Rutherford optimistic about the Finns re-signing.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Carolina GM Jim Rutherford is more optimistic than before about the chances of Jussi Jokinen re-signing with the Hurricanes.

Speaking of Jokinen and fellow unrestricted free agent Joni Pitkanen, Rutherford said "I wasn't very hopeful and I really didn't think there was a lot of hope, based on what I was hearing, but to have face-to-face meetings here with their agents has worked out well, and I'm at the point now that I do have hope that we're going to be able to sign both players." Jokinen has enjoyed the best seasons of his career as a member of the Hurricanes so he would be wise to re-up with the team.

Source: Raleigh News & Observer

Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford was excited to report that he now thinks there's a possibility the team could re-sign Joni Pitkanen.

It had initially seemed like Pitkanen was interested in testing the free agent market on July 1st, but Rutherford spoke with the agents for he and Jussi Jokinen and now feels that deals could be reached early in the week. The underrated Pitkanen is a useful fantasy asset and will offer value wherever he plays in 2011-12.

Source: Raleigh News & Observer

I am really excited about the possibilty of "The Juice" re-signing because he is a key part of this teams success, but Pitkanen, I mean really?

We have one defensemen in Tim Gleason that could play on any teams top defensive line, we have two guys in Joe Corvo and Bryan Allen that can play in the top four. Then we have Harrison and McBain who could be one of the top third line defensive tandems in the NHL. Really all the Canes need is a top notch guy that can play in the top four and we may have one of those guys Derek Joslin or Ryan Murphy. I personally don't want to see Pitkanen in a Canes jersey next year, buy maybe that's just me.

[Liminy]

Gotta have The Juice.

[Stumpy]

Joni is one of the most frustrating players on any team I pull for. He routinely makes absolute bonehead plays. He has probably been responsible for more goals against than Cam in his time as a Cane. But, then about once every 4-5 games, he will make some ridiculous play that almost makes you forget how terrible he is the rest of the time.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I would personally rather give Ryan Murphy the spot, being an offensive defenseman, you kill two birds with one stone. Put Murphy on a line with a defensive player like Harrison and you got a nice tandem for a third defensive line and obviously Murphy will be on the first string defensive line for the power play, so I think it's an easy decision to put him on the team this year.