Hurricanes could move on from Semin: report

Alexander Semin's time with the Carolina Hurricanes could be nearing an end after general manager Ron Francis didn't commit to the forward remaining with them next season.

Semin had career lows in goals (six) and points (19) this season and is due to make $7 million next season. He has three years remaining on his contract, worth $21 million.

"It's too early to say," Francis told the Raleigh News & Observer earlier in comments published Wednesday. "We're looking at all the options. Is it best to keep [Semin] here or should we do something else? At the right time we'll do what's best for our organization."

Semin missed 25 games this season because of injuries and was a healthy scratch on numerous occasions. He scored 40 goals with the Washington Capitals in 2009-10, but his offensive production has declined in each of the past four seasons. Semin has 41 goals in 166 games with the Hurricanes since 2012-13.

If the Hurricanes choose to buy out Semin, they will owe him $14 million over the next six years, and it would free up some salary-cap room. In addition to Semin, captain Eric Staal ($9.5 million) and goalie Cam Ward ($6.8 million) each is entering the final year of his contract.

Carolina was 30-41-11 and finished last in the Metropolitan Division.

"It's tough to say, but I am open to discussing changes and making changes," Francis said. "When you finish like we did this season, and there are some reasons the season went the way it did, I'm open to listening to suggestions made that I believe can make this team better."