Future, Present & Past

Weeeeee! Schedules were released today! Opening Night '09 is set for October 2nd against the Flyers. Personally I wish that it was the next week because that is my "fall break" for college. Alas, this will be the first year that I won't be at the opener (or, rather, I haven't developed a plan to get me there yet...).

The interesting thing that I've noticed is that there doesn't seem to be a true West-Coast stint where the Canes go away for five games or so. Most of the western games are spread throughout the season. Also special about this season is the Winter Olympic break in the middle of February - ooh, I can't wait for that either!

Along with the unveiling of the schedules came the announcement that this year's Winter Classic will be played at Fenway Park between the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers. Likely to be a good matchup, and likely to be bitter cold - that's what makes it great, right?

Turning to the present, it appears that Ruutu and the Canes are having issues on the length of the contract to be signed. The Canes want to wrap him up long term, Ruutu wants only a year so that he can hit the free agency market after this season. Considering Rutherford's track record with having people not go to arbitration, I wouldn't be surprised if this gets wrapped up before the hearing on July 30th.

And, finally, to yesterday, when the Canes signed Tom Kostopoulos to a three year deal that will average a little under a million per. Previously he played with the Canadiens, although I don't really remember much about him other than looking at the lineup and going "Hm. 'Kostopoulos'. That's a name you don't hear much." He had 106 penalty minutes last season and seems to be the tough defensive forward that the Canes have missed the last few years. Apparently he's known for his hard work, and if you read this article, it seems like from that angle the Canes have signed a larger version of Chad LaRose. If that's the case, it sounds like an awesome signing.

79 days until Opening Night. I can't wait!