BUFFALO — There no longer is a pending trade involving Canes defenseman Niclas Wallin, general manager Jim Rutherford said today.
"There is no trade," Rutherford said late Friday afternoon.
On Thursday afternoon, Rutherford said he expected the deal to be completed within 24 hours and talked of getting a "good young asset" in return. Wallin would be sent to the San Jose Sharks, getting the opportunity to perhaps make a run at another Cup.
Wallin went through the morning skate Friday with the Canes at HSBC Arena, even as teammates talked of him in the past tense afterward and praised his tenure with the team. Everyone seemed to be waiting for the trade to be made official.
But Wallin did not waive the no-trade clause in his contract, Rutherford said. That indicates Wallin and his agent were not happy with all the conditions of the deal.
For now, one thing's for sure: Wallin remains a Hurricane, although he is expected to be a healthy scratch tonight against the Sabres.

A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
well it seems
Sun, 02/07/2010 - 00:28 — esteban1949the trade that wasn't and still isn't, but John Forslund via inuendo still hints there still could be a "Possible" trade...even though it still hasn't happened yet...and justin Perters looked good in Goal tonite too
The Canes are Good,My Grandkids are Better, and Life is Great !!
Go Canes !!
Don't get me wrong, I like Nic and all.
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 15:14 — hockeyhickHe is a home-grown talent that has been a solid performer, great teammate and citizen during his time here. And it is certainly within his right to override any trade he feels isn't a good fit for him and his family. I get it, I understand it-I just don't like NTCs period.
GMs use the NTC for a number of reasons. It's a tool, other than dishing out more money on the front end, that can be used to help keep your own players. It shows a commitment and loyalty to a player which, hopefully, translates into the same in return. Problem is, as we are seeing now with Wallin, that it can tie the hands of the team in the end. Typically, ANY ntc works out only for the player in the end, but I understand why GMs continue to use them.
In the case of the Canes player with NTC, the only current one i question is Wallin. Whitney is a solid producer and leader. Walker (when healthy) brings valuable grit and presence. I understand these 2 being given a NTC. But Wallin, who has always been seen as a solid 5-6 dman, should have never been given the NTC.
Again, I understand and respect Nic's rights as stated in his contract. I just wish he would have returned the favor of putting the team first in this situation. That's all. I'm not calling him selfish, or stubborn. Just voicing my opinion. I know Wallin won't be back with the Canes next year. I just hope we're able to get something for him.
Generous or stupid?
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 18:38 — Biff_BeersJR wrote a few long-term contracts after the Canes won the Cup that, in retrospect, appear to have been overly generous. I hope he has the opportunity to make the same mistakes again!
Sounds like San Jose and
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 10:37 — rmmeliSounds like San Jose and Rutherford figured something out that was best for both of them but forgot about asking Wallin. He is doing exactly what anyone would do in his position, in my opinion.
Sounds like Wallin intends
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 07:56 — ctillSounds like Wallin intends to go home to Sweden at the end of this season, but SJ wouldn't pay JR's price for just a short-term rental.
Old hat for Wallin
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 01:40 — heelzfanThis isn't the first time that Nic Wallin has refused to waive his NTC. Can't he see the writing on the wall. He is no longer needed here, is a FA after the season, and quite frankly, he's not the player he used to be. If you care anything about this franchise, then waive your NTC, and hit the road. You would think Nic would be smart enough to know this is how it works.
You're kidding, right?
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 10:16 — CanarseYou're kidding, right? Wallin should put the franchise's interests above his family? You probably think Brind'Amour should retire and give up his $3M next season too. Maybe they should buy you season tickets while they're at it?
Wallin is a 5-6 defenseman and always has been. JR is paying for his own foolishness. Expect similar wrangling from Whitney. They'll likely come out of this with squat.
You're kidding, right?
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 14:10 — hellfish...Yes I do when you can't play ANYMORE you retire or get put on waivers for being stubborn...another team picks them up and the Canes only pay 1/2 the salary...when your a minus -24 or gonna get benched in Wallin's case if you want to PLAY hockey you waive your NTC or retire it's just that simple...sometimes buisness decisions in sports are tough ,but the players have to RELIZE it's time to MOVE on!
Wallin = Reason JR may refuse to give NTC in Future
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 01:25 — Caniac324Future Hurricanes Players can thank Wallin for making it much much harder to get a NTC from JR. Which is a good thing. JR seems to have been way to willing to give NTC to players...especially average players.
Are you kidding me?
Fri, 02/05/2010 - 23:57 — AN0NYM0USSince when is doing what is in your best interests unacceptable? We should give Nic credit for even considering to move to SJ. Although the details are sketchy, it appears that they wanted more than a rental for what they were prepared to give up, and Nic wanted more control of his future. He's been a Carolina Hurricane through and true--and fans should applaud his loyalty to the team and to North Carolina. If they want to move him, make it worth his while. If not, SJ can look elsewhere. As far as this STH is concerned, Nic can suit up for the Canes anytime he wants.
Not COOL!
Fri, 02/05/2010 - 19:46 — hockeyhickC'mon Nic! San Jose would be a great place to finish your NHL career! You'd only be there a few months. You'd have a legit chance at another Cup, and then you could load up the family and head back home to Sweden with a ring on EACH hand!
I am a strong JR supporter, but giving Wallin a NTC has turned out to be, as expected, a bad idea.
I would imagine that a deal still could be made with someone involving Wallin. If not, at the very least, his salary will be off the books and available for next season.
I love ya Nic, but couldn't you take one for the team? I think it's safe to assume you wouldn't be back here next year. C'mon! Play along!
Are you kidding me?
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 00:03 — AN0NYM0USSince when is doing what is in your best interests unacceptable? We should give Nic credit for even considering to move to SJ. Although the details are sketchy, it appears that they wanted more than a rental for what they were prepared to give up, and Nic wanted more control of his future. He's been a Carolina Hurricane through and true--and fans should applaud his loyalty to the team and to North Carolina. If they want to move him, make it worth his while. If not, SJ can look elsewhere. As far as this STH is concerned, Nic can suit up for the Canes anytime he wants.
Waliin's "me first"
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 13:28 — hellfishHey ,If Wallin was a team player he waves that NTC...Wallin can do anything he wants afterwards...but i'll tell you one thing If i'm J.R. the closest he gets to the ice now is walking from his car to the RBC center to sit on that bench!..J.R. may even put him on waivers if he can't deal him. The Canes missed out on a TOP prospect in Mcginn because of Wallin's selfishness...There is NO NIC in TEAM!
Not quite. Looks like San
Fri, 02/05/2010 - 23:25 — wxray1Not quite.
Looks like San Jose wanted Nic to stay and sign a 2 yr contract at an unspecified salary. So, it wasn't for just a few months. Basically, as part of the trade of sending that "young prospect" or whatever JR called him, SJ wanted Nic to hang around.
Either because of the length of the contract, or the salary, Nic said "no".
He probably would have gone if it was a pure rental, but SJ wanted more in return of Nic's services.
No trade...yet!
Fri, 02/05/2010 - 19:39 — hellfishWallin not waiving that NTC has cost us plenty of b.s. in the past 3yrs we could had Mcginn and now nothing...and a healty scratch you will be period untill you waive the NTC...giving him that NTC was the WORST move J.R has EVER made!
Don't Blame Wallin...
Fri, 02/05/2010 - 23:59 — richardfocDon't blame Nic. He asked for and received the NTC and now he is using it and that is totally within reason. You can blame J.R. all you want but to suggest banishing Nic to the bench for doing something he is contractually allowed to do makes no sense.
Wow...
Sat, 02/06/2010 - 00:01 — richardfocThat was unexpected. Sorry for the multiple posts. Can I sell you an MP3 converter?
Don't Blame Wallin...
Fri, 02/05/2010 - 23:59 — richardfocDon't blame Nic. He asked for and received the NTC and now he is using it and that is totally within reason. You can blame J.R. all you want but to suggest banishing Nic to the bench for doing something he is contractually allowed to do makes no sense.
Don't Blame Wallin...
Fri, 02/05/2010 - 23:59 — richardfocDon't blame Nic. He asked for and received the NTC and now he is using it and that is totally within reason. You can blame J.R. all you want but to suggest banishing Nic to the bench for doing something he is contractually allowed to do makes no sense.
Don't Blame Wallin...
Fri, 02/05/2010 - 23:58 — richardfocDon't blame Nic. He asked for and received the NTC and now he is using it and that is totally within reason. You can blame J.R. all you want but to suggest banishing Nic to the bench for doing something he is contractually allowed to do makes no sense.