (AP)

The Carolina Hurricanes knew they wanted Paul Maurice back after he led them to the Eastern Conference finals. Keeping his staff intact was important, too. The team said Monday it has agreed to terms on a three-year contract for Maurice, who took over at midseason and helped the team return to the playoffs for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Hurricanes agrees to terms with Maurice

The Carolina Hurricanes will keep their coaching staff together after their run to the Eastern Conference finals.The team said Monday it has agreed to terms with coach Paul Maurice on a multiyear contract. In addition, Ron Francis will return as associate head coach and take on the title of director of player personnel. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NHL