Training camps are open and all 30 teams face questions of some type heading into the season. For the Carolina Hurricanes, one in all their questions heading was the health of defenseman Joni Pitkanen.
During an April 2 sport towards the Washington Capitals, Pitkanen suffered a broken heel bone while retrieving a puck. And on Wednesday, General supervisor Jim Rutherford introduced that the 29-yr old Pitkanen will miss the complete 2013-14 season.
After undergoing surgery on the bone in April, Pitkanen suffered a setback just a few weeks ago and he underwent a CT scan final week.
From Chip Alexander of the Information Observer:
Pitkanen talked with Rutherford in the course of the summer time and Rutherford mentioned the player sounded optimistic about being on schedule along with his rehab. Pitkanen returned to Raleigh last week and underwent a CT scan, and Rutherford mentioned Wednesday the scan results indicated the surgical procedure was profitable.
“We were taken a little by surprise, three weeks before coaching camo, to learn that it was not progressing higher than it was,” Rutherford stated. “I think Joni hoped it will get better and that he may begin putting extra weight on it. But the stability was not there.”
Making issues worse is that Pitkanen’s contract is up after this season.
Rutherford also stated he’s exploring all options to fill Pitkanen’s place in Carolina’s high six. At the moment, Tim Gleason, Justin Faulk, Jay Harrison, Andrej Sekera and Mike Komisarek are slated for the blue line. Kids Ryan Murphy and Brett Bellemore may consider now that a spot has opened up.
There can also be the commerce route, with the Toronto Maple Leafs doubtlessly trying to possibly shed some salary — John-Michael Liles, anyone? — whereas making an attempt to re-signal Cody Franson. Liles nonetheless has three years and $eleven.625 owed to him, so that would appear unlikely. Engaging Leafs GM Dave Nonis with a trade offer for Franson would be cheaper.
If Rutherford needs to go along with a bit more experience than in-home kids, names resembling Ron Hainsey — who the Canes have spoken with lately — and Tom Gilbert are still on the free agent market, and the Hurricanes have room below the salary cap (perhaps much more if Pitkanen goes on LTIR). It is also 20 days before opening night time, which is an efficient time to chop a deal with a player at the moment with no job.
Canes’ Joni Pitkanen lost for season; who fills the void?
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