The Carolina Hurricanes have a called a news conference for 1:30 p.m. today about the future of defenseman Glen Wesley.

Wesley is expected to announce he is retiring.

Canes general manager Jim Rutherford, reached by WRAL on May 16, said, “We’re going to have to rebuild our defense with Glen Wesley and [Bret] Hedican probably retiring or not returning. We’re going to have to make some moves in that area.”

“I have not been told officially, but based on the information I have, it’s leaning that way,” Rutherford said.

Wesley, 39, completed his 20th NHL season and 13th with the Hurricanes in 2007-08. He led the Canes in blocked shots (110). Wesley finished the season with one goal and seven assists (8 points) in 78 games played. He is the only player to have played for the Hurricanes in every season since the team relocated to North Carolina in 1997.

Capitol Broadcasting's all-sports radio station, 99.9 FM The Fan, will carry the news conference live and have an exclusive interview with Wesley afterward.