More Maurice likely in Canes' future
Canes coach Paul Maurice doesn't like to talk about his future. He doesn't have a contract beyond June but has been more concerned with the current season than the next.
Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said Friday that Maurice has done an "extremely good job" and will likely return next season.
"The fact of the matter is something extraordinary would have to come up for this coaching staff not to return," Rutherford said. "But I still want to wait and go through the process when we're finished playing."
Maurice went 33-19-5 after taking over for Peter Laviolette on Dec. 3 and led the Canes to wins in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Maurice, 42, said he hasn't talked to Rutherford about a new contract.
"We're both too superstitious to talk about it," Maurice said.
Maurice is under contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where coached the previous two seasons, through June. The Canes compensate the Maple Leafs for Maurice's services, Rutherford said.
The Canes are also still paying Laviolette.
About the blogger
J.P. Giglio covers the ACC for the News & Observer, where he has worked since 1997. 
Comments
This one's a no-brainer
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 23:00 — scomilWhatever doubts may have existed about this coaching staff that Jim Rutherford assembled when Laviolette was dismissed, are long-gone. The results speak for themselves. It has been a pleasure to watch these coaches on the bench during games. The communication between the coaches, and between them and the players, is a great thing to observe. I want to say congratulations to all of them, but I don't think they are quite finished with their accomplishments just yet.
That's interesting
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 17:44 — esteban1949Now and in complete honesty, I didn't like the way JR did several of the trades he had done in the off season last year, as well as firing Laviolette and bring back Mo...but i do have to admit, i wasn't looking at things as JR was...and most of us here will agree, that he is far and a away a better GM than he ever was a goalie...So in giving the man his earned due and respect, I would like to see Mo stay for at least the next 2 years. And go from there. I had to smile too as now i know why Peter Laviolette wasn't in a real big hurry to find another job in the NHL or AHL.
Go Canes !!