Patience...

Today should be slow news day - at least, I think it will be.

The Canes have been shaking the hockey earth for about a week now. The roll-out of new alternate sweaters, the contract extension of one of their stars, a community event for a very worthy cause, and two bullets in the shape of Rod Brind'Amour's and Justin Williams' injuries.

There is nothing expected on this Thursday with the exception of final preps for training camp, which opens tomorrow morning. There has been an unsettled feeling running through the Caniac Nation. It's natural - there should be. Maybe the route followed by Jim Rutherford is one of his greatest management traits - patience.

Patience might be the best way to describe what the Hurricanes game plan is moving forward. There really is no reason to jump into a new situation with a player, like an available free agent . That is, until they see what they really have.

We talked here yesterday about Brind'Amour's slot and where that leaves them.  It's obvious that it has taken a big twist with Williams long gone.  This is all the more reason to open camp and let the first couple of weeks tell a story. After all, in two weeks they should have a barometer on "17's" knee - hopefully he is back in the fold.

This time frame will allow a player like Patrick Eaves to jump into Williams' spot and show off his potential. Maybe Chad Larose will back up his career season with a chance to play substantial minutes. He believes that he can, and here's another opportunity. 

Free agent Jeff O'Neill will start camp as a center, but watch for a possible switch to his natural position to see if he can pigeon hole his way into the group of 12 forwards. Could it be young Drayson Bowman's chance to crack an NHL line-up?  There's a chance.

Of course there's always a trade or a free agent signing. Now I know there is nothing revealing about the obvious choices the Canes have to make, but the point is: TAKE YOUR TIME. Let the organizational depth of the team reveal the answers first. The answers could come from within. There's a chance  that it won't, but before names like Murray, Shanahan, Parrish etc. get thrown around, the Hurricanes will have to see what they have.

One player is gone. Another is unknown. For now, the calender works in their favor. In two weeks, they will have the answers, maybe sooner.

But for now, let the doors to camps open. Let other teams realize the health and needs of their groups. Maybe a trading partner will emerge or maybe an unemployed vet will get anxious. The bottom  line is the Canes have to be in a better position of leverage. 

Remember Axl Rose - I sure you do.

All we need is a little patience !