One More to go - Who does Rutherford want?
by Bob Wage on Jul 31, 2009 2:00 AM EDT
103 comments
Jim Rutherford recently stated that he was going to keep his eye on the market for one more value priced forward. Who could he be referring to? There are still quite a few decent players left but some of them can be eliminated because of the money. With the Hurricanes already past the limits of their budget at the present time, it's doubtful they will go over a million dollars. So who do they want and who could they get?
These are some of the forwards available:
- Alex Tanguay - 16G 25A Last Year's salary - 5.3 Million
- Brendan Shanahan - 6G 8A salary - 800 Thousand
- Mike Grier - 10G 13A salary - 1.775 Million
- Petr Sykora - 25G 21A salary - 2.5 Million
- Michael Peca - 4G 18A salary - 1.3 Million
- Taylor Pyatt - 10G 9A salary - 1.575 Million
- Robert Lang - 18G 21A salary - 4 Million
- Rob Niedermayer - 14G 7A salary - 2 Million
- Miroslav Satan - 17G 19A salary - 3.5 Million
- Jason Williams - 19G 28A salary - 2.2 Million
- Mats Sundin - 9G 19A salary - 5.6 Million
- Manny Malhotra - 11G 24A salary - 1.5 Million
- Blair Betts - 6G 4A salary - 615 Thousand
- Mike Comrie - 10G 17A salary - 4 Million
- Vaclav Prospal - 19G 26A salary - 3.5 Million
- Dominic Moore - 13G 32A salary - 900 Thousand
- Patrick Eaves - 6G 8A salary - 1.4 Million
The Canes are in need of a fourth line center, but would probably take any fourth line prototype forward if it was the right player. You can eliminate Tanguay, Lang, Satan, Sundin, Comrie, Prospal, and Sykora right off the bat because they are not fourth line players and it would take too much money to sign them.
Close but no cigar?
Shanahan would probably never accept a fourth line role. Grier would be a great choice but would need to take a major pay cut. Peca is a center, but probably is not at the top of the list because of his age. Niedermayer has been rumored to be on Carolina's short list, but how much of a pay decrease would he take? Jason Williams also plays center but is probably looking for a third line role.
Best chances?
- Malhotra might be near the top of the list but he is reportedly looking for a raise. His numbers really do not warrant much of one.
- Pyatt has got to be on the list with his size and grit, but he would also need to take a bit of a pay cut.
- Moore is a center but is also looking for a raise. The problem is he did nothing to earn one with his lackluster performance in Buffalo after the trade deadline last season.
- Betts is a center but might be the final option.
- With JR's love of player recycles, the return of Eaves is always a possibility.
What do you think?
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I like Peca for a “win now” mentality
Grier would be awesome for us…. if only that could happen
Rob would be kinda cool… but more because of who he was then what he is now…
No way we get Williams
What about Max Afinegenov?! ;) I kid…
by packpigskinfan25 on Jul 31, 2009 2:29 AM EDT reply actions
Peca would be great as a 4th line center if he would accept that role and a salary at $1 million or less;
No way I want Grier, an I agree that Williams is not going to happen either nor is Rob b/c of age and experience he will not accept that type of a role or contract.
Please Peca played w/ Maurice in Toronto so who knows?? Of course we could always trade the rights to Anton to someone for a 4th line center/hybrid type guy.
Go Canes.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Jul 31, 2009 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
?
And who would he trade, Staal? Heater brings a cap hit of 7.5 mil and the Canes only have 2.683 of space according to nhlnumbers.
maybe not kid.
Never thought about him, but afinogenov could be a samsonov type signing. he would probably overvalue himself, i think he is worth the fourth line duties (but also fourth line pay) he might have a good year and tack on 50 points for us. Maybe not.
Ok. forget this post, the ever optimistic post that it was
I personally would love to have Afinogenov… he has been one of my fav players in the NHL since 03.
If he were ever to be a Cane he would have def be a 4th liner, getting paid 4th line money. I think that is what he is looking for. No one seems to want him for more right now. I have a feeling he will be in Russia by Nov. The guy has talent. A LOT of talent. He has just been in a funk lately and the team has cut back his TOI. He plays his heart out non-stop… Sounds like the type of player the Canes are looking for even though he is no center. I bet we could sign him for just above league min.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jul 31, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I am at the opposite end of the Afinogenov spectrum.
I just don’t see what he would add to this team. He has broken 20 goals 3 times in his career, and just barely. I know you say 4th line player at 4th line money, but what does he honestly add? If we are going for scoring touch, I think we need a player with a bit more of it than Maxime. Except for two seasons he has been a career ~30 points per season player. That kind of production is nothing to sneeze at, but I just don’t see him fitting in this lineup.
Opposite end
I agree with you about Afinogenov. There really is no way of knowing how he’d do here on a different team, in a different system, but everything I have heard about him is very unflattering. I’m pretty good friends with a huge, and very knowledgeable, Buffalo fan (irony I know), and he has nothing but bad things to say about the guy (injury prone, tends to float, etc). I have to believe my friend since he sees Max more often than I do.
There really is no way of telling with Max… but was there really any way of telling with Ruutu, Samsonov, Corvo, Seidneberg? All their fan bases wrote them off too. Whats to say a change of pace isnt what Max needs? He has only played for one NHL team his whole career. Their style of play has changed a LOT in the past 5yrs…
I am also friends with MANY die hard Buffalo fans, and they all say he is acceptable as a 3rd liner or less. We are looking for a 4th liner that COULD be scratched for an AHL guy if need be, are we not?
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 1, 2009 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with you completely. JR has a knack for finding guys that everyone is down on and bringing the best out of them. And there is no way to know that this won’t be the case with Max. I’m just a little hesitant to pull the trigger on this one, or any similar reclamation project, because at some point I fear that we’ll run out of luck. Would he be willing to take a huge paycut to play on the 3rd/4th lines? Nhl.numbers as his salary for last season listed at $3.5 million which, from what I’ve gathered, is way out of our price range for someone that low on the depth chart.
I hear he is willing to take a pay cut(I dont think he really has much of a choice unless he wants to go home to the KHL)… it would just be a matter of how much of one he was worth.
I do not think he is the best player the Canes can get, I just have always been a big fan. I would much rather have Grier, Malhatra, Neidermyer, or Peca.
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 1, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see Afinogenov as a fourth line player, but he might be an interesting gamble as a third liner for somebody.
GM of CanesCountry.com
but rumors are he is heading for the KHL or AHL… so why not a fourth line NHL?
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 1, 2009 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions
regardless of price he doesn’t seem to be a fourth line type. Physical?…..goes to the net?….provides energy? In my opinion he needs to be on the top three lines in order to have a chance for success and the Canes do not have an opening there.
GM of CanesCountry.com
makes sense
I guess I am still thinking like Lavi who just had lesser talented players on a 4th line. Max can provide a lot of energy though… =)
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 1, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
He has not.
I think he’s still holding out for a one-way deal. Carolina and I think at least one other club have offered him two-way contracts.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 31, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Bubba said it was Columbus…
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
That rings a bell
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 31, 2009 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
could be – blues or blue jackets could easily swap around in my head. (Smaller midwestern market, western conf, exited in sweep 1st round playoffs)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
lmao.
its the east coast bias. I moved back to california a month or so ago (i am from ENC) and I still find that I have an east coast bias. I just lump everything west of Knoxville and east of china into the same pile.
by CarolinaCanes on Jul 31, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Yep. ‘fraid so. (Though I’ve lived 21 years combined in Ohio, Arkansas, LA and Houston, so I should know better). Once an easterner…
kinda like the poor guy on the Boston SCOC site who had the Canes mixed up with the Caps the day after we beat NJ. He went on about the Canes making a great comeback against the Rangers when they brought up that rookie goalie.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
As a "westener"
I find the “foothills” in the “not so eastern part of NC” small and unimpressive.
Give me the High Uintas, Grand Tetons or Sierra Madres any day of the week.
I have the “west coast bias” where the “midwest” is Colorado and Utah.
If money's the root of all evil then why do so many
churches brow beat their members for more?
This is fun - at least till September
If we’re talking centers, then they’ll be competing with Brind’Amour for the 3rd/4th line, (I’m thinking Staal and Cullen have #1 and 2 locked up). Maybe there’s someone here on your list who would like their chances?
If JR’s looking at a winger, then Jussi is the 4th ctr (3rd line?). Not ideal.
Malhotra was #4 in Faceoff’s % (58%) last year. Probably my first choice of the above.
I also didn’t see Stephane Yelle on the list. Another old man from Boston? Is he done?
I kinda hope Eaves doesn’t get the call, not sure why. I guess he seems too much of a “known quantity”.
I’d like to see someone make the jump from Albany. Really – for the youthful energy and “promise” that would bring amongst all these veterans. Even Rosey’s getting married and seems all growed up.
Did you see the “collusion” stories quoting agents claiming that the NHL GM’s are waiting out the UFA’s till August, over at Mirtle and Wysh’ sites? I’m not buying it (neither ar those guys) since all it takes is one franchise breaking ranks to improve his team while the others watch. Still, the suggestion seems to me to be an interesting sign of the times born out of the current CBA partnered with this severe economic crunch. Welcome to reality, gentlemen.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
Since Ruhterford has been in the reunion mood, I’m thinking Jeff Heerema . If he doesn’t perform that well one of the kids can come up and show him how it’s done -ie. Sutter.
LOL.
German league STUD.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 31, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Peca seems the most likely fit to me because he can likely be had on a one-year deal in the teams price range (800K to 1.5 million maybe). He can fill in on a higher line if need be. He’s likely able to play most of the games this season and be ready for the playoffs. He can likely be easily traded if one of the Rats astounds and gets to the big league club.
Most of the other guys on that list are either too pricey or would want too long of a deal. Malhotra is intriguing, especially if the Canes think to use him as a replacement for Cullen next year, but that might create a log jam for kids from Albany getting to the team.
If Brindy retires after this year (is that a stretch?), then we’ll need a good FO guy, with grit and experience. Malhotra again. Cullen’s contract is up this year too. Seems like we might need a center or 2, in 10-11. I guess Jussi could fill the bill – as long as he gets appropriate ice time, as someone else pointed out, he should be on the 4th line.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
that should say…
Jussi should NOT be on the 4th line.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I think there is a chance that Brindy will retire after next season, but I think it’s more likely that he’ll play out his contract. That’s why I’m not yet sold on the Malhotra signing. I expect Brindy to have a full season on par with the last two months of last season.
If it was just player vs. player I think I’d definitely go with Malhotra, but I still don’t see how he fits in to the long term plans. I’m sure JR could come up with something though.
That might be asking a bit much from Brind'Amour...
particularly on the scoring side. I really just don’t think he has a season worth of point per gm. scoring.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 31, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
If Atlanta’s willing to pay him 4 yr/$8mil I don’t see JR getting near that. Is Malhotra sitting on it for another team because he’s against the SE Div or would he like to see some playoff action…..
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Did you see the quote, though...
He seems like he doesn’t want to end up there at all.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 31, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions
eek!
That should have read He should NOT be on the 4th line. We need Jussi on the ice more than that.
I thought I already entered this. posting is working a litle strange? Or I’m multi-tasking too much.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I would go for Pyatt or Peca. Didn’t JR go after Peca a couple of years ago? He may not be in on his prime, but he is a veteran center who would not be relied upon to play big minutes or score a lot. I think it would be a great idea.
Don’t know to much about Pyatt, but from his stats and description, he sounds like a decent option as well.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
The most conspicuous stats on Pyatt are that he’s 6-4, shoots left and is from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Hmmm. Where have I heard that before?
( I compared careers and he doesn’t seem to have ever played with the sod-farmers. Too old by just a few years)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
With Sutter, Dalpe, Boychuck and the Rats, why are we looking elsewhere? While I think Malhorta or Moore might be good pick ups, if money is the issue why not go with youth we already have in the system? I can see Eaves’ return if he takes a hefty pay cut.
A
I would love to see one of those guys stick in the NHL this year, but I think this is the year we load up and make the deepest run we can. We are loaded this year, and may have a major drop off next season.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jul 31, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree, Why are we looking elsewhere for a 4th liner?
I would rather use one of the lesser Rats on the 4th line. I think Sutter should spend the year in the A developing along with Boychuk (who I think will probably be a LW in the big league). I think Dalpe will probably be returning to Ohio State, so we probably won’t see him this year. I would rather save the money know and look to upgrade a few positions during the season. As someone else mentioned, Cullen’s contract is up at the end of the season and we will need a solid 2nd line center. Corvo’s contract is also up and will probably move on. Save the money and cap space now and see if we can get an upgrade at the trade deadline.
I agree, Why are we looking elsewhere for a 4th liner?
Answer: Because Uncle Jimmy says we need one. ;)
Apparently Karmanos has got some spare change burning a hole in his pocket?? Hardly.
But, like you, I still like using a Rat. – maybe Dwyer (small) or Goertzen (large) can step up and save PK’s money for later in the season. Dwyer didn’t look too bad filling in when we had a couple forwards out with injuries during the PO’s, did he?
Looking at Bubba’s salary chart, we have 21 names, not including Kaberle. But it does include Sutter and Conboy. We need 23 on our NHL roster to figure the cap number, someone here said a while a go, (and twenty players will dress every game) so there’s some room.
(Kaberle doesn’t count to that 23 number or does he??).
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I think part of the idea is to give the kids a year to develop together in the big A.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Uhh.....I think they call that depth.
Just as soon as someone plays hurt, you will be all over them. If we bring up a young guy and he makes a mistake, you will be all over them. Get your roster set with quality experienced guys, then fill in with Albany when you have an injury……….and there will be injuries.
Pyatt’s got the scoring potential. Manny’s got the face-off % and grit. Bett’s too slow. Moore is Eaves. Comrie’s (probably) too expensive. Everybody else on the list is too old or expensive. Affinogenov’s too small. Small we got. Bottom line= Pyatt.
Current offers for these guys
Williams has been offered a one-year deal by Detroit, where he’s played before. It’d be tough to pull him away, I bet. He’s also got a KHL offer, FWIW.
Malhotra is reportedly sitting on a 4-year, $8 million deal. though he is “hoping for an offer from another club, even at less money.”
One would also have to wonder how Blair Betts is recovering from his playoff injuries (concussion and a broken orbital bone.)
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
Do you think williams is jumping at the opportunity to sign with detriot. he kinda got the short end of the stick from them before. Maybe a club can offer slightly less and can snag him.
by CarolinaCanes on Jul 31, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
He sure has moved around a lot. Not a good sign.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Peca or Yelle (prefer Yelle) would work as an affordable 4th line center that would fit our physical energy line criteria.
However, I suspect (and hope) that the 4th line center position gets filled at camp from the Albany River Rats ranks. I also hope that candidate is NOT Sutter, who could really use an extra year in the AHL with all his future linemates, playing a lot of minutes in all situations and not our fourth line minutes as a 19-year-old.
Instead, my Rat candidates are Nicolas Blanchard (natural center and groomed for that 4th line role – caveat would be bus injury status is unknown) or Nick Dodge (heck of a faceoff wizard at Clarkson). Here’s hoping for a good camp from either of those two, or even Chaput.
Todd Bertuzzi?
He’s talking to 3 eastern teams in the US
Made $1.95mil with the Calgary and they don’t want him back. Probably too rich for our blood, but this was interesting:
Bertuzzi expects to land with an Eastern Conference team south of the border.
"I’m speaking to about three teams right now," he said. "We’re just trying to figure things out.
"If the stars align here, I could end up somewhere where the travel is a lot easier. Hopefully we’ll get something done here in the next 48 hours
This story ran yesterday in the Calgary Herald. How many teams are looking for another winger NJD? (FWIW my 9-yr old just told me “no way. he’s too good.” what does he know? he wants the computer to surf youtube)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
If we pick him up...
I’m officially done – I will renounce my caniacship. I HATE him.
by Andrea's evil twin on Aug 3, 2009 7:11 AM EDT up reply actions
looking at 2010-11 Canes
today from Luke DeCock: looking down the road at Canes Now
Cory did a similar piece earlier this week, but it’s good to hear from another writer.
Sure hope they both feel this positive a year from now.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
Sorry but I’ll never be a fan of Bertuzzi even if he does become a Cane. That doesn’t mean I’ll boo him but I’m certainly not going to out of my way to cheer for him. The Moore incident happened a while back but it still sickens me he’s playing while Moore cannot.
He’s definitley a complicated player. The Flames site had a piece last week hoping he wouldn’t be back. Not sure who’s still in the market to pick up a forward, though.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Official, or SBN?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 31, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
SBN - here ya go
titled:Sutter should resist re-signing Bertuzzi
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Todd Bertuzzi
The irony of you bringing up Bertuzzi and “the incident” is that Dominic Moore who is also on the list of potential Canes next season is the younger brother of Steve Moore, who obviously was the of the Bertuzzi incident.
Adding another 4th liner is not needed!
Here a guess at what the lines might look like this season:
Ruutu – Staal – Cole
Whitney – Cullen – LaRose
Samsonov – Brind’Amour – Walker
Kostopoulos – Jokinen – Conboy
You could maybe rotate Brind’Amour and Jokinen or have Jokinen fill in here and there, but either way someone is not going to be getting the ice time they want. With AWard blocking shots the way he does, that usually leads to some injuries. I wouldn’t be suprised if the Canes suited up a 7th defenseman on a regular basis, so Conboy might be a healthy scratch often.
Or Conboy could fill in on defense in those circumstances.
by ncdavid on Jul 31, 2009 4:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m not a Conboy fan. Reminds me of Brookbank: a leftover from Lavi’s knee-jerk response to the challenge to make the Canes tougher. What does he bring much to the ice, but a willingness to drop the gloves (or the pre-emptive threat to do so)?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
If you look at the record when he's in the lineup...
It’s clear he does far more for us than Brookbank ever did.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 31, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. Conboy offers a more physical game, but Rodney maybe offers more offensive contributions. I could see them splitting time between playing and being scratches.
Does Rodney have potential at the point on the PP? Seems like that came up a few days ago. That would be a +1
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jul 31, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I think our 4th line would be better served by adding a speedy center in between two feisty bangers like Kostopoulos and Walker (at this point I think Jokinen should get 3rd line time over Walker). And whattya know, we have speedy center in our organization who fits that description: Michael Ryan.
I can see a 4th line of TK/Ryan/Walker causing a lot of trouble for opposing teams.
That may be true...
But JR has mentioned it as a target.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 31, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
The “scuttlebutt” on the remaining UFA’s from NHL.com
Concise and relevant, if JR really is still shopping.
Again – I like the call-ups from the AHL. Or Bayda…?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
If he's willing to leave open the possibility of getting sent down.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 31, 2009 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
I like our options, but
I think Malhotra would fit in real well with Kostopoulos on the wing out there mean mugging people and getting in their faces with some aggressive forechecking.
I love the off-season drama and what not, but my god it’s the slowest time of the year.
I’m pretty sure Raleigh is not on his list of “approved” destinations. Although if we lose Babchuk, I don’t know if we meet our moody player quota so maybe he would work out just perfectly. :)
Public temper-tantrums by celebrities are never pretty. You get to see what they’re made of, and it’s magnified to an absurd level. Heatley may have hurt his reputation/career for awhile I’m afraid. Between this and the Phoenix Coyotes collapse, lots to ogle at.
New subject: We happened to catch “Classic Series” on NHLNetwork when I was channel surfing last night. They had the Carolina/Boston series from 1999 (10 yrs ago) when we played in Greensboro. I missed the first 20 minutes, but sheez, it was like the entire current coaching/support staff out there on the ice. Francis, Daniels, Wesley, Kron….Who was Sheppard (#26)? – not a name I hear now. Maurice looked like he was about 18.The Chiasson loss was mentioned at the end. Tough thing for them all.
They had Fox Sports broadcast for some of the games. Forslund sounded a lot less restrained on his call – pretty wild at times. Couldn’t tell if that was Tripp with him?
.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
Thanks, he was pretty sharp. It was strange that he wasn’t Cole in that number. And then I was confused when Francis was #21 not #10.
O’Neil was also playing my son just reminded me.
I forgot to mention Tall Hal Gill playing D for the B’s and Sergei Samsonov (so young!) scoring on us in Greensboro (Game 5? – for the B’s of course). It was a nice one-timer, open-net goal on Irbe. I was kind of surprised, expecting he’d take the pass and do a 1-minute waltz with it before shooting. Maybe that’s a style he’s developed more recently…
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
Think Malhotra would be a great fit for this team and is another good defensive guy who can chip in some offense. Don’t know if he fits in our price range. I’ve mentioned Taylor Pyatt before and still think he could be the guy. Him and Kostopolous on 4th line would be great. Think he could be in our price range. Now it’s just wait and see.
As for all the comments on Max, no thanks. Don’t think he woudl be effective at all on 4th line and is too inconsistent, IMO, to take a chance on. Doesn’t bring any energy or grit which is what this team was lacking last year. Yes he has ability to score but on 4th line he woudl not get much chance to do so. If it were an elite scorer, I’d say go for it but Max if far from elite
Why not Sykora?
I know it’s a money/age thing. But i’ve thought that we could use a natural scorer on the team — someone who has enough hockey sense positionally to finish on the PP, but can also score well on the rush or breakaways.
We play such a good passing game and have the best team game. We’ve now added the grit that we sorely needed in the Penguins series (still stings to remember). But we could use a hand and put a few more in the net. Sykora fits the bill. Anyone know if he’s a good locker room guy/currently healthy?
Until we can find a younger version of this mold from within or from a trade, maybe give the old guy a chance (actually, only 32). Move Rod and Scott to 4th, and have Samsonov-Jokinen-Sykora. Could it work?
just thinking out loud,
SB noob
I'd love to see a 'guin in Raleigh...
Alas, I can’t see JR spending more than $1mil. He’s already at his $50mil budget. Sykora made $2.5 mil last year, and the presumption here has been he’s looking for a bottom 6 guy, out of the August UFA Bargain bin…I think we need to keep our expectations lower…
But if Sykora want’s to be a Cane and has no one else shooting him offers…stranger things have happened.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
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