Rumor: Two star players have not been re-signed because of uncertain ownership.

Some pretty serious rumors are gaining a lot of traction in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Many have speculated on Eric Staal and Cam Ward both remaining free agents this long into the offseason, and all signs seem to point to an attemped sale of the franchise as the reason for the delay.

Luke Decock of The News & Observer spoke to Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis:

While Francis denied the uncertainty surrounding the team’s ownership is hampering negotiations, the fact remains the Hurricanes have done very little this summer while owner Peter Karmanos continues to seek a buyer for the franchise.

Since Karmanos approved the mega-millions buyout of Alexander Semin’s contract in June – admittedly, no small decision – everything else has been quiet, with no free-agent reinforcements added. The Hurricanes didn’t have to re-sign (or trade) Staal and Ward this summer, but it was the easiest time to do it. Now, Staal’s situation in particular hangs over the season like a cloud – just like the potential sale of the team has for a year.

With the franchise in limbo and no deal for Staal or Ward you can expect both men to be the subject of trade rumors and you can expect both their deals to be a major distraction for the Hurricanes. Ward seems unlikely to get a deal at this point, with the Hurricanes bringing in Eddie Lack you would expect Ward's time in Carolina is limited.

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Image courtesy Keystone Press.