Hurricanes and Flyers have their sanity questioned

	Jack Johnson (right) was drafted third behind top pick Sidney Crosby in 2005 and is rumored to be going to Pittsburgh. Dave Sandord/Getty Images
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The way things have gone this week, it might be time for the NHL to create an award to honor the late Charles O. Finley. Clearly the most compelling competition these days is to see who's the biggest nut in the game.

Finley, who owned the California Golden Seals from 1970 to '73, would love hockey right now. He was legendary for his own particular brand of nuttiness, like forcing the hapless Seals to wear yellow, then white, skates. Now, there's a guy whose influence can be seen in front offices around the league.

Islanders owner Charles Wang earned his nomination for the inaugural award with Rick DiPietro's 15-year contract. And if the Carolina Hurricanes are crazy enough to consider trading defenseman Jack Johnson, then GM Jim Rutherford has made this a two-horse race.

Johnson, the third overall pick in 2005, is rumored to be on the block after rejecting yet another advance from the 'Canes to go pro (he previously turned them down during last season's run to the Stanley Cup). You can understand why Carolina is impatient. The 6-1, 210-pound 19-year-old is a can't-miss prospect who draws comparisons to Chris Chelios. What club couldn't use an instant dose of that?

But rather than cash in, Johnson chose to honor his commitment to play one more year for the University of Michigan. And so, for having the gall to be loyal to his Wolverine teammates, he's apparently earned the enmity of the Canes' front office.

If frustration moves them to make a trade, it'll likely become one they regret. Outside of the Chris Pronger for Brendan Shanahan swap back in 1995, deals involving an elite young defenseman rarely work out for the team that moves him. If patience with Johnson is out of the question, Rutherford better find a very generous dancing partner or the long-term health of his franchise could take a serious hit.

If the 'Canes actually make a move, it's unlikely that Johnson will be dealt to Pittsburgh for Jordan Staal, which is the rumor du jour. On the surface, the symmetry's appealing. The Pens add the elite blueline prospect they currently lack and Carolina gets a bookend for franchise center Eric Staal. Scratch below the surface, however, and it makes no sense for the defending Cup champs.

Staal, who's participating in his first pro camp after being taken second overall in this summer's draft, is projected to be a very good second-line center. That makes him a pretty valuable commodity, but there are a couple of guys who can fill that role in almost every draft class.

But blue-chippers like Johnson don't come along nearly often enough. Without adding significant sweeteners, something the rebuilding Pens can't afford to give up without compromising their already-thin depth, Carolina would lose big in that deal.

It would be especially pointless to acquire a forward prospect when the Hurricanes' hand apparently is being forced by the need for defensive help. Carolina learned this week that top blueliner Frantisek Kaberle will be sidelined until January, at the earliest, by shoulder surgery. They'd already lost free agent Aaron Ward from the Cup roster, and Bret Hedican's thumb and hip surgeries may delay the start of his season.

The Canes are hoping to find a stopgap internally, but none of their options are particularly appealing. Free agent David Tanabe returned after three years away, but the speedster looked softer last season, and more lost than ever, with the Bruins. Returnees Oleg Tverdovsky and Andrew Hutchinson can cover Kaberle's offense, but both are as dependable as a '74 AMC Pacer in their own zone.

The team announced on Tuesday that veteran Jason Wooley, the 37-year-old vet who scored 19 points in 53 games with the Red Wings last season, will come to camp for a tryout. Stylistically, his game is similar to Kaberle's, and he comes at no risk, but there are a number of good reasons why no one had previously signed him.

A smaller deal, possibly with Dallas or New Jersey, could bridge the gap until Kaberle returns. And since the Cup won't be defended before January anyway, Carolina would be wise to send Johnson a care package and promise to call again after the Frozen Four. Of course, a move like that would make too much sense...and take Rutherford right out of the running for the Finley Award.