LaCouture Goes, Helminen and Dwyer Stay....For Now
by Bob Wage on Nov 3, 2008 10:21 PM EST
9 comments
Dan LaCouture was placed on waivers this afternoon as Scott Walker was activated from the injured reserve. LaCouture will report to Albany if he isn't claimed by another team. Walker could be cleared to play in Toronto tomorrow night.
Most folk probably assumed that Pat Dwyer would be the player returned to Albany when the proper time came since he was the last player to arrive, but Dwyer kills penalties and brings more speed with his game. The coaching staff deemed that he was more effective than LaCouture, who was playing minimal time ever since his successful opening night performance.
The other River Rat recall, Dwight Helminen is sticking around a bit. This from John Forslund's Blog-
Dwight Helminen isn't going anywhere anytime soon. He has played four games and played them well. He has been impressive in the face-off circle, and picked up a goal and an assist against the Leafs. Helminen, is needed because it appears that Matt Cullen will not play again tomorrow. He is with the team, but is still nursing a groin problem and is very much a day-to-day situation.
Both Dwyer and Helminen seem to fit Coach Laviolette's system more so than LaCouture, but the Massachusetts native brought some needed toughness to the Hurricanes.
Hurricanes Insider found an interesting article about LaCouture and his struggle with alcohol. We will be keeping an eye on the winger and we wish him well.
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Question is…does he report? Didn’t he fail to report when with the Ducks?
I hope he does…I like Dan…I think lots of playing time in Albany will do him some good.
by W Stout on Nov 3, 2008 10:24 PM EST reply actions
Good article from Edmonton, nice find.
He should report, if his life really is back on track. It’s a one-way contract so he gets paid the same amount no matter what.
I initially thought we should have sent Brookbank down instead since at least LaCouture can score every once in a while, but W Stout made a good point that maybe its good for LaCouture and Albany and that they could use him more than Brookbank and he might benefit from the increased playing time.
by Lou on Nov 4, 2008 12:34 AM EST reply actions
Sorry, it is a two-way contract so that really stinks for Danny, he only gets 50k at the AHL level so I guess that is also the main reason why we went sent him down. This makes it even more curious as to why we gave Brookbank a 1-way deal. It is not like he was a liability to sign elsewhere and it’s not like his role could not have been filled by so many other guys.
by Lou on Nov 4, 2008 12:41 AM EST reply actions
Brookbank’s role doesn’t appear as if it could be filled by many other guys. Remember the trade JR made for Hordichuk? He refused to sign here. Same with Darcy Tucker who wanted nothing to do with this system. It’s apparently not that easy of a role to fill for this team.
Don’t forget that JR stated he wanted a bigger, more physical (read more fighters) fourth line, which he was not able to achieve.
Lastly, I think Brookbank got a one-way deal as a message to Laviolette that Brookbank has a spot on the NHL roster and that he needs to be used.
by C-Leaguer on Nov 4, 2008 10:12 AM EST reply actions
To the people who think LaCouture was needed more than Brookbank, well, I dont necessarily disagree but I’d like to say that Brookbank has really put up some nice chances to only be on the ice for 2-3 minutes a night. Think about it, a lot of the times a top line guy may only get 5 to 7 shots on goal, and even then only 3 or 4 may count as true “chances”. I’ve seen Brookbank come really close to scoring at least 4 times this year on what I’d call quality chances.. The stats say hes only got 2 SOG all year, but somehow, I know I’ve seen him come close more than that……
by TylerA on Nov 4, 2008 10:18 AM EST reply actions
Brookbank has 2 SOG for the season and he has missed the net about three times… it doesn’t count as a shot on goal unless it could have gone in without someone stopping it….
It sucks for Dan to be sent down…. but he knew that was going to be part of his roll w/ this team when he signed… He’ll probably be one of our “up-and-down” guys all season… I think with his new improved attitude and lifestyle he will be fine with it. He seems to be thankful for a second chance…
by Mateo on Nov 4, 2008 10:33 AM EST reply actions
In other news – Former Cane Kevin Weekes is going to become the #1 starter in New Jersey now that Brodeur is out for 4 months.
by repenttokyo on Nov 4, 2008 1:09 PM EST reply actions
Whatever happens and whatever choices are made, I hope LaCouture continues to work hard and continues to demonstrate the skill he has shown. He does have an important roll on this team and it will be essential to have him in Albany and up with the Canes in the future. All of the fans have grown to respect his abilities and desire. I wish Dan all the best in life and appreciate his heart. I wish he had been given more ice time… he will develop his game even quicker in Albany and prove he should be back soon. He has done everything asked of him. I hope he continues on his current path.
There are a lot of folks who are pulling for him and who believe in him… keep up the GREAT work, Dan!!
by SamsonovFan on Nov 4, 2008 2:14 PM EST reply actions
Isn’t Dan’s contract a 2-way one, meaning he could be recalled from Albany if his play improved and a spot opened up? If that’s true, then it’s up to him to make the most of every playing opportunity (whether AHL or NHL) and let the rest take care of itself.
by Mer on Nov 4, 2008 3:35 PM EST reply actions
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