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?
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