CAROLINA - After a relatively quiet off-season, Hurricanes GM Norm Donovan has picked up the pace in recent weeks.
In a shocking move, Donovan moved Josef Vasicek - perviously thought to be virtually untradeable - along with Richard Park to the Detroit Red Wings. In exchange, the Hurricanes received Dustin Brown, Petteri Nokelainen and a pair of draft picks. Moving Vasicek sent a clear message to Carolina fans: Donovan is committed to a complete rebuild.
"Josef performed very well for us and we had no real intention of moving him," admitted Donovan, "but the opportunity arose to snag Dustin Brown and we jumped at it. We feel that he has first line potential, and Nokelainen should be a solid two-way forward. Both are very close to being ready for OTHL duty, in my opinion."
In a smaller deal, the Canes traded defensive winger Mark Rycroft for Jon Sim and a draft pick.
The Hurricanes have long been shopping their four first round picks in the upcoming draft, but have had little genuine interest.
"We had expected more, to be honest," said Donovan, "but it's become a bit of a buyer's market, so we are going on the assumption now that we will be using those picks on draft day. At the end of the day though, those picks will be available right up to the moment I step to the podium on draft day. All it takes is the right offer."
With the draft fast approaching, Donovan turned to some housekeeping matters and has started to negotiate in earnest with his numerous restricted free agents. Robert Esche has reportedly agreed to a deal which would pay him almost $7 million over 3 seasons - a substantial investment for a team thin on pro-ready players.
"We wanted to lock up Esche for as long as possible," explained Donovan, "we think he has the potential to be an all-star goalie and we wanted to make sure we had our foot in the door and let him know that we are committed to his development."
The Hurricanes have also apparently come to terms with defenceman Jonathan Girard, and are in negotiation with several forwards.