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Boucher out 4-6 months, ‘Canes to seek goaltending help?

Brian Boucher

There’s a new wrinkle in the free agent goalie market.

According to Carolina GM Jim Rutherford, ‘Canes backup Brian Boucher suffered a shoulder injury that will sideline him for 4-6 months, preventing him from being Cam Ward’s security blanket until at least October, possibly December.

That puts a spotlight on 25-year-old Justin Peters -- he of the 28 career NHL appearances -- who is an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Do the ‘Canes scramble to re-sign Peters, or acquire a more veteran presence?

“Obviously this thing with Brian’s injury gives Justin a better chance,” Rutherford explained. “But the fact that we’re this close to July 1, we’re probably going to wait a few days into [the free agency period] to make a decision.”

It’s hard to imagine who else the ‘Canes would land in free agency. They’re basically offering a temp position that will get crowded when Boucher comes back, so it’s shaping up to be a stopgap/filler signing -- perhaps a guy that’s on the verge of not being in the league (read: Brent Johnson, Ty Conklin.)