After a couple big news weekends courtesy of Ron Francis’ wheeling and dealing, we are officially in the slow days of May needing to grind out a couple more weeks of offseason before the trifecta of the expansion draft, the regular draft and free agency dial up the volume of news or at least articles speculating on possible player movement.

In the meantime, the NHL playoffs are at the deciding point for the conference finals and Canes players and prospects are still active in the IIHF World Championship in Germany and the Memorial Cup in Windsor, Ontario respectively.

This week’s reading list features a couple interviews from General Manager Ron Francis and a grab bag of other goodies.

Ron Francis interviews

Francis joined Melnick in the Afternoon on Montreal 690 for an interview covering a range of topics.

If you are a season ticket holder, also check your email for a link to an interview that Mike Maniscalco did with Ron Francis for season ticket holders for CarolinaHurricanes.com.

Hurricanes prospects new and old

With only four out of 60 Canadian Hockey League teams still standing for the Memorial Cup battle that started on Friday, the Hurricanes are doing well with four players still in the mix.

Nikkie Stoudt at CarolinaHurricanes.com profiled the four Hurricanes prospects competing for the Memorial Cup.

Here at Canes and Coffee, Cory Fogg updated his postseason prospect rankings and also looked forward to the Memorial Cup.

Terry Koshan at the Toronto Sun has yet another article detailing Warren Foegele’s significant role in the Erie Otters’ run to the Memorial Cup.

Eric McCarthy from the Journal Pioneer has Saint John Sea Dogs captain Spencer Smallmen “living in the moment.”

Ryan Kennedy at The Hockey News provided a broader watch list of NHL prospects for all 31 NHL teams at the Memorial Cup.

The team also announced dates and most of the details for the annual prospect camp/Summerfest which will take place at PNC Arena from June 26-July 1. This is a must-attend summer event with a bunch of free fun (only food costs money).

Go Canes!