Staal Reunion...again...?

Kukla at Kulas Korner opined that Jordan Staal's availability this summer or next may lead to another Staal reunion in Canes Country. With Crosby, Malkin, and Staal up for new contracts in the next two seasons, they may not retain all three.

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As Bob and Cory have already written on in detail, Carolina has made some good hockey and business moves this year. Rutherford has cleared salary, opened spot for next year, stockpiled draft picks, and kept the respect of the players moving out.

With spots opening up this season and next, there are a number of Hurricanes prospects looking to make the jump and stick in the near future. Some of the youngsters have already made an appearance this season, and will are sure to see a few more new numbers and faces soon.

What future 'Canes will YOU be looking forward to seeing this season and next? Comment and have your say on the future of the franchise.

It seemed inevitable by November that many longtime Hurricanes would be dangled as trade bait for those teams still in contention. It is not a fun part of the game, but trades need to be made. With much of the old guard moving on, Carolina gets an opportunity to rebuild on the shoulders on Eric Staal, Cam Ward, Tim Gleason, and Joni Pitkanen.

That being said, of the players dealt away this year, which 'Canes will YOU miss the most? Feel free to share in the comments as well.

The season of change has finally come to Carolina. With many of the familiar faces who have been through thick and thin with us here in Canes country moving on, the times they are a changin'. 

Wallin was the first in a line of loyal Hurricanes to be moved, and perhaps more of our favorite players are going to be on the move soon. Most of us can agree, there is something special about our corner of the hockey world. Players who are criticized or unwanted truly get to shine in Carolina.

And now, one of the under-appreciated guys has moved on. In honor of the "Secret Weapon," what are your favorite Wallin moments? If I missed one, comment on it. Here's my top 5:

Team USA may soon be in need of a defenseman or two. With Paul Martin's Olympic hopes in the balance and Mike Komisarek on the shelf since January 2nd, spots may be open. The Americans are going for that underdog tag with a young and gritty bunch, and with Komisarek questionable, you may want to replace that physicality on the back end.

Enter Tim Gleason.

Team USA may want another puck moving D-man to replace Martin, but that Komisarek sized hole should be filled with a strong, stay at home type. He may be a long shot, but as a Caniac, I will be rooting for Timmy to make it.

What do you guys think?

Jussi Jokinen's chances of skating for Team Finland just got better. According to CTV, Teemu Salanne and now Saku Koivu have been hit by injuries lately. Jokinen has been one the standout Hurricanes this season, and could be considered one of the better Finns in the league (11g-17a -1 in 45 games).

If an Olympic medal came down to a shootout, who would you roll out if you could choose anyone? You can bet Jussi Jokinen is on that short list. Here is hoping the Team Finland brass corrects their glaring mistake of leaving Jokinen off their initial Olympic roster.

UPDATE: Saku Koivu out one to two weeks with a sprained knee. Chances are slim for Jokinen, but then again, he should already have a ticket punched for Vancouver.