from Chip Alexander of the News & Observer,

With the NHL trade deadline a week away, Carolina Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis on Monday looked to end one bit of speculation.

Disputing media reports out of Pittsburgh that the Penguins could be interested in reacquiring Canes center Jordan Staal, Francis said, "We're not moving Jordan Staal."

Francis said the Hurricanes, 15th in the Eastern Conference with a 21-30-7 record, likely would be moving some players, saying it could be "sooner rather than later." But he indicated they probably would be pending unrestricted free agents that the Canes have not been able to re-sign.

Francis did not name names, but Carolina's UFAs include veteran defensemen Andrej Sekera and Tim Gleason and forwards Jiri Tlusty, Jay McClement and Pat Dwyer. Any could be of value to a playoff contender or hopeful looking to bolster their lineup before the March 2 deadline.

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