Goaltender Mike Murphy is hoping no one is mad at him for leaving the Carolina Hurricanes organization to play hockey in Russia's KHL next year.

"I know they're disappointed in my decision," Murphy said today of Canes managment. "I'm certainly not mad at them or anything. It was a tough decision for me. It was a bittersweet decision.

"I like Carolina and the organization a lot. They drafted me. They gave me the chance to play. I loved playing for them more than anything in the world and the fans were always great to me and always supportive. But this is the right move for me at this time. This is the right opportunity."

Goaltender Mike Murphy is leaving the Carolina Hurricanes organization to play professional hockey in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Murphy, 23, announced his departure today via Twitter, saying he was "KHL/Russia bound next season." He later confirmed it, although the name of the KHL team has not been released. Murphy was drafted by the Canes in 2008 and spent the past three seasons in the American Hockey League -- the first season with the Albany River Rats and the past two with the Charlotte Checkers. The Kingston, Ont., native made his NHL debut -- and made NHL history -- this past season and played two games with the Canes.

The Canes have agreed to terms with forward Nicolas Blanchard on a two-year, two-way contract.

The deal will play Blanchard $525,000 per season at the NHL level, or $105,000 per season at the minor-league level, with a guarantee of $125,000 per season.

Blanchard, 24, completed his fifth full professional season in 2011-12, scoring nine goals, earning 12 assists (21 points) and accumulating 103 penalty minutes in 68 regular-season games with the Charlotte Checkers (AHL)

The Canes have agreed to terms with defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti on a one-year, two-way contract.

The deal will pay Sanguinetti $700,000 at the NHL level or $105,000 in the American Hockey League.

Sanguinetti, 24, totaled 50 points (10 goals, 40 assists) in 60 games for the Hurricanes’ top minor-league affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL,in 2011-12.

The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to terms with Jamie McBain on a two-year contract that will play the 24-year-old defenseman $1.7 million next season and $1.9 million in 2013-14.

In his third full professional season, McBain led all Carolina defensemen with 19 assists and 27 points.

"Jamie is still a very young player who has established himself as an NHL defenseman," Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said in a statement released today by the team. "He moves the puck well and has shown that he can contribute offensively, especially on the power play."

Hard to believe, but it's been 10 years since the Canes played their way into their first Stanley Cup final, taking on the powerful Detroit Red Wings.

Question: The Canes did not win the Cup in 2002, but was that the year they won over the community and established themselves in the Triangle?

Think back. Reflect. Let's hear about some of your best memories of the '02 playoffs. Some still say Game 3 of the final and the Canes' triple-overtime loss to the Wings was the most exciting game ever played in the arena. Was it?

How important was that playoff run for this team in this market? The floor is open.

 

Justin Faulk wasn't sure what to expect when he traveled with Team USA to compete in the 2012 IIHF World Championship.

The Canes' defenseman knew he'd get some ice time, but didn't know how much. He knew it would be a good experience. He knew it would help him heading into his second NHL season.

Little did Faulk know he would become one of Team USA's surprising stars.

"It's been a lot of fun so far," Faulk said Tuesday after Team USA topped Switzerland 5-2 in its final preliminary round-robin game in Helsinki, Finland. "We've got a good group of guys who have been fun to be around, we've been playing pretty well and we're not done yet."

If the Canes do work a big hockey trade or two in the offseason, the asking price could be steep and it could mean parting with a player or two who have become fixtures on the team.

Question: who would you consider "untouchable" on the Canes, not to be traded under any circumstances, for any player?

Eric Staal, Cam Ward and Jeff Skinner quickly come to mind. Add to that list Justin Faulk.

But what do you think? Who are the untouchables? The floor is open.

 

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame is honoring the Carolina Hurricanes' 2006 Stanley Cup championship this year as one of the state's "great moments" in sports.

It's a nice gesture, a nice addition to the hall. It's fitting.

But, from this viewpoint, it's time for the hall to take the next step. It's time to induct someone from a major-league franchise that has become an integral part of the state's sports landscape the past 15 years, that's given North Carolina international attention by winning the Cup, by hosting an NHL All-Star Game.

Let's keep it short and to the point today: who's your Stanley Cup winner?

We're deep into the playoffs. Everyone has a good feel for the teams that are left. Every round has produced a surprise or two, and some good teams have been bounced.

But only one team wins it all. Which team will it be?

The floor is open.