RALEIGH - In his first move since being appointed general manager, Norm Donovan announced that he had acquired winger Radek Dvorak and gritty defensive blueliner Cory Cross. Gone are highly-touted winger Jeff O'Neill and powerplay quartback Bret Hedican. The Hurricanes also received the Flyers first round pick in the upcoming draft in exchange for Atlanta's 4th. The trade, though still pending league approval, has been confirmed by sources within both organizations.
"There was a lot of interest in Jeff," noted Donovan, "but we felt this was the best deal out there for us. We feel that Dvorak is more than capable of filling O'Neill's spot on right wing, and Cory adds to the highly physical presence we already have on the blueline."
On ice production aside, the clinchers for the deal were strictly off-ice.
"Getting another 1st rounder was a priority for us this off-season and although the selection is relatively low, we feel that there will still be some top-notch talent still available," said Donovan, "In addition, these moves trim over $3 million from our payroll, giving us a little more wiggle room to take on some salary."
Rumours have begun to swirl that Donovan has been feuding behind the scenes with head coach Peter Laviolette. Sources have even reported that the two got into a heated argument over possible assistant coaching changes and had to be separated by stunned executives before they came to blows. Donovan issued a curt "No comment" when asked about the rift, and Laviolette indicated only that the two have "certain philosophical differences."