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| Tuomo Ruutu - For sale or not? - Chris Baird, Baird Photography |
It seems as if the tide in the NHL waters that were once swirling and flowing furiously a week ago are now ebbing a little.
Carolina dealing?
Speculation surrounding the status of Carolina Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu continues to fuel rumors of a deal being struck for the Finnish forward, but a recent injury incurred during a
5-3 Hurricanes win over the Canadiens on Monday, might have cooled the fire a little.
President and GM Jim Rutherford has indicated that attempts to re-sign the gritty forward have been ongoing, so a move may not even happen.
As the trade talk continues in Raleigh and around the league, including in Columbus, Ohio, as speculation has generated around the
availability of forward Rick Nash, the hype keeps everyone constantly rummaging and looking for something to happen.
Seeking to find a treasure
Keep in mind that this time of the season is more like a Spring cleaning exercise for many teams - contenders and not.
They're checking the cupboards and the pantry and looking in the oft-forgotten basement and attic areas - wanting to get rid of contracts with a lot of dust on them or willing to put a few assets out there in 'garage sale' fashion for all league suitors to take note of before and on Feb. 27.
In a tight NHL economy and one that may get complicated with upcoming CBA talks, conservatism will take hold over many organizations while others will finally decide to put out their most cherished baubles to see what the market will pay for them.
NHL flea market
Envision walking down a street in your neighborhood with Eastern Conference homes on your right and Western Conference homes on your left.
All properties will be sporting their logos proudly and brightly, or at least the ones that want to catch some attention.
On the other hand, you will have some that have the doors and windows closed and the shutters drawn - they don't want to come out of the house to mingle with anyone - their work is done and they don't feel like being a part of it - until later of course.
Let's make a deal
Expect to hear music and see a buffet of food and drink at those houses seeking to catch excessive attention and with a tremendous amount of 'stuff' on the driveway and lawn to peer at.
Don't be surprised to even find the crew from
TSN parked close to those locations as there is no better way to build excitement for something that may eventually not be that exciting than to get a lot of people talking about it - call it the 'neighborhood rumor mill live'.
Such homes will definitely attract the most curious onlookers who will start rooting through boxes and bags looking for a 'gem' or two.
Will they find it?
Maybe.
A new holiday perhaps
It seems however that it is more the thrill of the chase than the actual find that gets everyone hyped for trade deadline shopping.
What a great idea to stimulate the economy: NHL Trade Deadline Day - a new national day of celebration and cause to socialize - one held in the same vein as Black Friday and Boxing Day.
Deals await those ready and willing to spend while hopes and dreams linger on for those who aren't or can't.
Happy shopping, talking and gawking.
Recent Carolina Hurricanes news on Examiner.com:
The
Carolina Hurricanes finished their recent road trip with an impressive
5-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre in Montreal,
Quebec on Monday night.As many heralded the win as coach Kirk
Muller’s...
The
Carolina Hurricanes fell short during their second overtime game in a
row as they lost 4-3 to the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center in
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The
Carolina Hurricanes couldn’t hold on to the lead against the host
Anaheim Ducks and could only take away a point during a 3-2 overtime
loss at the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. on Wednesday night.Tuomo...
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