It appears the Carolina Hurricanes are on the verge of giving up on sniper
Alexander Semin. Carolina head coach Bill Peters explained in detail why Semin would likely be a healthy scratch tonight versus Tampa Bay. Semin has only played in 26 games this year due to injuries and healthy scratches, and it looks like the Canes' are ready to move on from the once potent scoring threat.
His criticism of Semin was harsh and with the Hurricanes going 6-2-1 in January, they are not missing Semin's presence in the lineup. He is in the second of a five-year, $35 million deal that carries a $7M cap hit through 2018. Although Semin was productive in his first two years in Carolina, (he scored 35 goals and 86 points in 109 games), this season has been an unmitigated disaster. Peters hoped benching Semin would wake him up, but it appears the message has fallen on deaf ears.
Do not be surprised if the Canes' attempt to move Semin before the deadline as they are considered to be a non-contender for this year's playoffs.
The Panthers, Devils and Avalanche are all in need of scoring, but Semin could fit well with any team looking to make a run at the playoffs.
Which team should try to pry Semin away from Carolina?