The Carolina Hurricanes decided to roll the dice by signing Alexander Semin to a one-year, $7 million today.
Some go back to the old “book” on Semin that he scores when the going is easy and then “disappears” in big moments, but Canes GM Jim Rutherford argued against that notion during an interview with FAN 590:
“I know there are different things being said out there publicly - some negative, some positive - but the fact of the matter is he’s a very talented player,” Rutherford said. “Based on our records, he’s a key player in key situations.”
Rutherford cited analytical stats in making the choice to sign Semin, claiming that his detractors haven’t “done their homework.”
Despite it just being a one-year deal, Rutherford expressed his hope that it will be “a long-term relationship” between Semin and the Hurricanes. Putting up more positive numbers would certainly improve those chances.
For more of Rutherford’s thoughts on the Semin signing and the CBA negotiations, click here.