Comeback - Jeff O'Neill Gets Camp Invite
by Bob Wage on Aug 7, 2008 3:53 PM EDT
16 comments
Jeff O'Neill has been invited to Hurricanes training camp this fall, on a tryout basis. Lord Stanley's Blog broke the news with confirmation from Jim Rutherford. The controversial winger had his best years in Carolina and will be trying to resurrect his career after taking a "year off" last season. Has he got anything left in the tank?
O'Neill's talent was never an issue, but his conditioning, on-ice effort, and off-ice behavior was often the subject of scrutiny. Will his very presence be a distraction that the team doesn't need? With Laviolette's job on the line and the requirement that the team gets off to a fast start, he's going to need everyone to be on the same page this camp.
Jim Rutherford has a reputation for reclamation projects. He brought Gary Roberts into camp after a serious injury when no one else in the NHL wanted him, and things worked out pretty well back then for the Canes and for Roberts.
One way or the other, it will be interesting to see O'Neill back in town. He's never been one to mince words during his interviews.
In other related news, ex-Cane Trevor Letowski has been unable to land an NHL contract, and has signed to play in the new KHL hockey league. Also, ex-Cane Sean Hill recently signed to play for the Swiss hockey club, Biel.
Kevyn Adams was recently interviewed by XM Radio and is still waiting for a contract offer from the Blackhawks. The Hawks have two very expensive goalies taking up a lot of cap space and may need to free up some salary before Adams gets a call.
There is still no word about Bret Hedican. Could he show up at camp as well?
Foo Fighters
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Best of luck to Jeff. I don’t know that Carolina has room for him anywhere (other than Albany), but I hope he gets himself noticed and gets a one-way deal somewhere. If not, there’s certainly no harm having him playing in Albany, in case the big club needs him at some point.
by Cory on Aug 7, 2008 4:35 PM EDT reply actions
Agreed. With the Canes history of injuries, they can never have enough depth. Although I doubt that O’Neill accepts a 2-way deal. Rutherford seemed to allude that O’Neill would just be in Albany “a few games to get his timing back.”
by Bubba on Aug 7, 2008 4:44 PM EDT reply actions
1) I think it’s great they are giving Jeff a chance.
He has had some issues, but he also carried the 2002
team (along with BBC and Irbe) to the finals. If he earns a spot, great. If not, give him credit for
trying.
2) Some of your regulars need to find something (someone?) else to flog besides Lavi. He is widely respected throughout the NHL. Most fans outside of the Triangle think he did a helluva job last year .
Coach can only play the hand he is dealt. If we had a decent backup for Wardo, the playoffs would not have been an issue. Ditto if either Brindy or Willaims was able to play a full season. Quit
complaining and enjoy the fact we have a NHL team that has been to the finals twice in the last 7 seasons.
by John S on Aug 7, 2008 6:01 PM EDT reply actions
I don’t know about this – this is a Maple Leaf’s move if I’ve ever seen one.
Not all the reclamation projects turn out well – Tverdovsky, anyone?
by repenttokyo on Aug 7, 2008 6:53 PM EDT reply actions
Ok…well mixed feelings here.
On the one hand, Jeff was in many ways partially responsible for successful hockey in Carolina. For that alone, the organization must give him a chance. He is a veteran now and with the tragedy of his brother, I would hope his perspective has changed for the better. Sometimes age changes the soul. Usually for the better….I hope that is Jeff’s situation.
On the other hand, what team needs a bad apple? Certainly the future leadership of this team lies with Mr. Stahl. I would not like to have any of the bad attitude stuff rub off on any of this young nucleus of players.
I am very confident that Lavi and JR will do their normal excellent decision making in this case too. Nice to see him back. All the luck to you Jeff.
by Ken on Aug 7, 2008 8:53 PM EDT reply actions
Letowski was an interesting player for us. I wish him luck in the KHL.
by Canesrdabest8 on Aug 7, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions
Just to be clear everyone, O’s not even signed .. this is just a camp invite.
by Cory on Aug 7, 2008 10:18 PM EDT reply actions
Hedican? Baaa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha….just kidding.
Now that would be interesting.
by W Stout on Aug 7, 2008 11:42 PM EDT reply actions
What does this article end w/ “Foo Fighters?” Did they get invited to camp as well?
I have no problem w/ O’Neill being around as long as his attitude is good and he isn’t lazy. There is no doubt he has talent….
by Mateo on Aug 8, 2008 10:24 AM EDT reply actions
Mateo-
I used to title some of my articles after song titles, and mention the group at the end. I haven’t done it so much lately. So this article about O’Neill’s comeback is in tribute to the Foo Fighter song “Come Back”.
by Bubba on Aug 8, 2008 11:50 AM EDT reply actions
my favourite track on that particular foo fighters album.
by repenttokyo on Aug 8, 2008 11:55 AM EDT reply actions
Favorite Foo Fighters song is Monkeywrench.
I really think this will make camp interesting as well – as long as he doesn’t get any preferential treatment. Which I don’t think will happen.
Awaiting camp with baited breath…
by marc on Aug 8, 2008 12:53 PM EDT reply actions
if he wants to make an impression he will be a camp brindamour………
by wylde4canes on Aug 8, 2008 1:12 PM EDT reply actions
Cool… I didn’t know if any of the guys were going to be fighting foo or what!
This Jeff O’Neill thing really makes sense if you think about it. At the very least it creates some competition for jobs in camp. Everyone works harder when their job is not a guarantee….
by Mateo on Aug 8, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions
Jeff had some bumps in the road and I hope he is past that and ready to do what it takes to be a steady in the NHL. He got a shot in Toronto and it didn’t work out. Hopefully he learned from that experience and is ready to do what it takes to get back where he was in his best days at Carolina. Whether it is at Carolina or elsewhere I wish him the best.
by Dave on Aug 8, 2008 3:17 PM EDT reply actions
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