LaCouture Jumping To KHL?
by Cory Lavalette on Dec 18, 2008 11:20 AM EST
in Albany River Rats
26 comments
It sounds like the Canes have lost another depth player to the Kontinental Hockey League.
Dan LaCouture, who was invited to training camp and earned a contract with his play in the preseason, is leaving Carolina's AHL affiliate in Albany to play in the KHL, according to TSN.
If the 31-year-old journeyman has indeed left for Russia, he will be the second player under contract with the team to leave for the new league. Matt Murley left to play for Amur Oct. 7.
LaCouture was in Carolina's opening night lineup and played 11 games with Carolina before being waived and assigned to the River Rats in early November. He had two goals and 10 penalty minutes for the Hurricanes this season. In 12 games with Albany, he has a goal and five assists. LaCouture played in Switzerland last season but had hopes of returning to the NHL.
Darren Dreger, who reported the story for TSN, said the Hurricanes intend on suspending LaCouture if he doesn't reconsider.
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First Murley, then LaCouture? Do they have a rep from the KHL up there in Albany tempting players?
by Bubba on Dec 18, 2008 11:22 AM EST reply actions
Is he going to Avangard Omsk to replace Grahame?
by Ruthe on Dec 18, 2008 11:56 AM EST reply actions
Man, I really liked Dan. I was really hoping to see him back with us at some point this season. I don’t think he was given the chance he deserved. That sucks…
by T-Leaf on Dec 18, 2008 12:02 PM EST reply actions
Yeah he could have been some of that supposed fourth line size and grit, but what do I know.
by wylde4canesHatesJR on Dec 18, 2008 12:04 PM EST reply actions
:(
I wish the canes had given him more of a chance during that bout of injuries. So I guess I can’t blame him for wanting to take off… but it’s still a shame.
by Andrea on Dec 18, 2008 12:05 PM EST reply actions
Don’t blame him… and I agree, Wylde & Andrea. John Grahame, I don’t think is even playing anymore… last I read, he had to be bailed out of a drunk tank by his team & they weren’t happy….
by marc on Dec 18, 2008 12:44 PM EST reply actions
It ticks me off that every other outlet in the hockey world has covered this, but our beat writer seems to be unaware…….Luke, come back to us!
by wylde4canesHatesJR on Dec 18, 2008 12:56 PM EST reply actions
Conboy sent down and now LaCouture leaves. I know this means the Canes are getting healthy (and things seem to be going well), but I am extremely disappointed. There is an important place for both of these players in the Canes’ system. I really wanted to see more of LaCouture.
Andrea and Wylde… I totally agree.
by SamsonovFan on Dec 18, 2008 1:31 PM EST reply actions
And a bang-up job you’re doing, too!
Now if only you could make the puck bounce our way…
I know, I ask for miracles.
by Andrea on Dec 18, 2008 1:31 PM EST reply actions
Cory,
No disrespect intended, you and Bubba are always my first stop. I just wish I had more than one source to help satiate my appetite for all things canes hockey! I can only expect you guys to update so often.
It just seems weird to me that your biggest daily’s beat writer does not even catch a whiff of this…..
by wylde4canesHatesJR on Dec 18, 2008 1:52 PM EST reply actions
On a different topic (and an attempt to brighten the mood)…
Live webcam of the Winter Classic construction and timelapse video now online:
http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?id=28407
http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?id=28468
Looking forward to watching on New Years again… hopefully it will be good for the NHL.
by SamsonovFan on Dec 18, 2008 1:57 PM EST reply actions
Let him go then, not really a big loss. That’s the way the NHL works, you earn your spot and you play when they call you, you don’t like it? Go back to europe then, primadonnas…………
by goalie matt on Dec 18, 2008 2:20 PM EST reply actions
I hate that Dan got sent down. Moving to Russia might be something he will regret. Crackers turned to booze. Jagr is rumored to want out of his “kontract” and Dan is a confirmed recovering alcoholic. If this is what he really wants, I wish him the best, but I wish he’d reconsider.
by AD on Dec 18, 2008 2:54 PM EST reply actions
“kontract”—funny stuff!
I don’t think this is a big deal. He’s an interchangeable part; there are a ton of other guys who can fill his role.
by ThunderDumas on Dec 18, 2008 3:07 PM EST reply actions
LaCouture wasn’t a good fit. He was too big – 6 feet tall, YIKES! – and he played too rough for the other boys.
This is the same reason Conboy was sent down. Way too big & scary. EEK!
by Sunny on Dec 18, 2008 3:13 PM EST reply actions
TD, you are probably right. Guess I have a soft spot for Dan. It would just break my heart to hear that he’s been picked up and send to the detox hole. I am sure Russia is a changed place, but I was in Poland in 93 and I swear, the whole country was depressing. Everyting was gray, including the people. So that is how I imagine Russia….cold and gray. So what would you do on your time off……drink.
You are right Sunny. We need lil tykes with good manners, not big brutes like Larraque or Brashear. Screw those big, intimidating, get in your face cave men…….maybe we should get miss manners to help the coaching staff.
by AD on Dec 18, 2008 3:38 PM EST reply actions
Hurricanes management must be listening. You ladies wanted some size? Anton Babchuk has just been re-activated. :-)
by Bubba on Dec 18, 2008 3:48 PM EST reply actions
Yeah, but Sunny and I know it’s not the size, it’s how you use it. I don’t think Anton can satisfy our needs.
by AD on Dec 18, 2008 4:28 PM EST reply actions
At least it pulls a little salary off the books.
by Rollcage on Dec 18, 2008 5:43 PM EST reply actions
He is going to Baris, Kazahstan(this is coutry=)) by the way, KHL outsider.
by Bear on Dec 19, 2008 5:34 PM EST reply actions
That’s just sad. I bet he goes alone and leaves the family here which is even worse.
Hang in there Dan.
by AD on Dec 20, 2008 10:41 AM EST reply actions
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