Report: Ruutu Expected to Re-sign with Hurricanes.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 22 February 2012 08:57 Written by Lyle Richardson Wednesday, 22 February 2012 07:42

Ruutu to re-sign with 'Canes.

NEWSOBSERVER.COM’s Chip Alexander “tweeted” right wing Tuomo Ruutu is expected to re-sign with the Carolina Hurricanes. Official word coming soon…

**UPDATE** TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that, assuming no hiccups, Ruutu could get a four-year extension at slightly above his current average cap hit of $3.8 million per season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE:And another potential trade deadline candidate is off the market.His new salary is $4.75 million per season.

Vermette Dealt to Coyotes.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 22 February 2012 06:27 Written by Lyle Richardson Wednesday, 22 February 2012 06:09

Vermette heads to Phoenix.

Various sources reports the Columbus Blue Jackets have dealt forward Antoine Vermette to the Phoenix Coyotes. Details to follow.

**UPDATE** TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports the return is goaltender Curtis McElhinney, Ottawa’s second round pick in 2012, and a fifth rounder in 2015.

SPECTOR’S NOTE:A good move on the Coyotes part to add depth to their forward lines in Vermette, a speedy, versatile two-way player who can play center or the wing.  Currently, he has 27 points in 60 games, and has three more years at an average salary of $3.75 million remaining on his contract, so he’s definitely more than a rental player for the Coyotes, who are determined to secure a playoff spot for the third straight year. As for the Blue Jackets,  they add some much-needed goaltending depth to their system, and free up some cap space  be used to add more depth in future deals.

Report: Wings Close to Re-signing Bertuzzi.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 22 February 2012 04:21 Written by Lyle Richardson Wednesday, 22 February 2012 04:21

Bertuzzi to remain a Red Wing.

DETROIT FREE PRESS: Helene St. James reports agent Pat Morris claimed his client, Todd Bertuzzi, was close to re-signing a two-year contract extension, expected to be announced on Thursday.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No word on what the financial terms will be. Bertuzzi is currently in the final year of a two-year contract worth an average annual cap hit of $1.937,500.  I expect the salary could work out to be roughly the same. I must admit I’m a bit surprised, as I anticipated the Wings wouldn’t re-sign Bertuzzi this summer, but the club obviously still thinks highly of him and wish to keep him in the fold a little longer.