Rutherford: Cole to test FA market

The clock is ticking closer and closer to the free agency signing period. Where do the Canes stand on unrestricted free agents Erik Cole and Chad LaRose? General manager Jim Rutherford said today that Cole's agent, Steve Bartlett, has informed him that Cole will not sign a new contract before the deadline and will test the free-agent market. As for LaRose, Rutherford said he spoke yesterday with LaRose's agent, Pat Morris. He said "there has been a little movement in our position" on the contract, and asked Morris to talk with LaRose about the offer and call back. "I have not heard from him yet but hope to hear from him today," Rutherford said. Cole was given a three-year, $12 million contract by the Canes in 2006. He has been offered a two-year deal for less money by Carolina. "We know it's less than what his last contract was, but we've done it for reasons," Rutherford said. "There were the inconsistencies, the playo...