No surprises at this point. I guess this is why I was surprised Helminen and Murley were sent down previously — those guys have been at least proven AHL scorers, and I thought they could add a little punch to the lineup. I like what LaCouture did all camp, but he’s not going to score 8-10 goals this season like those guys can do. Hopefully Bayda or LaRose can fill that void and score some (Chad did last year, Ryan was effective but didn’t score much).

You subtract Williams, (30 goals), and now Walker (20 goals) and then kick in 8 to 10 goals, and I don’t think it’s going to cut it. That’s why I can see them needing a scoring forward, even when Walker comes back. (If Boychuk doesn’t fill the void).

On the otherhand, maybe Pitkanen and Corvo can pick up the slack and punch in 10 to 20 goals themselves. We will see.

I think more of the onus will be on Eaves and Ruutu to put up bigger numbers. Granted they are already replacing Stillman/Cole as well but they will be the difference in my mind. I think the 3rd line has some potential to put up decent numbers until Walker returns – I don’t know if Boychuk has the ability to step right in and be an effective NHL scorer, I guess time will tell. I think the key to a good start is having the power play gel and be in the top 10. All my points are really clique, just wanted to throw my 2 cents in. I’m interesting to see how Sutter performs as well, he could rotate in for some 3rd line minutes…

I would love to see Ruutu live up to the promise he showed in Chicago.

Something tells me this group is going to get run at alot.
The biggest forward in the top nine is Stall, who we don’t need to be trading punches with anybody. Brookbank
and LaCouture will be lucky if they see 2 shifts a period.
The only physical D are Gleason and Seidenberg. Walker provided some protection for the forwards last season; without him Brookbank has to play more and/or Melichar has to
move into the top 6 at the blueline.

More bad news for the good guys….

I was hoping to see Brookbank and Conboy on the fourth line for the same reasons John S. mentioned. Our top three forward lines look especially small on the wings. I thought the team played more confidently when both of the pugilists were on the ice. I had never seen LaCouture play before this year, so maybe he can bring a similar physical presence.

I think Brookbank should be able to provide enough protection. He did so last season all by himself. The thing that this team will have to do is make other teams pay for taking penalties. To me, that will be the key. Score a goal for the cheap stick penalties, sprinkle in Brookbank for keeping the blind sided hits down.

My other comment, given this line up, is if there is any truth to the story that Shanahan is interested in coming to Carolina. JR said if Shanny was interested he would have to think about it, which means “here’s a contract, please come play.” At the very least the addition of Shanny moves Rosey, or possibly Bayda, down to the fourth line and LaCouture down to the AHL. Then, when Walker comes back the third line becomes Cullen, Walker, Shanny with Bayda likely headed back to the AHL unless of course there is another injury before Walker comes bakc, but what are the chances of that?

I don’t think the problem will be scoring, as long as those not injured already remain that way. The ‘Canes got bigger, but not much tougher. I still feel there is a real need for a more physical defenseman. It would’ve been nice to keep Conboy around as well – apparently, he frustrates the Caps beyond belief, and it would be good to keep them off their game / preoccupied with him. Hopefully, LaCouture can step into Walker’s shoes somewhat. Eaves & Rutuu are tough, but we need them to forecheck & score goals, not sit in the box.

Anyone else hear about the ’Canes going after Shanahan?

I would call Shanahan a very, very big longshot. I think JR’s comments were more “never say never” than something he’s really seriously considering.

Forslund is saying on his most recent blog post that the Canes are indeed looking for another forward.

http://www.wralsportsfan.com/rs/blogpost/3692349/