From Talking Points:
In the wake of the deadline, some Canes fans concerned that Justin Williams was too much to give up for a pending unrestricted free agent consoled themselves by arguing that if the Canes don’t re-sign Erik Cole, they’ll use the Williams/Cole salary slot to pursue a free agent.
Maybe. Maybe not.
Read more here.
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at 829-8947 or 
Comments
Agreed
Mon, 03/09/2009 - 08:19 — HockeydogRuutu is #1 priority, Cole #2. I think Eric would like to stay here but the team still needs to make him a reasonable offer based on what the market will be this spring. I do think Cole will be reasonable as well.
Agreed
Sun, 03/08/2009 - 09:00 — LainiencSigning Ruutu should be first priority. Mr. Ruutu brings consistent effort, checking, playing the net, to each game. So far it looks like the Ruutu, Staal, Cole line is a keeper and in the long run Ruutu/Cole may improve one another's play. Cole is a good player with past tendencies to make great plays with tremendous speed, then disappear for a few games. Maybe that trend will break w/ Ruutu's consistent effort & play by his side.
Cole will sign
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 11:32 — Canes73It's obvious that Cole loves being and playing in Carolina. I'm sure he doesn't want to leave again.
I agree that Ruutu is also a priority. I really like the looks of the Stall/Ruutu/Cole line. Staal is much more effective with two linemates with speed and physicality.
Yes !!!
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 10:08 — esteban1949Sign Ruutu first...and work one's way down the list...or try the line by line ...and see which if any are the weakest links...and go from there...but no matter what JR & Company does...there will be fans who won't like it...no matter what...why is this so important now ?
does the author know something we the fans don't ?
Go Canes !!
who's on first
Sat, 03/07/2009 - 09:48 — jejohn8sign ruutu first then worry about that later