from Chip Alexander of the News & Observer,
Semin also could figure in various trade scenarios, even if Carolina has to retain part of his salary.
Asked about these plans for Semin, Francis said, “It’s too early to say. We’re looking at all the options. Is it best to keep him here or should we do something else? At the right time we’ll do what’s best for our organization.”
That doesn’t sound like a general manager expecting to see a player back in his team’s lineup, but Semin did score 22 goals in 65 games for Carolina in the 2013-14 season. He’s 31. He could have a bounce-back season if healthy and motivated.
Or he could be gone.
A much bigger absence would be the Hurricanes without forward Eric Staal or goalie Cam Ward. Both are entering the final year of their contracts and Francis has met with Rick Curran, the agent who represents both players for the Orr Hockey Group, to discuss possible extensions.
Staal, the team captain, will be paid $9.5 million next season. Ward, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 2006 when the Canes won the Cup, will have a $6.8 million salary.
“Our discussions have been pretty general to this point,” Francis said of extension talks. “It’s still pretty early in the process. In my opinion, I do think they want to be a part of turning this organization around and get it back to where it was. They’ve expressed an interest in doing that.”
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