Defenseman Anton Babchuk is back with the Hurricanes after playing last season for Avangard Omsk in the Russian Superliga, signing a one-year, $1 million NHL contract.

During the 2006-2007 season, Babchuk was briefly suspended by the Hurricanes when he refused an assignment with the AHL's Albany River Rats. He relented and reported to Albany, and was later recalled by the Canes. But after the season, the Kiev native left for Omsk.

Here's what Babchuk had to say this week.

Canes fans know the situation with defenseman Frantisek Kaberle. He scored the goal that won the 2006 Stanley Cup. Shoulder problems have hampered him the last two seasons. His name continues to be bandied about in trade speculation.

Here's what Kaberle had to say about those three issues.

Canes forward Justin Williams has been skating hard and looking sharp in the informal workouts at the RecZone the past few weeks, saying there are no lingering effects from his nasty knee injury last season.

Williams, entering his fifth season with the Hurricanes, recently took time out to field a few questions about the upcoming year.

Canes forward Ray Whitney is heading into his 17th NHL season and his fourth with Carolina. Despite missing 16 games to injuries and illness last season, he was second on the team in goals, assists and points.

Ask Whitney a question and he'll give you a straight answer. So here goes.

Goalie Cam Ward is among the Hurricanes players getting in preseason work this week at the RecZone.