Off Season Moves In Carolina

Looking to acquire a more defensively responsible rearguard, the Carolina Hurricanes made a trade with the Detroit Red Wings. Gone in the deal was talented point man Marek Zidlicky, an offensively gifted 27 year old defenseman with promise but a knack for abandoning his role as a defender.

The Canes picked up veteran defenseman Jesse Wallin in the deal. Wallin, 27, brings more balance, toughness and a fire for playing in his own end to the team.

"Jesse is a type of guy that a lot of teams needs but who rarely get much credit," said Joel Quenneville, head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes. "He is a ferocious player who really digs himself in the trenches and makes smart decisions. The idea of him and Scott Niedermayer has made the team feel he was well worth the deal."

Along with the Wallin came a third round draft selection this year and a defenseman named Jeremy Swanson. Swanson, a former captain of the Ontario Hockey League's Barrie Colts, will likley fill a role as a junior squad emergency callup. The third round selection gives the team a much needed addition to this year's draft.

"We are well aware of our potential graduating class next season," said Barry Trapp, head of scouting for the Hurricanes. "What we wanted to have this year was enough depth in picks to be able to select what we considered best available and players who best fit our organization. Because of the extra draft choices picked up recently, we will be able to do that now."

The Hurricanes go into Free Agency without much on the scope. With defenseman Jay McKee a restricted Free Agent, the Canes didn't want to strap themselves in the event they had to match an offer. Look for the Canes to make more deals once the dfree agency period is over.