It appears the Carolina Hurricanes are nearing their breaking point.
Or, at the very least, GM Jim Rutherford is.
Looking to snap his team out of its current funk -- the ‘Canes have lost five straight and eight of nine -- Rutherford is reportedly working the phones and looking to make changes, according to the Raleigh News & Observer:GM Jim Rutherford had long meeting this morning with Muller, Francis to talk about changes that need to be made to end slide.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) December 30, 2013Rutherford not ruling out trades. Said was on phone last night and today. “Something could happen but you need two willing people to do it.”
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) December 30, 2013The ‘Canes have been at the center of numerous trade rumors this season. Their three-headed goalie situation led many to believe one of Justin Peters or Anton Khudobin could be moved, and there’s been a lot of smoke around defenseman Tim Gleason:
Gleason should be back mid-week. Sounds like a trade could materialize upon his return. He will have to consent to move.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 2, 2013Carolina (14-16-9) currently sits eight points back of Detroit and Toronto for the final wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.