The Carolina Hurricanes' assistant general manager will receive an honorary doctorate from Algoma University in his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, on June 14.

"I'll do the big speech and all that stuff," Francis said.

"It should be a nice time. I'm looking forward to it."

This will be Francis' second such degree. In 1998, he received an honorary doctorate from Lake Superior State University in Sault Sainte Marie, Mich. This latest honor comes seven months after he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

NO MOVE FOR BABCHUK: Although the Hurricanes are looking for defensemen, Anton Babchuk isn't in their plans yet.

Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford denied an Internet report that the Hurricanes had offered Babchuk a contract to return to the NHL.

Babchuk, 24, left the organization to play in Russia last summer after he initially refused an assignment to Albany (AHL) during the 2006-07 season.

"His agent has expressed interest in him coming back here," Rutherford said. "That's as far as it's gone at this point."

CHANGING OF THE GOALIES: With Michael Leighton penciled in as Cam Ward's backup, the Canes re-signed goalie Daniel Manzato on Friday to compete with Justin Peters for playing time in Albany.

Manzato, 24, was loaned to Las Vegas (ECHL) this season but is expected to join Peters in the AHL. Kevin Nastiuk, who split time between Albany and Florida (ECHL), will not be re-signed. Manzato will earn $522,500 at the NHL level and $75,000 in the minors.

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