Two days after the recall of Brett Carson rang the first alarm bells of a possible trade, the Hurricanes appear no closer to making a deal involving defenseman Ian White.

Paul Branecky

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White was held out of Wednesday’s game in New Jersey as a precaution, as a potential injury would likely have halted a deal involving the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. On Thursday, he was part of a small group that took part in the team’s limited practiced and seemed to be in good spirits, even though his immediate future still hangs in the balance.

“It’s day-to-day,” said Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice. “We’ll see where we’re at tomorrow, talk with Jim (Rutherford) and make a decision after that.”

That decision involves White’s playing status with the Hurricanes for Friday’s home game against Philadelphia. Both sides seemed as though they were prepared for that possibility in the event that any potential trade falls through. While seemingly awkward, White, who has been traded twice in the last 13 months and knows how these things can unfold, seemed to be handling things well.

“About as well as you can,” said Maurice. “He’s out on the ice working out today and getting ready for tomorrow.”

Ryan Carter, who has missed the last three games, also skated with the group but is doubtful to return to the lineup on Friday, which would mean another NHL game for Jerome Samson.

Jussi Jokinen, who returned to the lineup for the first time since Feb. 1 on Wednesday, also did not skate, but Maurice said he should be fine moving forward after a strong showing in the loss to the Devils.

“He got through it fine and felt strong,” said Maurice. “You’re always looking to the next day to see how a player comes in, and he felt good this morning.”

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