Canadiens forward Andrei Kostitsyn is unhappy over his lack of playing time while changes may be in store for the struggling Carolina Hurricanes.

MONTREAL GAZETTE/CYPERPRESSE.CA: report underachieving Canadiens winger Andrei Kostitsyn claims his lack of production is due to the lack of ice he's received this season compared to the last two but head coach Jacques Martin said he's demoting Kostitsyn to the fourth line because he wasn't playing up to expectations as a top-six winger. Kostitsyn denied he was struggling but added his poor play of late wasn't tied to his brother's demotion to Hamilton.

CBCSPORTS.CA: Elliotte Friedman writes Kostitsyn is getting very close to joining his brother in the minors and also wonders if Georges Laraque might join them.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Kostitsyn the elder simply has no one to blame but himself for his poor start and his declining production. It's clear Martin isn't going to coddle him or keep him on the top two lines if he's not going to put forth a better effort. His situation could also result in an increase in trade speculation. As for Laraque he's reportedly nursing a bad back which would account for his seeming invisibility this season.

CAROLINA HURRICANES WEBSITE/RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER: reports Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford is very disappointed with his team's poor start and is looking at many changes in the near future if they fail to improve in the coming weeks. Rutherford pointed out however it would be difficult to make trades at this time of year given the salary cap.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: One internet rumor has Rutherford shopping Ray Whitney but unless he's willing to waive his "no-movement" clause he won't be going anywhere.