Hurricanes Sign Wes!

[Turbulence]

Defenseman agrees to one-year deal with Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced today that the team has signed defenseman Glen Wesley to a one-year deal. As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are very happy that Glen has chosen to return to Carolina,” said Rutherford. “He’s been an important part of our team and a leader on the ice for a long time. Glen is respected by his teammates and is active in the Triangle community. We believe his return further solidifies our defense heading into this season.”

Wesley (6’ 1’’, 205 lbs.) split the 2002-03 season between Carolina and Toronto, totaling 11 points (1g, 10a) and 44 penalty minutes in 70 games. Carolina dealt Wesley to Toronto on March 9 in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He played seven regular-season games and five playoff games for the Maple Leafs, averaging more than 27 minutes of ice-time during Toronto’s seven-game first round defeat to Philadelphia.

Wesley, 34, played in nine seasons for the Hurricanes organization and ranks third in franchise history in games played with 629. Wesley scored 190 points (47g, 143a) and totaled 434 penalty minutes in his career with the franchise. He has played 1,173 total games in the NHL, tallying 500 points (124g, 376a) and 859 penalty minutes.

:eek: Who saw this coming?!? Wow...

[AbNormal27]

Turb, you beat me by a just a minute on this one. Mods, please feel free to kill my thread on this great news item. As I said in my thread.....

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Aaryn

PS: I'd just like to add.... YES YES YES! Now the world feels right again.

[crazy4canes]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! That is all. :D

[VandyCane]

This is awesome news. I think the fans need to send Mrs. Wesley a big thank you note...I think she had a huge influence in this decision. Well that, and the fact that Toronto wouldn't give him three years. Still.... WELCOME BACK!!! :)

[stewart123]

There are no words to describe how wonderful this development is.

I wondered how many teams would be willing to go for a 3 year deal.. just guessing that a 1 year deal with the Canes equalled a 2 year anywhere else, based on the avoid-moving-the-family logic.

I guess the answer is none.

And good old Markov just got more incentive to work something out with the Canes, considering that if he really wanted to play in Russia he would have ended the negotiations last week.

[Guyute]

Yeeeee-frikkin-haaaaaaaa!!!!

Welcome home Glen. go burn all that blue stuff. quickly.

[Turbulence]

Sources say the deal is worth $2.75 million plus bonuses.

[lvscolencanes]

A WOOOOOOHOOOO from me too, like everyone on Dix Campus didnt hear me anyway....*(hids while they try to check me in)* :eek2:

[talkingcanes]

Welcome home Glenn :spin: :spin:

[Stormbringer]

Echoing what everyone else has said, plus as Kevin McCallister and the Brain would utter...yes, Yes, YEs, YES!!!

Welcome home Glen. :)

[CaniacManiac]

YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!! Welcome back, Glenn!

[Alicia]

Great GREAT news!! Echoing the WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOs!!! :spin: :spin: :D :D

[MCAngel]

:angel:

[Jillsdad]

WOO HOOOOO
I was not looking forward to framing a lithograph of a current Leafs player but now i can go ahead and frame away!!!!!!! Thank You JR, Glen, Mrs Wesley and the Leafs for not offering a three year deal!!!!!!!

Once Again WOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!

And of course ESPN has nothiong about it on their website!!!!!!
Typical

[NCIrish]

This is one great addition and a solid move to shore up the "D". Not to mention the leadership and trust Glen brings "back" to a club that could possibility be lose it's cornerstone following this season.
I agree with this decision and support the idea of offering extended contracts to proven players. "WELCOME HOME GLEN and FAMILY!"
NCIrish
"Go Canes!"

[StormShaman]

You see?!

I TOLD YOU HE WAS COMING BACK TO US!

[Canesluver]

Man! I take a little nap (am recovering from surgery) and miss everything!! :roll:

What great news!! GW just loooked plain wrong in that Leafs' uniform!! :sick:

Except. . . . now my husband's going to make me eat a big bowl of crow, since just yesterday I said, "There's no way we're getting Wes back. It's just not gonna happen!!"

I don't mind being wrong!!! ;)

Question: Think he'll get his "A" back?

Wooo!! Wooo!! Wooo!!

[Jeff O Rocks]

What a shocker! ;)

I knew it..now the "old gang" will be back together, minus Tanabe...

I feel an awesome year coming!!

Welcome back Glen! :spin:

[StormShaman]

I knew it..now the "old gang" will be back together, minus Tanabe...

And Harry.

[Turbulence]

[I] am recovering from surgery
I certainly wish you a speedy recovery!

make me eat a big bowl of crow, since just yesterday I said, "There's no way we're getting Wes back. It's just not gonna happen!!"

I said the same thing... You know, Crow is a delecacy in some regions...


Question: Think he'll get his "A" back?


I believe so...he had it before, he'll have it again...one way or another. Even if it alternates he'll have it at least some of the time.

:spin:

[Captain Slack]

Ahhhh..... It felt sooo nice to finally be able to hang my lithograph! :D :D

[NCIrish]

Let's just hope it will now go from a one year contract to a multi year contract!
I believe that if the upcoming season is a showcase for his talents and abilities from that we already know of, then Glen is oneof the building blocks for the future.
I really believe we will see the same team on the ice as was there during "THE RUN", personnel wise but this years club will be more
focused, physical and more open in the offensive game. Even though I think we will still be using the D&C to generate scoring chances. I hated the D&C as a goalie. For one reason the puck can at one moment be behind you on your stick side and then before you know it it is directly in front of your 5 hole. Without any reaction from you at all.
Our club is SOUND, the problem last season was that everyone knew how to play us and we basically telegraphed every move of the puck. Injuries killed us as did our lack of puck control and neutral zone dominance. Our forechecking was lazy and our crease control was very weak.
BUT......this season look for a HURRICANE with much more force.
Time will tell and I know we will all be at the Shelter during the second Hurricane season cheering them on!
Can't wait folks!
NCIrish
"Go Canes!"

[nccanes]

Woopity Doo! Does anyone else have the urge to go plant a sign in the Wesley's yard saying "Thank YOU Barb and Glen - welcome back!!"? ;)

I heard about this from a friend this afternoon - I thought he was sh*ttin me. What great news. :D

I hope this lights a fire under Markov and he decides to sign. I would think he realizes his time might run out.

[moonstomper]

Best news Ive heard in a while :cool:

[Shell]

(You know the leafs fans are pissed!)

From the Toronto Star:
Jul. 8, 2003. 05:14 PM
Wesley moves back to Carolina
CANADIAN PRESS

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed unrestricted free agent defenceman Glen Wesley to a one-year $2.75-million US contract, beating out the Toronto Maple Leafs among other teams for his services.
The Hurricanes acquired a second-round pick in next year's NHL entry draft in exchange for sending the veteran blue-liner to Toronto in March. Then they got him back for nothing on Tuesday.

"It did work out well," Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday from Raleigh, N.C. "He tested the free-agent market for a little while. We had made a one-year offer to him which we stuck to. When he initially rejected that offer, I thought that he was probably going somewhere else.

"But this all came back to us last night, they asked us if we were still interested and the answer was yes and we got it done."

Wesley, 34, had one goal and 10 assists in 70 games with Carolina and Toronto last season and was particularly effective for the Leafs in their first-round playoff loss to Philadelphia, averaging over 27 minutes of ice time a game.

He made $2.5 million last season.

Wesley is a dependable defensive defenceman who makes good decisions with the puck while also helping the transition game. The Leafs had hoped to get him back, especially after Robert Svehla announced his retirement.

The fact that Wesley had played nine seasons with the Hurricanes franchise appears to have been the deciding factor.

"I don't think there's any question of that," Rutherford said. ``Because he could have stretched us out longer trying to get his long-term deal. But the fact that no one stepped up in free agency on a long-term deal I think he just wanted to get this settled.

"He's been a big part of the community in Raleigh-Durham and he's been a big part of our team for a long time so we're real glad to have him back."

The looming labour war in September 2004, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires, played a part in Wesley only getting a one-year deal.

"It doesn't mean we only want Wesley for one year but we just don't know what the future holds after next season," Rutherford said.

Rutherford feels the re-acquisition of Wesley solidifies a defence corps that also features newcomer Danny Markov.

"Our blue-line looks really good now, and actually in my opinion better than the one that went to the Cup final," Rutherford said. ``But that still means we have to get Danny Markov signed."

Markov, whose rights were acquired from Phoenix for David Tanabe at the NHL draft in Nashville earlier this month, is contemplating playing in Russia next season.

[nccanes]

(You know the leafs fans are pissed!)


You know it. What does their defense look like right now? McCabe, Kaberle, Berg? I know they have some young guys in the system, but these are who is left from last season. Ouch. :D :evil:

[Stormbringer]

(You know the leafs fans are pissed!)


You know it. What does their defense look like right now? McCabe, Kaberle, Berg? I know they have some young guys in the system, but these are who is left from last season. Ouch. :D :evil:

(does her best impression of Dick Dastardly's dog) :evil:

[raleighcanesfan]

(You know the leafs fans are pissed!)


You know it. What does their defense look like right now? McCabe, Kaberle, Berg? I know they have some young guys in the system, but these are who is left from last season. Ouch. :D :evil:

But their talks with DeVries are becoming serious. Plus there are a few more UFA out there that would fill in nicely. TO, unfortunately, has more funds and could still make some noise to solidify their d. I wouldn't count them out just yet (not saying you are!).

[nccanes]

But their talks with DeVries are becoming serious. Plus there are a few more UFA out there that would fill in nicely. TO, unfortunately, has more funds and could still make some noise to solidify their d. I wouldn't count them out just yet (not saying you are!).

Oh I agree. I think Quinn has the luxury of players clamoring to play for them and he can play possum for longer than JR can. He's made remarks saying that they might not mess with FAs until training camp.

In the meantime, the natives are restless. ;)

I'd rather see deVries in Leaf Blue than Lightning Black and Blue (I don't think the Lightning have the cash he wants).

[hyena]

WOOHOO!!! this is great! :D

welcome back glen -- i wanted to :cry: every time i saw you in that leafs uni...

[nccanes]

welcome back glen -- i wanted to :cry: every time i saw you in that leafs uni...

C'mon Hyena. You know you wanted to http://community.the-underdogs.org/smiley/puke.gif every time you saw him in that leafs uni. ;)

[AbNormal27]

I think Quinn has the luxury of players clamoring to play for them and he can play possum for longer than JR can. He's made remarks saying that they might not mess with FAs until training camp.
.......I'd rather see deVries in Leaf Blue than Lightning Black and Blue (I don't think the Lightning have the cash he wants).

Quinn has stated that he has a list of players he would like, HOWEVER, he has said that they have limited funds, and the salaries that are being demanded are out of the question. Now, normally, I would say he is full of it, but the Leafs' Ownership situation was just changed and they are now governed by committee. Therefore, with the already "high-ish" payroll they have, and a new ownership group looking to be more froogal, I doubt they will do anything in the area of UFA's at all, and promote from within.

Case and point, Glen wanted 3 years, and not a ton of money, yet the Leafs "couldn't" find it in their budget? Let's hope JR can find some extra to sign Markov and enough to bring in DeVries too. I say he'd look better in the Sightless Eye than in Leaf blue or Lightning black and blue, NO?

Aaryn

[nccanes]

I say he'd look better in the Sightless Eye than in Leaf blue or Lightning black and blue, NO?

Aaryn


I knew someone was gonna call me on that one! ;)

[Shell]

Tue, July 8, 2003
Quinn favours trade route
By Mike Zeisberger, Toronto Sun

MARKHAM -- Will another potential Maple Leafs wannabe be allowed to wriggle away? Despite the fact Greg de Vries is intrigued with returning to his native Ontario to continue his NHL career, Leafs assistant general manager Mike Penny insisted no offer has been forwarded to the free-agent defenceman.

And judging by GM/coach Pat Quinn's take yesterday, don't be surprised if the Leafs remain silent on the free-agent market until at least training camp. At that time, they will know whether Robert Svehla, who is pondering retirement, will show up and meet the criteria of his $4-million US contract.

Suggesting the buzz surrounding a potential marriage between the Leafs and de Vries was fuelled by the player's representatives, Quinn said any off-season moves likely would come via the trade route.

With the collective bargaining agreement set to run out in September 2004, a number of agents claim established players already under contract such as Richard Matvichuk, Chris Therien, Alexei Zhitnik and Bob Boughner might be available through a deal.

Pat Morris, the representative for de Vries, suggested earlier this week that his client likely would be signed in the coming days. Morris would not reveal the identity of the numerous teams said to have interest in de Vries, but the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes are rumoured to be among the potential suitors.

The Leafs have had discussions with the representatives of defencemen de Vries, Ken Klee and Oleg Tverdovsky, but Penny described the marketplace as "very slow."

[1Irbegirlforever]

I am so glad we got Glen back! :D :D :D :D He was always one of my favorites and it was horrid seeing him in the leafs uniform...yech! :sick:

[HubbyHatesHockey]

Woo hoo! :spin: I just heard the blurb on the news, and came running in here since I knew ya'll would have the scoop! I'm so glad Wesley is back, especially having seen him perform so well for the Leafs in the playoffs. I was convinced it wouldn't happen, even though I held out hope for so long. So, we get him back, plus a second round pick for trading him before the deadline. Not too shabby.

[KOOL KAT]

Great news!!!!! :)

[nccanes]

AP article with quotes from Glen and Mo.

7/10/2003
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Glen Wesley's quest for a big payday and more security in the free agent market didn't pan out.

Toronto turned down a three-year, $9-million deal floated by Wesley and his agent more than a month ago. So did others across the NHL, leaving the 34-year-old defenceman no other option than to sign a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes this week.

Wesley returns to a team that traded him to the Maple Leafs late last season for a second-round draft pick - and is now desperate for defensive help.

"You never close the door," Wesley said Thursday. "I never left here on bad terms. There was always that small possibility and they were looking for another defenceman."

Wesley will be playing in his 17th NHL season for $2.75 million, having logged 1,173 games. However, he said he's healthy and ready to play more than 20 minutes a game.

"I don't see why not. I keep myself in great shape," Wesley said. "I'm excited about the game and look forward to the opportunity every night to be in every crucial situation. I love to thrive in those situations."

Coach Paul Maurice believes Wesley can still play a major defensive role for the team.

"One of Glen's greatest assets is he's an incredible athlete," Maurice said. "He's able to do some things physically later in his career that other guys can't. He's going to play against the other team's best."

Wesley said his wife pushed him to waive his no-trade clause last season and try to win his first Stanley Cup with Toronto. However, the Maple Leafs were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round and Wesley became an unrestricted free agent.

He's unsure why Toronto never gave him a concrete counteroffer to return.

"Looking at it now, it's gone and past," Wesley said. "I don't have regrets when I went there last year. But nothing was ever there for us to look at."

So, it makes sense for Wesley not to uproot his family in North Carolina, saying it was important for his three children to remain in the same schools.

He's also returning to a franchise he's familiar with, and will be counted on for leadership in the locker room. Wesley was one of the team's alternate captains before being traded and could very well get the "A" back on his sweater.

"We've got time for that," Maurice said. "He hasn't done anything to change my opinion of who he is."

Wesley said he and general manager Jim Rutherford have made no verbal agreements about his future beyond the upcoming season.

"I've got to play it like I did last year. It's the last year of my deal," he said.



I wonder why Toronto didn't even counter offer? I guess that's one way to "negotiate". :roll:

[talkingcanes]

Ignoring the player and his desire to play for your team..........interesting negotiating technique :roll:

Toronto's loss is our gain. I'm very glad to have him back on the ice and in the room.

[Shell]

That is Toronto's MO.. They have lots of great players call and beg to play for them and don't call them back. I'd be a livid leafs fan.

[nccanes]

From today's N&O article:

A Hurricane again
By LUKE DECOCK, Staff Writer

RALEIGH -- The Carolina Hurricanes introduced free-agent signing Glen Wesley on Thursday, if "introduction" is the word for the return of a defenseman who has been here for all but a month of the team's time in North Carolina.
The franchise's third longest-serving player signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract on Tuesday and said that the allure of remaining in the Triangle outweighed the possibility of riches elsewhere.

"I know the history of this team and the success we've had the last four or five years," Wesley said at a news conference. "With the experience and youth we have, I'm excited, and it made my decision easier."

Thursday's comments were Wesley's first since he signed the contract. He was camping with his family when the deal was completed.

Wesley, 34, was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in March for a second-round draft pick in 2004, and he considered re-signing with Toronto -- to the point of submitting a proposal for a three-year contract.

But he never got an answer from the Leafs and ended up coming back to the Canes' one-year offer. Before the trade to Toronto, Wesley had been on the Canes' roster since April 1994.

Carolina defenseman Sean Hill was thrilled the Canes brought back his frequent partner on defense.

"I tell you what: There were a lot of guys out there as far as free agents, but for us this is a huge signing," Hill said. "He's been a big part of this franchise for a long time and to have him back brings us so much stability."

The Canes still have some work to do on defense. Signing restricted free agent Danny Markov, who has threatened to play in Russia, remains the biggest challenge.

Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford was scheduled to speak with Jay Grossman, Markov's agent, late Thursday or today.

Rutherford said the Canes were still pursuing other options in the event they can't sign Markov.

"We're staying on top of that because we don't know which way the Markov situation is going to go," Rutherford said. "I'd like to think we'll bring this thing to a head by Monday."

[AbNormal27]

I'm thinking that they just thought (like most of us did) that Wes didn't look right in blue and white. Good thing RED is his colour!

Aaryn

[JaroFan]

What do you guys think, should he immediately get the A back or earn it after awhile? I thought it looked pretty good on Bret!

[AbNormal27]

What do you guys think, should he immediately get the A back or earn it after awhile? I thought it looked pretty good on Bret!

A few games in the blue and white doesn't mean he shouldn't get it back in my mind.

Aaryn

[Captain Slack]

What do you guys think, should he immediately get the A back or earn it after awhile? I thought it looked pretty good on Bret!

As I said on the poll I posted about this: it's a no-brainer. He should get it back, no questions asked.

[nccanes]

I saw a short clip of Glen greeting the press at the RBC center on last night's news. He was grinning from ear to ear and I was literally smiling at the TV set. :D

[Jeff O Rocks]

I saw a short clip of Glen greeting the press at the RBC center on last night's news. He was grinning from ear to ear and I was literally smiling at the TV set. :D

I saw him too Eileen..he did look very happy...looked in great shape and he has had a haircut!! :D

[Stormbringer]

I saw a short clip of Glen greeting the press at the RBC center on last night's news. He was grinning from ear to ear and I was literally smiling at the TV set. :D

I saw him too Eileen..he did look very happy...looked in great shape and he has had a haircut!! :D

Glad to know Glen's happy to be back myself... :)

[stewart123]

Glen was traded, he didn't leave voluntarily. He should, and hopefully will, have the A.

[StormShaman]

Actually he did leave voluntarily--he was the one who asked for a trade.

[Guyute]

yes. he waived his no-trade clause specifically to go to Toronto.

[AbNormal27]

Actually he did leave voluntarily--he was the one who asked for a trade.

Are you sure about that? I thought they were approached by the Leafs and he waived a no-trade clause to go there when JR came to him with the trade offer.

Aaryn

[Shell]

Seemed mutual to me.. here is an article from then.

Getting defensive
Leafs get Wesley from Hurricanes for draft pick
Sunday March 09, 2003 12:13 PM

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Glen Wesley, the anchor of Carolina's defense for nine seasons, was traded Sunday to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a second-round draft pick in 2004.

The trade of the 16-year NHL defenseman was rumored for a week, but was finalized Saturday night when Toronto sweetened the deal, said Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford.

Wesley, 34, goes from a team well out of the playoffs to a Stanley Cup contender. The Maple Leafs also acquired Owen Nolan from the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday for the Eastern Conference playoff push.

"This is a relief because there has been so much speculation," Wesley said before catching to plane for Edmonton to join his new team. "It has been a very stressful time. This puts some closure to it."

"He knows having the opportunity to have another run at the Stanley Cup is going to be fun for him. He's excited about that," Rutherford said.

Toronto, which lost to the Hurricanes in last season's conference finals, entered Sunday in the fifth slot in the East.

Wesley played in 629 games for the Hurricanes -- third-most in franchise history -- after being acquired from the Boston Bruins in August 1994 for three first-round draft picks.

"That was the first deal I made as a general manager," Rutherford said. "I know it was a big deal at the time, but I've always believed in that deal because Glen has been a real good player for us.

"He's really anchored our defense for a number of years, and he's a great character person. This is a tough one for me, but at the same time, it's in his best interest and the organization's best interest to make this move."

Wesley has one goal, seven assists and 40 penalty minutes in 63 games this season for Carolina, which entered Sunday with 55 points -- second-worst in the league.

The defenseman is three shy of 500 points in 1,165 career games.

"I think Glen is still a real good player, not only down the stretch, but he's going to be a good player for the next three or four years with his experience," Rutherford said.

Wesley makes $2.5 million a season and will become an unrestricted free agent July 1. He and his agent turned down a one-year extension at the same price from Rutherford, opening the door for a trade.

However, both sides refused to rule out a return to Carolina next season.

"In the forefront of my mind I'm concentrating on helping Toronto win the Stanley Cup. That's my goal," Wesley said. "When the time comes I will weigh all my options for next season, but it's going to be an interesting summer."

The departure of Wesley leaves a big hole on the ice for Carolina and in the locker room, where the alternate captain was one of the club's leaders. He was logging more than 21 minutes a game -- third-most on the team.

"I can't say enough about him as a teammate and, selfishly for me, as a defensive partner," Sean Hill said. "He was a guy who was very easy to play with and made you look good on a lot of nights when you weren't very good."

"There are a handful of players over your coaching career that you want the best for and I think this is good for Glen," added coach Paul Maurice. "He'll get a chance to play in a big market and get a push in the playoffs again. He's played very hard for us and he deserves that opportunity."

[stewart123]

Actually he did leave voluntarily--he was the one who asked for a trade.

Can you post your source on this statement? I certainly never heard anything about Wesley asking for a trade, and it would change my view somewhat if true.

I don't consider waiving a no-trade clause, or being relieved when the week of speculation is over, to be 'asking for a trade'. Both of those occurred after the trade offer was brought to him.

[nccanes]

I'll keep looking, but it certainly seemed in my recollection that the situation was as much about Wesley wanting a chance to win the Cup as it was about the Canes gaining something for trading him to a team that needed him.

This isn't what you are looking for but this appeared in the paper yesterday:

Wesley said his wife pushed him to waive his no-trade clause last season and try to win his first Stanley Cup with Toronto.

Of course you could interpret that to mean that they asked him to allow a trade and his wife *then* pushed him, but it could also mean the opposite.

[nccanes]

I've now re-read all the N&O articles leading up to Wesley's trade and in all of them the strongest language used was that he "may be willing to waive his no-trade clause" and eventually "agreed to waive his no-trade clause" and then listed the teams he supposedly agreed to be traded to.

Never was it reported in the N&O that Wesley asked to be traded.

It's hard to know the realities of what transpired, but I suppose Stewart could be correct that if the phone didn't start ringing and/or JR didn't approach Wesley about it, then nothing would have happened.

In the article the day following the trade, it did say that the Canes offered him 1 year at 2.5, but that he had decided he'd rather test the market.

[rons#1fan]

Trade, No-Trade....I'm just thrilled he's back !