Hurricanes Sign Center Stephane Yelle
A nice move by Jim Rutherford, as Yelle is a valuable, experienced centerman. Here's the release:
‘CANES AGREE TO TERMS WITH STEPHANE YELLE
Veteran center entering 14th NHL season
RALEIGH, NC—Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with center Stephane Yelle (STEH-fahn YEHL) on a one-year, $550,000 contract.
"Stephane is a proven winner," said Rutherford. "He adds depth and experience to the Hurricanes at the center position, and he will contribute to the penalty kill."
Yelle, 35, is entering his 14th NHL season, and the Hurricanes will be his fourth NHL team. In 2008-09, he scored seven goals, earned 11 assists (18 points), posted a plus-6 plus/minus rating and had a 52.0 percent faceoff-win percentage in 77 regular-season games with Boston. He played in all 11 of the Bruins’ postseason games, earning one assist and averaging 12:29 of ice time. The Ottawa, Ont., native has scored 92 goals, earned 165 assists (257 points) and accumulated 458 penalty minutes in 921 career NHL regular-season games with Colorado, Calgary and Boston. Yelle (6’2", 182 lbs.) was originally drafted by New Jersey in the eighth round, 186th overall, in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. He won the Stanley Cup in 1996 and 2001, as a member of the Colorado Avalanche.
almost 3 years ago
Cory Lavalette
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It looks like JR really wants the kids (Boychuk, Sutter, Bowman in particular) to get a full year playing together in Albany. And the price is definitely right on Yelle, even if he’s a third-liner at best at this point in his career.
It amazes me that we have this luxury.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
@joshcvt / blog / photography
That’s a deal. I got the tweet from the Canes a few minutes ago and found this piece from the Boston Globe written a year ago when he was brought to Boston. With AWard here, we seem to have a connection with veteran B’s going on this summer.
Bruins Sign Veteran Forward Yelle (from Boston Globe, 9/4/08)
An excerpt:
According to Chiarelli, the Bruins attempted to deal for Yelle during the 2007-08 regular season. “Stephane’s a guy who has been on our radar screen here for a while,” said Chiarelli.
He can kill penalties for us, win some faceoffs, and with [Murray] gone, he can add to the leadership of the team. He helps us up and down our lineup, both at center and wing. We think he’s very compatible with the way we want our team to play." Nicknamed “Sandbox” because of his gritty, fearless style, Yelle also was an alternate captain in Calgary, where he showed a penchant, especially on the penalty kill, for blocking shots.
He got injured in the series against the Canes, yes? Do you think our expectations match those of the B’s a year ago? Why did they let him go if he wasn’t really a payroll drain – he was at $750k last year for them ?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 11:42 AM EDT reply actions
Chip Alexander added these comments from A Ward
Rutherford said defenseman Aaron Ward, who recently returned to the Canes in a trade with the Bruins, urged that Carolina consider adding Yelle.
“Aaron knew him really well and gave us some good first-hand information on him,” Rutherford said.
Isn’t that kinda how we got Ruutu, after Samsonov came over from the Blackhawks (or was it the other way around)? I’m impressed JR really listens to our players. Another good sign of a healthy organization.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
He is not as gritty as advertised. He is solid defensively and is pretty good at the dot. Don’t expect much else. Not a bad pick up at $500,000.
by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Aug 19, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the heads up, Stanley.
How’s the Kessel deal going?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions
…All quiet on the Northeastern front…
I’m glad they are taking their time with the Kessel situation. They can see if his shoulder is OK before making a move.
by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Aug 19, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s one way to look at it.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions
What I like most
about this deal is that JR went the affordable free agent route for that fourth-line center slot instead of auditioning someone from training camp for it.
The seriousness of the org about giving the prospects a critical year together in Albany is incredibly encouraging for this team being able to essentially retool itself on the fly over the next two seasons, and not skip a beat.
Depth…what a luxury.
Well, this move finally took Jokinen off of center on my depth chart.
I was wanting something to read but this was a surprise.
Is it sad that I find our 4th line more impressive than our 1st line?
LOL
I guess you’re putting Roddy ahead of Yelle? Sure about that?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
If for no other reason than Brind’Amour is a machine in the faceoff circle…
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Aug 19, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it’ll come down to chemistry and variety, tailored to match the opponents. (and who’s healthiest that day)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Center depth Staal, Cullen, Brindy, Yelle, and both Juice and Ruu can slide into Center if need be. Interesting move. Caniac 1026 who do you have as our 4th line? Staal Cole Ruu looks alot better than Yelle, Conboy, Kotsopoulos to me.
I was trying to figure lines myself. I think Conboy is off. Jussi moves to wing on the 3rd. Walker moves to wing on the 4th?
Yelle can play wing according several stories I found. I can see this is Mo’s box of chocolates. Who knows what lines we’ll see from game to game (or shift-to-shift)?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
lines
First line Can be any combo of Staal w/ Ruu Cole and Whits.
Below that it could change wildly game to game. You are probably right though, Conboy is now odd man out., with Juice moving to the wing.
by wylde4canes on Aug 19, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
the Canes site “official depth chart” (minus Yelle) is here.
But I kinda get the feeling that Mo doesn’t take that chart very seriously. ;)
I found a great write up from June at In Lou We Trust, where the blogger identified 3 cheap FA Centers the Devils could use. Yelle topped the list (ahead of Lundqyist and LaRose – yeah, our LaRose).
Here are 2 points I liked:
Still, Yelle is a defensive forward and he can spell Madden’s unit should it continue to be a checking unit. According to the even strength numbers at Behind the Net, when Yelle stepped on the ice, the shots against and the goals against per 60 drastically dropped. In terms of shots against per 60, it fell from 28.9 to 25.9; and the goals against dropped from 1.99 to 1.45. Very nice numbers, I say. Of course, those numbers also reveal that Yelle contributes little to the offense. The shots for per 60 also fell from 27.2 to 23.6; and the goals for per 60 fell from 3.24 to 1.67 when Yelle is on the ice. He’ll never put up more than 30 points in a season (he hasn’t in his career), so these numbers shouldn’t be too surprising. Again, he’s a defensive forward, you can’t really make him out to be something that he’s not.
then, at the end:
Second, given that Yelle is getting older and already makes less than a million, it’s plausible that he could be had for less than a million dollars.
Plausible?
Works for me.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Per Luke
Whitney-Staal-Ruutu
LaRose-Cullen-Cole
Samsonov-Brind’Amour-Jokinen
Kostopoulos-Yelle-Walker
by wylde4canes on Aug 19, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s how I would slot the lines. That fourth line is going to be punishing. Those tops lines can all score.
My one question is this: Last year it worked very well to have Rosey on the fourth line and occasionally double shift him with Staal. This line up doesn’t seem to have anyone on the fourth line that can double shift with Staal. Does anyone think this will be a detriment? Does the person out there when Staal double shifts just need to be able to clean up a rebound? If so, is Walker or Yelle capable of that?
I seem to remember Walker can clean up a rebound – if the moment’s ripe. =D
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I like those lines (Luke’s) too. Luke added
The combination of Eric Staal, Matt Cullen, Rod Brind’Amour and Yelle down the middle is about as deep as any in the league.
yessirree!
(do we all like this better than Malhotra or Peca or some other names we kicked around earlier this summer?)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Better than Peca, you bet, better than Malhotra….eh. I think manny is as good as Yelle in the circle and maybe has a been more offensive upside.
by wylde4canes on Aug 19, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I don;t know where the " a been" came from, that should just say has more offensive upside.
by wylde4canes on Aug 19, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I preferred Manny, but geez, you can’t argue about the price. Also want to add that I don’t like Whitney with Staal. No disrespect, but Ray’s too slow. And remember Ray was 3rd line in ’06.
by drifterscape on Aug 19, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought ray played on the second line with roddy and willy??? I seem to remember Cully/Weight/Recchi being the third line. Maybe Im wrong. Lavi mixed and matched more that year than I’ve ever seen a team do, so I digress.
I have to completely disagree with you on Ray not fitting in on that line. I like him up there more so than Ru (for the simple fact that I think Ru is afraid to shoot the puck when he plays with staal. RU YOU NEED TO SHOOT THE PUCK MORE OFTEN. Anyway… I’ve never thought of Ray as a slow skater. He is a smart skater and anticipates very well, so maybe its an illusion on my part.
The biggest reason I would like to see ray spend some time on the first line is the fact that he is a play maker, a set up man if you will. That is something that is missing from that line. Staal can create his own shot (when he wants to) but Whitney IMO is the smartest player on the team when he has the puck. They don’t call him the wizard for nothing. He is a perfect fit for Staal and Cole beings staal doesn’t have the set up mentality that you would assume from a center.
I would imagine it would lead to more consistency from that line. Sometimes they are flying around a little too much for their own good. (Staal,Ru,Cole)
You can always swap out Ru for Whit at times when you want to pick up the physicality/pace. Think about this: Cullen,Rosie,Rutuu. I can dig it. (though the lack of a set up man is apparent on this combo as well.
We shall see.
by CarolinaCanes on Aug 19, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone remember....
….Who the players were that comprised the Mattress line? Was it in VAN? It was comprised of two twins and a King. The twins being the Sedins, but who was the King? Anyway, best line name ever!
Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.
That, of course, was supposed to be Y2(4)K … dummy.
by Cory Lavalette on Aug 19, 2009 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Glad someone’s mindin’ the store, Cory. Sheez! Bubba hijacked at sea or lost in a coalmine? He’s missin’ the party. (Doesn’t take much in August). Y’know – you can post from your cellphone now.
And, if you will excuse my evident obtusity (is that word? obtuseness?) you’ll have explain the Y2(4)K thing. Y is Yelle, K is Tommy K, but what is Walker?
Is this a 2K sports video game reference? Or Y2K as “year 2000” problems?…or is this some sort of IRS code of a retirement investment program?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe 2(4) is Walker’s jersey #24
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s actually away … but he’s keeping an eye on things.
by Cory Lavalette on Aug 20, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I keep fudging up my browser and work’s network stinks. I refuse to try to enter my lines anymore :-)
I agree with Mom and Wylde, but for depth purposes I put him below last year’s Roddy. Like your article said, he doesn’t contribute a lot to offense and even if Rod does 50pts and -20 again I still wouldn’t want him with 4th line talent. Putting Yelle down at 4th just makes sense to me. Unfortunately, It also puts Larose on my 4th since Jokinen moves to the wing but between Rosey, Yelle and Stopolus I think that group would be great at punishing the oppositions’ top lines and even biting back. In saying that I think Staal’s inability to consistantly be a threat with any top pairing he’s had since Stillman left makes the 4th line more predictable and as fun to watch as Ruutu in a china shop.
This is, yes, just for the sake of depth beacuse b/c like you said, they’ll mix it all up anyway.
In Rod we trust...
Friggin genius…. what a great move, honestly. Cheap, veteran leadership from a proven winner. Why risk putting one of our young guys out on an island this season? Give them another year, let them bulk up some more and hone their games. Utterly brilliant.
I may need to take off my rose colored glasses, but from where I stand now we’re looking like one of the deepest teams in the NHL.
Yelle’s a very good faceoff man, too … 52 percent was good for T-33rd among those who took 700+ draws.
by Cory Lavalette on Aug 19, 2009 12:20 PM EDT reply actions
Camp
I wonder who the odd man out is, if we have someone who kills it right out of camp. Boychuck, Bowman, Sutter, all could come in to camp and Steal a spot. You never know, it is conceivable that a guy like Chris Terry comes out and has a good camp!
Yelle was #18 in Boston. But Bayda might still come back (though unlikely) if he’s willing to (or forced to) consider playing a lot in Albany.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 12:35 PM EDT reply actions
Cane's Branecky
has more comments from Rutherford on roles, budget, expectations for the season. All good stuff at Tracking the Storm
Quoting Rutherford
"Rod Brind’Amour is still a good player," said Rutherford. "He may be the second-line center. I think with the 12 forwards that we have now, it gives our coaching staff a lot of flexibility over the course of a very long season. I expect and I believe Rod Brind’Amour will play a big role on this team next season."
And then at the end (my favorite part)
“We’ve moved way up on the cap, higher than we’ve ever been, but we’re also a team that won the Cup a couple of years ago and went to the conference finals last year," said Rutherford. "Our organization believes that we’ve got a chance to win again."
I love you, Uncle Jimmy!
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 12:54 PM EDT reply actions
i am drinking a beer now in honor of Uncle Jimmy. Let’s take a moment and thank the hockey gods that we have a really good GM.
Lines, anyone?
Staal centering Cole and Ruutu — big, fast, with wingers that will crash the net.
Cullen centering Whitney and LaRose — savvy, hustle, and if the opponent relaxes they will score.
Brindy centering Jokinen and Walker — tons of grit, and Jussi brings a nice scoring touch
Yelle centering Sergei and Kostopolus — 2 responsible forwards with Samsonov’s creativity.
3rd and 4th lines will be fluid, and I hope we’ll see some Rats in the mix. When the Canes won the Cup in 06, they were able to roll 4 effective lines every night. I’m excited about what Jimmy hath wrought!! Can we play already? The longest 6 weeks are ahead of us fans…
If you want to see JR talk about the Yelle signing and the rest of his comments on the teams (quoted above) they have it up at the CanesVision site now.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Too many centers and too few spots, somethings gotta give. I wonder if Rod’s gonna retire and this is a patch? If not, I can’t believe they aren’t gonna bring up any of the kids, at least Sutter. I like the get, just not sure to what it’s gonna cost. Isn’t there a league minimum? Yelle for half a mill seems too good to be true.
A
JR can’t say it, but I think he’s gunning to keep the young kids in Albany for the whole year and develop some cohesion for the 10-11 (sorta) and 11-12 (definitely) Canes rosters. It’s awkward for Sutter because of the time he spent up with the big club last year, but the diminishing ice time particularly post-Mo can’t have helped his development.
The last time JR had to keep kids down in the AHL that were probably NHL-ready, it worked out OK, and we all know that’s one of the ways Detroit stays on top — give them lots of seasoning in the AHL, and those guys come out ready to contribute even if called straight up to the playoffs. 20 minutes a night at the professional level for Sutter, Bowman and Boychuk will make them better NHLers — Boychuk’s still 19 years old and Sutter and Bowman are both just 20.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
@joshcvt / blog / photography
Agreed
Detroit has a great development system that gets their top prospects ready by the time they get to the NHL. I remember, years ago, Martin Broudeur (or maybe it was Scott Stevens) criticizing the Hurricanes about not giving their young players enough time to develop. There may be some truth to that. But now with McBain, Sutter, Boychuk and the other prospects waiting in the wings and working on their game, the Hurricanes look more like a top organization that can win now while it waits for the replacements to get ready and win again the future.
by hockeythoughts on Aug 19, 2009 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Your pessimism is overshadowed only by your predictability, A Paladin.
I’m amused by how hard you will try to find a black lining to a simple rainbow.
Sigh.
Never fear : There will lots for you – and all Caniacs – to worry about once we start playing real games. For now, I’m going to enjoy the moment. I may even join you in a beer, Gillimus.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
paladin
And red and black too
.
But that’s a valid role for Paladin. I can live with that.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
bin their dun thot
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I love this move personally. I’d rather see those kids in the AHL getting 12-20 minutes a night than on the canes getting 4-8.
Our 4th line is gonna be hell to play against.
by Iggy Reilly on Aug 19, 2009 2:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
+1
Maybe Paladin’s wearing off on me, but I hope we all don’t get complacent (and over-confident) here. This will be a tough season (aren’t they all?) and the Caps have got ants in their pants to make it to the ECF if not the SCF. The Canes have their work cut out for them.
44 more days – sheez!
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Washington will be tough, but there is so little wiggle room between success and disaster in the NHL you never know.
44 days is bloody murder. I was just thinking I really miss hearing John and Tripp. Kaiton, notsomuch!
You've got to love Kaiton!!
I grew up listening to Gene Hart in Philly and Kaiton’s passion for the game reminds me of Gene. I can’t get enough of Chuck on the radio. But it doesn’t matter how I hear the games, I like our entire broadcast team.
by Canes Pucknut on Aug 19, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Until he learns to pronounce names correctly, I can stand pat with the enthusiasm John and Tripp bring. ;-)
y’mean like: sam SO nov ?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Chuxk goes out of his way to learn how to pronounce all the names the way they are pronounced in their native countries. He’s not doing it wrong … he’s actually doing it right.
by Cory Lavalette on Aug 19, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He actually asks the player. Some players prefer their native-language pronunciation, some prefer an anglicized/Americanized version. And, just to mix it up, some guys change their minds during their careers.
It’s fascinating to hear him talk about it — he spent some time on his work with the NHL pronunciation guide during an XM interview a couple years back. I have no idea how to reproduce his pronunciation of “Tuomo Ruutu” — it’s almost musical.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
@joshcvt / blog / photography
Right on about Kaiton’s Tuoomo Ruuuutu - I love the way he says that. When you don’t have video, his voice has to fill in the color – even if you have no idea if there was a goal just scored. (had that exact experience in the car with my kids, driving home from hockey practice – we just look at each other and wait till he says the score).
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions
He's painting a picture.
And, as in watching the game in-person, goals come out of nowhere more often than not. I definitely prefer Chuck-and-the-letter-K’s presentation of a goal as within the ordinary tempo of play more than Dave Mishkin’s sudden possession by a screaming demon whenever Tampa scores.
It took me a long time to get used to it, growing up mostly with radio broadcasts of the “traditional” sports of the South. Baseball and football provide far more anticipation ahead of the usual scoring play than does modern NHL hockey, and even basketball usually gives you at least a second and a half for shot in the air or drive. With hockey, that kind of time to build is rare; you either have to raise your voice on every chance (lots of false alarms), scream like a loon out of nowhere (Mishkin), or take it in stride with some accent on the goal. Kaiton could go heavier on the accent, but I like his overall approach better.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
@joshcvt / blog / photography
No way. I’ve heard that line before and I’m not buying it. If that were the case the brother’s Kaberle would be pronounced the same way. Frank’s last name would not end with a “la” while his brother’s ended with a “lay”.
I know he tries, but it’s frustrating and distracting.
it's about birth order.
Maybe they’re pronounced differently in the Czech republic to indicate birth-order? “la” means 5 yrs older than “lay”.
For example: If Thunder Bay was in Eastern Europe, it will be Eric Staal, Mark Stale, and Jordan Stalay. Jared (if he ever plays agains Eric) would be Staalini.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions
That might just be the greatest thing I’ve ever read ;)
by CarolinaCanes on Aug 19, 2009 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions
tyvm
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Which is the correct Russian pronunciation since that language provides for inflection on the second syllable.
by ncdavid on Aug 19, 2009 5:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think this is the first time I have ever heard of someone not liking Kaiton!
And if by mispronounce you mean correctly pronounce in their native tongue then you are right
by SouthernHockeyFan on Aug 19, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I am sorry but the guy may be pronouncing them correctly, but he can’t enunciate for sh**. Half of his calls sound like "Cole brings the puck down the left side, passes to an open Staal, he DEKES PAST THE D AND ARA RARRRA RRARRARARRA RAR and it goes just wide. We pause now for station identification.
Also, I swear to god he gets more excited when the opposition scores than we do. HOF’er I know, but he just aint my cupa joe.
In case you missed this in April
always interesting CC blogger Dale Cooper posted this here, the morning after we won game 7 in NJ, April 29
Here is a recording from NHL Live this morning. John Forslund doing his impression of Chuck Kaiton calling an Eric Staal goal
(you’ll need to download and play on a media software -definitely worth it. ROTFL funny)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
internetting hockeymom a beer…my wife and I prefer Labatt’s when we’re at the games. grab a barbecue sandwich from NC barbecue while you’re at it.
Thank you kindly, sir. (did your socks in the dryer give you hints on this deal? – or whether Cam Ward will be re-signed this summer or next?) We’re still watching Babchuk-fish for clues. No change.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions
the socks indicate that Cam will be resigned before the new year. They also point to the Babchuk fish being traded for a 5th round pick. And they tell me that my wife and I will upgrade our seats to the bottom bowl.
<.<
>.>
Cool.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice Move By JR
I like this move, it allows for a true checking line. Walker-Yelle-Kostopoulos; they might not be big, but they will wear you down. This line will have some grit! That’s what I’m going to call this line the “GRITS” line (it fits with NC).
lol
I like it ;)
Very grity line. The only problem is that people from up north are going to ask us “what the F is a grit?”
by CarolinaCanes on Aug 19, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
We can tell ‘em it’s southern for “ad hominy” argument and let them chase that around in confusion.
something akin to tail-gating.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Aaahhh! That stuff is so bad! (=D)
I believe I’ll go with a summer ale today.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I think we’re starting to mature as an organization. I was always impressed how Detroit kept their kids in the minors. When Detroit brings somebody up, they almost instantly make an impact. The Canes, like most other organizations, rush their prospects only to discover that 20 year-olds rarely succeed against grown men.
I think the Detroit comparison is valid. I’ve heard Karmanos criticized by traditionalists that he is merely a “wanna-be Red Wings owner”, down to the color scheme of the Canes’ uniforms. Given the Detroit connection of PK, I could see that there is some emulation going on. Why not? Detroit is a super model for the Canes franchise to implement. Nothing like proven success if you’re looking for inspiration. (The Hurricanes just do it with more Southern Hospitality. Oh, and less money.)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
And less snow. (Maybe a bit more booze??)
by CarolinaCanes on Aug 19, 2009 3:19 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
perfect.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions
99.9 the Fan interviewed Yelle earlier today. Here’s the link to listen..
Family note: he has 2 kids, 3 yrs and 3 weeks. Hockeymom smile. They’re gonna like it here.
They also have some video from the Jimmy V event over the weekend. Interviews with several Canes personnel. (Cole, LaRose, Brindy, Corvo, Forslund).
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 3:52 PM EDT reply actions
busy day
For me and JR apparently…
I LOVE the signing!!
Wish I could join you all in your conversation, beers, and grits(add some shrimp maybe?!), but its back to the hussle…
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 19, 2009 4:08 PM EDT reply actions
Stef
This is really fantastic. Ward and Stef.
robert
JR for GM of the year already?
i think JR should have his own “Magic’s Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed” show. How he is able to pull off these kind of signings is nothing short of genius. Yelle and Roddy taking face-offs…nobody is gonna stand a chance in the face off dots. I also like how stats show that when Yelle steps on the ice, the amount of shots taken by the opposition drops like 60%!!!
I wonder who from the B’s will make their way down here next? lol
I can’t wait anymore just for training camp, let alone preseason and regular season.
anyone else notice how this upcoming season there will be ZERO Hurricanes regular season games on Versus and NBC? But then a craptastic club like the Wild get 7 games? We really do get no respect anywhere anymore. But it’s all good cause when we win our Cup…we’ll be getting plenty of TV face time.
they release the VS schedule already?!
Seriously… NONE?
wow.
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 19, 2009 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Nada.
Chip Alexander was particularly eloquent in his Caniac bitterness (with which I think we all can empathize):
Versus has announced it will televise 54 NHL regular-season games this season. Care to guess how many will involve the Hurricanes? How about zero?
True enough. The Canes reached the Eastern Conference finals last season before losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins and won two playoff series with thrilling Game 7 victories. And Versus is touting its 27 percent viewership increase for the playoffs last season, which certainly was enhanced by the Canes’ exciting series wins over New Jersey and Boston.
But Versus — the “exclusive cable television home of the National Hockey League” — can’t find room for them on their 2009-2010 schedule.
Philadelphia at Tampa? Check. On the schedule. Minnesota at Dallas? Check. Buffalo at Toronto? Check.
But no Canes. Not once.
“I guess what we will have to do is get them to put us on — in the playoffs,” Rutherford said. “We were part of the increase in their ratings this past season. We’ll do our best to see we’re on again in April and May.”
Actually were there ANY games from our NJD series on Versus? And I thought we only got 2 games from the BOS series (after all the battle of titans was going on with WAS v PIT concurrently.
Keeps us off the radar, I guess. The element of surprise is always valuable.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow that is very un-Chip like. I read it the first time and thought it was Luke DeCock. It really is ridiculous that we don’t have one VS (or NBC) game at all especially considering the season we had. I thought we would have earned at least one nationally televised game against a big name team perhaps. Versus must be trying to draw in the “casual viewer” who’s more likely to stay tuned for a team they recognize (i.e. one that’s been around a while or from a traditional hockey area-the Wild) than one they are less familiar with (i.e. us and Atlanta). But at least this way we don’t have to deal with the biased VS announcers.
All Forslund, all the time. I’ll take it. (And I do get a little anxious when we’re not getting snubbed.)
Does this mean FSN-Carolina will carry all 82 games? Wonder when they announce that?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions
HERE HERE
Forslund >>>>> all VS. commentators (Emerick is the only exception)
plus the only time I would watch a NON-Carolina game was when Forslund was calling it, haha.
During the first round
I didn’t find Doc so bad, and I was stuck with him on Center Ice, but Chico Resch was a pile of crap. There were two commentators in the entire English-speaking hockey universe that thought Marty Brodeur had an argument on interference against Jussi: Resch and fellow Devil alum Jim Dowd on XM the next day. Literally everyone else told them to shut up and quit whining.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
@joshcvt / blog / photography
I understand the whole ratings argument...
but dont we play Ptt, Bos, Buff, Philly, AT LEAST twice each? and then the Caps their fav AO, 6 times? seems like they could fit us in there somewhere…
Also one would think that near the end of the season we will at least be fighting for a PO run… and then Raleigh is a buzz of Canes fans.
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 19, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear ya’, but unfortunately the powers that be don’t. I wonder what the contact information is for the people at VS who make these decisions.
if anyone gets that info...
LET ME KNOW.
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 19, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
please be sure to post anything you hear in a fan post.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe we can plan a day to flood them with complaints. (or ridicule – that would be much more fun!)
Or maybe we can make another deep exciting run in the playoffs and they’ll have prepped for it by broadcasting 8 games from Minnesota. Which state would you rather be in in March?
And their crew misses out on the famous BBQ sandwiches offered at the RBC press cafe.
Fools.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Puck Daddy is taking up our cause.
Lead Photo for “Winner, Losers in Versus 2009-10 schedule”:
He even says nice things about Eric Staal (kinda sorta).
This doesn’t excuse not finding a way to get Eric Staal and a conference finalist on at least as many times as the Calgary Flames (once) or Phoenix Coyotes (once);
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Teasing from NBC (but don't set your DVR quite yet)
The Hurricanes are alternates twice on a couple Saturday games for NBC.
The NBC schedule – with commentary by Puck the Media
Sample:
Mar. 7
12:30 PM Boston vs. Pittsburgh
OR Detroit vs. Chicago
OR Carolina vs. Atlanta (Again, no chuckles from the peanut gallery, please)
Mar. 21
12:30 PM NY Rangers vs. Boston
OR Buffalo vs. Carolina (I said quiet!)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 8:50 PM EDT reply actions
I dont think even I
want to see the Canes vs Atlanta on national TV!!! hahaha
by packpigskinfan25 on Aug 19, 2009 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
It won't be on national TV.
It’ll be on WNCN and WXIA. Maybe WXII and WECT, 50/50 on WCNC in Charlotte.
The Buffalo game will do better. Same array of maybes in NC, but at least 4 or 5 pickups in upstate NY and Erie, PA.
I won’t get it here in Charlottesville, but I’ve barely got a chance at the other game. WVIR here would rather run a Snuggie/Shamwow marathon.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
@joshcvt / blog / photography
We’re a pretty independent group….
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Ya sed it, Rahdney.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Aug 19, 2009 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
just 1
think we had 1 game natonally last year excluding playoffs, but I would rather hear forslnd anyway, as opposed to joe B or Doc.
Oh those lines
This addition is just excellent. The Canes bring in an above-average face-off guy who can kill penalties, brings instant leadership to the back end of the rotation, playoff experience with 2 cups and suiting up for more playoff games than anyone on the roster including Brindy. Gone are the days of kids playing 4-6 minutes a night with the big club. A 4th line skating 10-12 minutes a night will just make everybody in the top 9 that much better later in the season and the playoffs.
Whaddya think of these pairings.
Whitney-Staal-Ruutu
LaRose-Brind’Amour-Cole
Samsonov-Cullen-Jokinen
Walker-Yelle-Kostopolous
First call ups Ryan, Dwyer, Goertzan, and hopefully Bayda.
I don’t think we will see Sutter, Bowman, or Boychuck unless they can bring them in together and put them on 3rd line duty, but regardless the depth of players that have a fair amount of NHL experience so the kids can stay in Albany and be leaders on that club playing in all situations. There’s no reason to call up sutter since there are 6 people who can play center on the big club.
Top line has the top 3 scorers from last year; second line reunites 2/3rds of the BBC line; speed, skill and saavy on the third line; and experience, toughness, and grit on the checking line. I can’t wait till October.
by CaniacinOaklandCA on Aug 19, 2009 10:58 PM EDT reply actions
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