Another Forward? Canes Sign Tom Kostopoulos
by Bob Wage on Jul 14, 2009 5:31 PM EDT
67 comments
The Carolina Hurricanes pulled a surprising move this afternoon when they acquired free agent Tom Kostopoulos. The gritty winger played for Montreal last season and had 8 goals along with 14 assists. The Canes signed him to a three year deal for a total of $2,750,000 to be paid out as follows: $700,000 in year one, $950,000 in year two, and $1,100,000 in year three.
This probably means that there are future moves on the horizon because Carolina already has an allotment of forwards on the payroll. Will they trade Tuomo Ruutu for a veteran defenseman? Will they trade Patrick Eaves, who is highly paid for his role on the team? Stay tuned Caniacs, there will be more to come with this signing.
I will have more detailed information about Kostopoulos and how he fits in later this evening.
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No way they trade Ruutu. Eaves is a much more likely option I think.
That would be insanity, at least in the eyes of the fanbase. (Trading Ruutu I mean.) If the right deal is there, I trust JR and his wily ways.
The IR’s Patrick Eaves is on his way out of town.
by Douchebag St John on Jul 14, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions
+1 for the “IR’s Patrick Eaves” reference!
by East of Here on Jul 14, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Almost a replacement for Bayda I would guess.
Bubba- with your plethora of well-informed Caniacs with big ears reporting everything they hear, Canes Country is now the official destination on the web for Canes news and views.
Was Sunny “reporting” from Toronto? Sheez – poor ol’ N&O just can’t compete with that kind of instant coverage.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
“Almost a replacement for Bayda I would guess.”
That’s what I thought. He’s basically Bayda with more size and a little more offensive upside, and for basically the same price. Excellent addition to the fourth line.
by nomadologist on Jul 14, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
actually looking at his numbers, i like that he led the canadiens in hits, in probably not too minutes, i suppose – but he also led in PIM, not good on this team, also not good because he is a PK
Conboy?
how would he compare to Conboy as the hit-anything-that-moves 4th-liner? (does Conboy have a 2-way contract?)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 14, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions
If Conboy woke up one day with 22 points on the season I guess it might be an apt comparison.
That is selling Kostopolous way short IMO, to compare him to Conboy.
Super! – and at only $200,000 more than Conboy this was indeed a great deal. TommyCane – welcome to Raleigh!
I saw where the SB Nation player sheet described him as a great character guy and locker room addition. Sounds a little like LaRose? (also reading into nightmare49’s post below)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 14, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions
sportsnet scouting report:
Assets
Likes to play a north-south game and is strong along the wall. Defensively responsible, he’s also a great leader in the room.
Flaws
Has limited scoring ability at the NHL level, and doesn’t do enough in other areas to see regular playing time in the big league.
Career potential
Fourth line winger.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
They did say Letowski was a third-line guy, for what it's worth
And for Conboy:
Has the size NHL clubs look for from the blueline position, as well as a physical resume from the minor-league level. Plays a stay-at-home style.
Flaws
Must prove he can keep up with the speed of the National Hockey League game in order to log regular minutes in “The Show”. Needs to curb his penalty minutes.
Career potential
Reserve defenseman.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
The PIMs weren't all just undisciplined plays.
Because Laraque was hurt a lot last year, Kostopoulos had to do some work as their enforcer. He’s not very good at it (the hockeyfights voters have given him all of one win in his career), but he’s willing (5 seasons with 7+ fights), which teammates appreciate. That’s something that the ‘Canes can lack at times, and if he’s good enough to even occasionally put on the ice and contribute while, say, Staalsie’s double-shifting, that’s helpful.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Not to mention losing Kostopoulos for five minutes at a time will be a lot lot better then losing Gleason for five minutes.
Excellent point.
I also just noticed that he’s stepped up his game in the playoffs. 5 points in 16 games isn’t great overall, but for a fourth-line guy, that’s not a bad mark, and it’s better than his regular-season numbers.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Tommy K.
Your going to love his energy and forecheck and he should fit nicely in your team’s system. His work ethic ignites slumping lines and he performs well in big games. We are going to miss him in Montreal but we have an abundance of young cheap 3rd and 4th liners.
Hard to believe he is a replacement for Bayda because players of that caliber normally don’t warrant three year contracts.
Conboy has a one way deal. Interesting stuff.
GM of CanesCountry.com
I would imagine that JR or someone in the organization has had their eye on him for a few years
Seems to me Canes are getting ready to roll 4 lines during the season. Not to mention forming a true checking line…TK-Brindy-Walker…those three would wreck shop and create havoc all over the ice.
Noticed TK has a lot of penalty minutes the past few seasons…does he drop the gloves or take questionable penalties. As stated above 100+ penalty minutes is a lot for a 4th liner….
Side thought after this move and JR’s interview this am, seems clear that Sutter et al are destined for the AHL this season. This should be the most competitive minor league squad we have ever had, outside of the lock-out year.
Answered my own question via hockeyfights.com
Several fights over the last two seasons, well to be honest more like scraps. Looks like a fiery player that stands up for his teammates and is not afraid of anyone no matter their size. Welcome TK!
Looks like a fiery player that stands up for his teammates and is not afraid of anyone no matter their size
Sounds like Rosey more and more.
Though I wouldn’t want to set the bar too high.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 14, 2009 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Fuckin' Mighty Mouse!
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Drops the gloves? More like gets dropped!
A youtube search shows that this guy is not afraid to drop the gloves; however, it also shows that he has a real talent for getting beat down.
This is the kind of deal that makes me all tingly for JR.
What other irons does the man have in the fire, so to speak?
Can’t wait to see what is next.
tingly?!
Perfect. LOL
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 14, 2009 8:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve felt the team needed more of an agitator for a while … I never thought LaRose fit the mold, really. Justin Williams, while not dirty, did manage to get under the skin from time to time (mostly by crowding goalies).
Kostopolous should be a nice addition. Now we wait for the other shoe to drop.
Ya gotta admit Rosey had some admirable agitation for “The Uber-Agitator” Avery in his Day in the Life. But I agree that’s probably not his highest and best use. I think #59 has a higher calling. And I think TommyK will like it here in Carolina.
As Bubba pointed out, 3 years on the contract makes this deal more interesting.
The other shoe? As in: who we’re trading away to make room on the roster? Who’s your guess?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 14, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
More grit...
..is ALWAYS a good thing. Still waiting for the gritty defenseman, though…. trade does seem to be in the works.
Concurred. While I like the grit, I would like it much more if it were packaged with a guy who could play more time 5-on-5. Not that I’m opposed to the move, on the contrary, I like it. It may allow the Canes to now sign Skoula and Seidenberg to fill out the D as opposed to having to get a bigger tougher top 4 d-man.
This is an interesting move. I like the signing. I just hope Tommy plays out ok here in Carolina. I wonder if this was the guy JR was talking with while he was dealing with Rosie….
I also wonder who is gonna be leaving. This probably does spell certain doom for Eaves. I just can’t think that JR would get rid of Ruu. That is just crazy!!
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I was wondering that too. From the interview with Kosto at Canes Now this morning, it sounds like this has been in the works awhile.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 15, 2009 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
looking at his stats, the guys clearly consistent. You know exactly what your getting. 8 goals, and 14 assists. This Canes team is somehow good at allowing guys to reach the heights of their potential. I see 30 points outta the guy, probably not much more, but with all the intangibles everyone else is talking about (i’ve not seen him play too much), we should be getting a steal at those numbers. I like this and I def think its a goo deal to replace bayda with.
I think this is a great signing by the Canes. They’ve needed this type of player for a while. I was thinking of someone like Taylor Pyatt, who has a bit more skill, but Kostopoulos will be a fan favorite. He’s a heart and soul guy that his teammates will love. I consider him kind of a throwback player, just does “whatever it takes” to win. Now who is on the way out???
trade bait
I love speculating about trade possibilities with absolutely no inside information. Here’s one to throw out there…could Jimmy possibly be considering trading one of the young forwards (Sutter, Boychuk, Bowman) in a package deal? God forbid…and I don’t think it would happen…nor would I want it to…but just thought I would throw it out there.
It's entirely possible...
But I do think they’re pretty committed to trying to build our system and stock up some good young kids for once.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Clearly Babchuk will be traded.
You know that Babchuk is on the JR “NOW THAT GUY IS AN IDIOT” list. There is no doubt he is gone. That makes for some intriuging possible trade combinations. Packaging Babchuk with Eaves and a pick could get a number one or two dman. This is fun to watch. One thing is for sure, JR is in charge………..the guy is unbelievable……..The hat is going to drop soon.
Any speculation on who might come the other way?
Depends on who is included
I could see with the signing of Kostopoulos Ruutu being moved out now for someone with more cost certainty. Ruutu could fetch a nice return. If he is moved though the Canes would have to get back another RW, and likely top 6 player given the Canes have only Cole, Walker, and Kostopoulos at RW outside of Ruutu. My guess is that this could mean a larger deal, say one involving 6 players, may be more likely than a smaller one now.
NOOOOOOO!
If you ever suggest again that there is some upside to trading Ruutu, I’m going to track you down and make you suffer for the rest of your days for your evil thoughts!!
(JK)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 15, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Something you should know
Whenever I say on any sort of hockey board that because event X has just happened event Y will now happen event Y never happens. Never. I’d say that me saying there is now some upside to trading Ruutu all but ensures that he’ll be on the team next year.
Call it superstition
That’s a relief. I have a fishtank that’s just the opposite. It tells me all I need to know.
We can predict events about 3-6 weeks ahead if I’m paying attention to the fish who are associated with specific members of the Canes franchise. One example: Ruutu’s tail fin was bleeding a bit a couple days before we started the Pens series; then came the lowerbody injury in Pittsburgh. Really.
This may sound strange but it’s been uncanny. (the fish for Lavi, Williams, Erik C – last summer – among others were all discovered lifeless a the bottom of the tank weeks before JR made any announcements).
The only exceptions are that Chad LaRose-fish died days after we brought him home in march. And we’ve had 3 Cam Ward-fish die in the last 2 years. We won’t buy another one of either – it’s just too horrible to imagine.
FWIW: Babchuk the Danio is doing great.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 15, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL.
This is silly, but I like it.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
It is definitely silly – like when we added Ray Whitney (a beautiful red and black swordtail) who then stalked and apparently killed off 3 of the storm squad. What’s with that?
It sure makes a trip to Petco like going to the FreeAgent pool in NHL09. The sales clerks are often mystified while my boys and I make our case for which fish is the best fit for whoever we need to fil the roster.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 15, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL.
They were threatening his prettiness throne (I could almost see this happening with his gelled-up postgame hair.)
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Not yet – nor a Forslund either. Though we do have 4 refs (zebra danio) -but we can’t figure out how to get orange finbands on 2 of them.
Other peripheralsinclude a zamboni (african knife-fish) and a Stormy (who is a frog) – my daughter’s favorite.
We picked up a Coach Mo this spring. A clown loach. He even swims upside down – whatever it takes.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 15, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha...
Doesn’t upside down mean they’re dead?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
I always thought so – till we got Mo.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 15, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Excellent!
Other inspiration:
We used the “official” 2008-09 team/staff poster they gave away at the Islanders game as the back-wall image; works great, other than the thermometer and filter block a few guys. We also thought about downloading a screaming crowd shot and having a poster size image made – but that got too complicated.
Another idea we had but didn’t get to, since we’d have to pretty much empty the tank to accomplish it:
Use white gravel as the main floor color, then use blue and red to make the “lines” along the bottom. Even add a blue crease if you’ve got room (and patience). Imagine the fish racing up and down the ice where you could whistle “offsides” at Canes parties, if you got bored or really drunk. (a little over the top..?)
While I’m on a roll – they had these floating moss balls in April that my older boy wanted to serve as the jumbotron. But it kept getting too saturated and would sink to the bottom. After resuscitating it a few times, it became permanently waterlogged, just after the season ended. THEN – I kid you not – the next day they dropped the jumbotron at the RBC to begin the replacement of the new and improved HD mega-tron. Cue the Twilight Zone music.
What more can I say? We seem to have a supernatural direct line to someone in the NHL, or even the hockey gods themselves….
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 15, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I doubt he'll move him out of spite.
If he gets a good offer, he’ll take it. If not, he’ll try to get him back or let him walk. And I don’t know that those guys net a top-pair D man. Not one who’s not old and expensive, anyway. Frankly, I’d rather have a #3/4 type who was still young and affordable (though some would argue that Babs is that guy.)
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
If there is indeed a deal for a Dman in the works, who could be coming back? TKaberle?
Kosto looks a little better/different than Letowski, imo. Grittier, bangier — just what this team needs. Hope it works out.
Funny, I was thinking of the possibility of TKaberle as well. The rumor is that Burke has been trying to deal him for awhile.
GM of CanesCountry.com
doesn’t exactly infuse more grit into the backend, tho … plus, would it start Tomas off on the wrong foot?
“We’d like to welcome Tomas Kaberle … he’ll be taking his brother’s roster spot.”
by Cory Lavalette on Jul 15, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
excellent point Cory
If we landed Tomas we would have to buyout Frankie’s contract. I’d rather see a grittier (read meaner) choice
obviously, they would not buy out Frankie in my scenario, and Rutherford said that it was not a sure thing, buying out Frank. But it’s all just thinking out loud anyway.
Speaking of the buy out, if they they are going to do it, why not just do it? What’s the thought process here?
GM of CanesCountry.com
They don't want to let him go and then not be able to fill the hole.
They don’t think he sucks, they just don’t really think he profiles right for the team’s needs.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes.
He fights. And he’s also had pretty decent +/- numbers the last few years, unlike Letowski.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 15, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Well this wasnt the signing I was hoping to hear of when I got back from Utah… but I kind of like it. I just pray it dosnt involve moving our rights to Ruu. I could see Eaves/Wallin/young forward moved for a D man in place of Ruu… It would have to be a package deal to a team that likes Wallin and thinks they are getting the young forward for a steal(which they would be).
by packpigskinfan25 on Jul 15, 2009 1:23 PM EDT reply actions
From Tracking the Storm - d-men FA's still to come?
I like to hear that the Defense is still a top priority from Jason Karmanos
The Kostopoulos signing would seem to increase the team’s depth at forward from a season ago, which makes the move a little surprising when considering the more pressing needs on defense following the departures of Anton Babchuk and Dennis Seidenberg.
Filling those holes remains the top priority, as negotiations with a few remaining free agents, including Seidenberg, are ongoing.
"We’ve got a couple of players that we’re talking to now, and if those came through we pretty much feel that would fill out our defense," said Karmanos.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
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