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Report: Canes shopping Skinner, working on extensions for Eric Staal and Cam Ward

Carolina Hurricanes v Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 01: Jeff Skinner #53 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game at Consol Energy Center on April 1, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Justin K. Aller

According to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Carolina Hurricanes have made it known that forward Jeff Skinner is available.

Skinner is set to enter the third year of his six-year, $34.35 million deal next season. He does have a no-trade clause in his contract, but it does not activate until the 2017-18 season.

The 23-year-old, who has battled concussion issues, scored 18 goals and 13 assists in 77 games last season. His deal carries a cap hit of $5.725 million.

Meanwhile Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports that Canes GM Ron Francis is in the process of working on extensions for both Eric Staal and Cam Ward.

Francis told reporters on Thursday that both players have given him “every indication” they want to remain in Carolina.

Neither can sign extensions before July 1.

Both players are heading to the final year of their respective deals and will become unrestricted free agents next summer. Agent Rick Curran also represents both players.

Staal his heading into the final year of his seven-year, $57.75 million contract while Ward has one year remaining on his six-year, $37.8 million deal.

Alexander also reports that Carolina will part ways with pending unrestricted free agent defensemen Jack Hillen and Brett Bellemore.

Additionally, the Canes won’t re-sign forward Patrick Dwyer

According to Generalfanager.com, Francis has $13.95 million of cap space to work with heading into free agency.

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