It felt strange for Dennis Seidenberg to be dressing today in the visitors' locker room at the RBC Center.
Seidenberg, an unrestricted free agent after last season, hoped to re-sign with the Canes. The defenseman enjoyed living in Raleigh and has some close friends here. But the asking price was too high and he'll play against the Canes tonight for the Florida Panthers.
"It's different," Seidenberg said after the Panthers' morning skate. "Being here for 2 1-2, 3 years, having such a good time, liking the area, liking the guys ... it will be different playing against them.
"I wanted to come back. But in the end, I'm glad I'm with Florida. We've got a great young team and it will be fun, as well. I wanted to come back but it's a business and you just have to deal with that."
Seidenberg said he has talked with a couple of his old Canes teammates but has not seen any. He said he had dinner Thursday night with Todd Rice, N.C. State's football strength and conditioning coach and one of Seidenberg's best friends.
As for the game tonight, Seidenberg said the Panthers are eager to get back on the ice after a break since their return from Helsinki, Finland, where they began the season by splitting two games with the Chicago Blackhawks.
"We had a week off, so we should feel we're back in the right time zone," he said. "The trip over there was hectic, considering all the travel before that was crazy. We were all over the map, with I think nine (preseason) games, then went to Finland."
And the reception he expects to receive from Canes fans?
"I'm sure it's fine. I think they liked when I was here," Seidenberg said, smiling.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
