NHL GM on the deadline: “We hope to be fairly active.”

We can add several new names to the trade bait list today, NHL General Manager Ron Francis has made it crystal clear that he expects to be active before the trade deadline. Chip Alexander reported the quote from Francis, and now Bob McKenzie is also reporting that the Hurricanes have failed to sign two of their unrestricted free agents, meaning Francis has two more players he must trade. According to McKenzie's report Jiri Tlusty and Jay McClement will not be signing extensions with Carolina before the deadline, meaning that if they aren't trade Caroline is highly likely to lose them to free agency. No word yet on the asking price for either man, but given the timing, and the Francis' weak position he will likely be hard press to come away with significant value for either man,

Asked GM Ron Francis how active Canes would be through March 2 deadline. Francis: "We hope to be fairly active." — Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) February 13, 2015

Pending UFA forwards Jiri Tlusty and Jay McClement haven't been able to come to terms with CAR on extensions, so they're likely to be dealt. — Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 13, 2015