So Far So Good for Philippe Paradis and Canes

by Bob Wage on Jul 20, 2009 2:30 AM EDT

Carolina Hurricanes first round draft pick Philippe Paradis skating through drills during conditioning camp at the Rec Zone. (Photos by LTD)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbk-ltd/sets/72157621523994692/

Raleigh, NC

If first impressions count for much, Philippe Paradis is pretty happy that he was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes. The team's first round draft pick in this year's entry draft attended last week's conditioning camp and absorbed information like a sponge. After all, it's not everyday that you get tips and pointers from a Hall of Famer like Ron Francis.

When I asked Paradis on Thursday about what his impression of Raleigh was and how camp was going so far, he replied with a huge grin.

Oh, it's been good. Very busy, and the city is very nice. It's been pretty hot outside. I like it. And I like the city. The coaching has been very good. If you do something bad, they tell you some tricks. It's been fun. The organization is very good. If Ron Francis looks at you and tells you something, then that is good because I can learn a lot.

Keep in mind that the native French-Canadian speaker is still learning English. But the Canes were not necessarily interested in his linguistic abilities, they drafted him because of his combination of size and skill. He displayed both during the on-ice sessions at the Rec Zone. Not only does Paradis have the desired height, but he is not tall and slender like most others at that age. He is already built like a prototype power forward.

On top of those physical attributes, the winger has some quick hands as well. He was able to move the goalies around with his puck handling on several occasions. Maybe Carolina scouts were right and the various services who had Paradis rated lower were wrong? Time will tell, and perhaps sooner rather than later.

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Paradis

Maybe we got ourselves another good player, hea

robert

by BOOBY on Jul 20, 2009 7:22 AM EDT reply actions

Will Paradis be going back to Quebec for the Jr League this season? (Not Albany, right?) How many more years can he play there?

Will any of the kids at prospect camp be in Albany this coming year? (I think Cory posted this info a couple weeks ago – sorry if this is a repeat)

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jul 20, 2009 8:11 AM EDT reply actions

Come on October, let the bodies hit the floor!!!

by Paladin6 on Jul 20, 2009 8:20 AM EDT reply actions

Murphy should be in either Albany or ECHL

by SouthernHockeyFan on Jul 20, 2009 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

These are my projections, but nothing is written in stone-

Murphy, Pistilli, and Kennedy to Albany
Paradis back in junior
Dalpe back to Ohio State
Dumoulin- Boston College

I think either Luke or Chip had Kennedy returning to the OHL next year in one of their articles last week, but he has used up his four years of eligibility and must move on. It will either be Florida or Albany for Matt, most likely Albany.

McKenzie, Pitt, Kantola, and Schmitz do not belong to the organization and will return where they were previously.

http://www.canescountry.com/2009/7/14/947259/prospect-and-conditioning-camp

GM of CanesCountry.com

by Bob Wage on Jul 20, 2009 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

It was interesting to hear, though...

That Dalpe was discussing the possibility of signing a pro contract before the school year starts. Kantola is indeed going back to Bowling Green for his senior year.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jul 20, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I honestly don’t know where I’d prefer to have Dalpe play this season. I doubt he’s on the big league team this year, so him staying in college won’t waste a year of service. That said, he could be playing in Albany with Sutter, Bowman, Terry, Boychuk, McBain, and others building chemistry and relationships with guys he’s likely to be playing with for more than just next season.

by C-Leaguer on Jul 20, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions

I got the impression from Bubba’s post plus the N&O piece last week, that Dalpe was the biggest “wow” of the camp. Is that and accurate read? maybe even more than Paradis? Bubba’s words:

If you were one of the crowd watching the on ice drills at the Rec Zone during the past two days, you more than likely noticed Dalpe’s sharp shooting abilities and quick release. Someone forgot to give him the memo that Mike Murphy was the two time reigning OHL goaltender of the year, because the Buckeye has made some pretty slick shots against the heralded goalie.

However, he seems small-ish (yes?) and young (19). And isn’t he going to take the Captain role as a sophomore at OSU? Doesn’t he need to let his team/coaching staff know if their incoming captain is not returning?

How is the coaching staff at OSU? Is the program a strong one? Would that effect (slow down) how quickly he progresses?

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Jul 20, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions