The same day the Hurricanes announced the signing of defenseman Jamie “Ice To See You” McBain to a two-year contract, general manager Jim Rutherford confirmed veteran d-man Bryan Allen is headed for unrestricted free agency on July 1.
According to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer, Rutherford offered Allen a contract, but the 31-year-old didn’t think much of the offer.
Allen’s coming off a solid season with the ‘Canes. He played all 82 games, scored once, added 13 assists, and led the team with 188 blocked shots (fourth most in the NHL).
What’s debatable now is Rutherford’s decision to hold onto Allen at the trade deadline despite his team’s position far down the standings at the time. At the very least, the Hurricanes could’ve received a draft pick or two.
