Hurricanes winger Ray Whitney would like to stay in Carolina, but he understands he may not be back with the team next season, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Whitney, 38, will become an unrestricted free agent July 1 if the Hurricanes don't sign him to a new contract.
The two sides have gone back and forth, but Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has said he doesn't expect a deal to be ironed out by the start of next month.
Whitney believes "a lot can happen" over the next two weeks, but the Hurricanes are intent on having a smaller payroll next season.
"I have a lot of respect for Jimmy (Rutherford) and what he has to do," Whitney told the News & Observer on Friday. "He wants to go with younger guys and transition the team. I understand that. I also understand the issue with ownership and what they're trying to do in selling part of the team, and the situation with the (salary) cap.
"They may not have the money out there to sign me."
Files from:
Raleigh News & Observer
[ From the Editor ]
Visit David Pagnotta's TWITTER page for frequent comments and updates on free agency and the NHL Entry Draft. |
