ALBANY — The Carolina Hurricanes trimmed their NHL roster today, assigning defenseman Tim Conboy and forwards Trevor Gillies and Joe Jensen to the Albany River Rats.

It was uncertain when the trio would arrive in Albany. The Rats open the 2008-09 regular season at home Saturday against Bridgeport.

Conboy and Jensen were both slowed by injuries late in training camp with Carolina. All three figure to play prominent roles for Albany.

"I don't know what the plan is or how long they're going to be here, but I'm definitely going to welcome them while they're here," first-year Rats head coach-GM Jeff Daniels said. "They're three guys that will definitely help make our team better."