Eric Staal Named Hurricanes Captain; Rod Brind'Amour Will Wear An A
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 20, 2010 11:02 AM EST
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PrintFrom the Hurricanes:
ERIC STAAL NAMED HURRICANES TEAM CAPTAIN
Staal is the 13th player to serve as captain in franchise history
RALEIGH, NC—Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has named Eric Staal as the new team captain for the Hurricanes. Staal is the fifth captain since the team’s arrival in North Carolina, and the 13th player to serve in that role in franchise history. Rod Brind’Amour had served as captain from Aug. 25, 2005 until today, and will remain an alternate captain.
"Rod has been the consummate leader for the Hurricanes since his acquisition nearly 10 years ago," said Rutherford. "He is the only captain in franchise history to lift the Stanley Cup, and he will continue to play a leadership role in our organization.
"The time has come now for Eric to assume the top leadership role for his teammates. This is part of the rebuilding process for the Hurricanes, as Eric is the player around whom the team will be structured. We feel confident in Eric’s ability to lead his teammates and are excited to begin this next era."
Staal, 25, ranks second among Hurricanes with 33 points (10g, 23a) this season, despite missing 10 games with an upper-body injury from Nov. 4-Nov. 23. Since returning from that injury, the Thunder Bay, Ont., native has totaled eight goals and 20 assists (28 points) in 23 games. Prior to missing time this season, Staal had played in 349 consecutive games for Carolina, the longest consecutive games-played streak for the franchise since it relocated to North Carolina. Drafted by the Hurricanes with the second-overall selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Staal has totaled 174 goals and 217 assists (391 points) in 445 career regular-season games with Carolina. He has notched 19 goals and 24 assists (43 points) in 43 career Stanley Cup playoff games for the Hurricanes, helping Carolina capture the Stanley Cup in 2006 and reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2009.
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Wow. Just wow. I don’t even have words.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
by caniacgirl on Jan 20, 2010 11:05 AM EST via mobile reply actions
JR should be fired. He has made poor choice after poor choice since the summer. I now hate Staal, he hasn’t earned a pay check let alone a C.
Canescup will be impossible now.
A
Staals going to the Olymipics, BFD!
When will Staal learn that a wrap ain't really a shot?
When does last place become unacceptable?
Trade Staal for a real Super Star or a bag of pucks, trade him now.
Canescup will be impossible now.
you don’t have to live with him ;)
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Yeah, You’re right we were much better off with the Crypt Keeper as our Captain
(best imitation of the voice) " I got thrown out for " slashing …heheeehehhehehehehehehehe "
I would pay good money for those post games however!
it always burns within
the downward spiral never ends
when driven into sin
your salvation's found in a sinner's deed
by Douchebag St John on Jan 20, 2010 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Personally
Staals face looks better than Tim Gleason’s does. It’s all about the marketing of the team for next season. More familys can relate to the look Staal brings…sorta like a demographical & target marketing thing…but i’m a fan, what would i know ?
Go Canes !!
If you think you can't, you won't !
- ∞
I have a problem with the way this was handled. Really a slap in the face for Brind’amour. After all he has given to this organization. I wonder if they felt they had to throw Staal a bone to get him to start playing to his potential.
grumble grumble GLEASON grumble grumble
I was able to handle this season, even if we weren’t winning. Now I’m really pissed and depressed.
Disappointed here as well in the way it was handled. Chip said they asked Rod first but how could he possibly say no and then add all that tension? Should have waited until the off season IMO.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
by caniacgirl on Jan 20, 2010 11:11 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Do you not think 28 points in 23 games (a 100 point pace) on this pathetic team is not playing to his potential? And apparently he is still not 100% either. I would go as far to say that he is playing above his potential.
Got to agree with Dale here, the man (Staal), is doing all he can. I also think this is the signal to the rest of the teams in the league that the trades can start happening now. This team is done for this year, it’s time to look towards next. For all intents and purposes, this is the off-season for this team now.
Also, I’m still not sold on Gleason being a captain. He’s too quiet. I like that. I like what he brings to the table as is.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I think it’s also to give Brind’Amour some food for thought before the offseason arrives. The message seems to be clear that there is nothing left for him here except a paycheck if he wants to return.
I recall Forslund discussing this topic a month or two ago and referring to it as “the elephant in the room”. He said it was a real awkward situation and it was holding the team back with the captain not being much of a factor on the ice.
That begs the question though: why wait until the season is dead to make this change? If they saw this as an issue, why wait until it was to late and a huge ass distraction to make a move?
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Probably because JR can be loyal to a fault (to both players and coaches).
Not to take anything away from him, of course, as that loyalty has paid off for us many times as well.
Just seems dumb to make the move now, rather than after Rod retires. The is no point in doing this this year.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Then you can do it in the offseason. Do it in a time where it isn’t a distraction. Do it at a time where those sorts of changes normally occur. Whether Rod agreed or not, this is a slap in the face to one of the best players to ever take the RBC Centers ice.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I guess I’m just of the belief that no player is bigger than the team. I certainly wouldn’t be worried about distractions at a time when the team is already 30th in the NHL. There is no where else to fall. You could make the argument that Rod’s play over the last two seasons has been a slap in the face to the organization, and he should have voluntarily passed on the captaincy. I guess that may be a little harsh.
Rod needs to know going into this offseason (IE: right now) that this team is moving on. Management doesn’t need this issue hanging over their heads in the offseason when they are trying to rebuild the team.
by DaleCooper on Jan 20, 2010 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think this also sends a message to the vets on this team that they should take nothing for granted. Because they were on the 06 team, or just because they are a “regular”, their ice time is not safe, nor is their status on the team.
Captaincy is one of those touchy issues in hockey. It’s not like Jacques Lemaire or Lindy Ruff rotating captains … this is a pretty bold move. Something the franchise hasn’t done much of lately. Gusty, but I credit JR and PM for making it.
You can force him to retire just like they were forced to do in Tampa with Dave Andreychuk. Drag his name through the mud, demote him to the AHL, get it through his thick head that he is being extremely selfish and killing his franchise in the process. So much for being a captain.
And dragging you’re own franchise through the mud with ECHL caliber play night after night because you cannot bring yourself to retire is not classless?
Knowingly and selfishly putting yourself out on the ice every night, slowing down every linemate they put you with, leading the NHL in +/- for two years straight (with 5 minutes TOI a night no less), and forcing your own team to finally demote you because you can’t do it yourself is not classless?
right, he’s the sole reason for the losing, just like he was the sole reason for the ECF run last year. And he puts himself in the lineup everynight, not the coach. And he forced the team to demote him because its common for captains in the NHL to give up the ‘C’ voluntarily just as they dont receive it voluntarily.
Last I heard, the team wasnt too happy when Brindy was a healthy scratch for that one game, what does that say about his leadership?
Players weren’t too happy when Laviolette got fired. Do you want to bring Lavi back? Did you want that last year?
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
Players almost always take the blame for a coaches firing and to be honest I thought the golden boy had something to do with him getting canned.
Players almost always take the blame for one of their leaders being forced to sit.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
?
So you say he’s their leader……I’m not sure what youre debating then, let me know when you figure it out.
Just because Staal has been playing good, doesn’t make him a captain. He does stuff around the community, sure, but I don’t seem him ever doing much on ice. Timmy will stand up for anyone and do whatever it takes to defend his teammates. He comes out and tries his hardest every single game and lets nothing stop him. He’s the prime example of leadership.
I think it’s typical of a lot of fans to equate toughness with leadership. While the two often go hand in hand, it’s a silly notion. Being a fighter or a pest is not one of the requirements of captaining a team. No one knows what goes on in the locker room or on the bench. We can only rely on what players, coaches, and staff say. They all seem to believe that Eric Staal is a fantastic leader. Throughout his entire life in hockey he has established a reputation as a leader.
I’m not talking strictly toughness. That’s just one example. There’s a lot more to it than that. I just feel like a big part of this is because he’s the default captain because he’s our franchise player and gets paid way too much. But regardless, I’m more bothered by the timing and the way this all went down.
I love Tim Gleason as a player and as one of the leaders on this team. That said, I never thought he would be considered as the next Captain. He can lead just as effectively as he does now with an “A” on his chest, which I’m sure he will have once Whitney is traded or Brind A’mour retires…whichever comes first.
I love Gleason’s grit, determination, fight and willingness to stand up for his teammates. However, you put the C on his chest and you take some of that away.
How many captains in the NHL can you name who are the team’s tough guy? For sure there are some, but not a lot. How many times can you remember Brind A’mour dropping the gloves to defend a teammate? And I would argue that he was the epitomy of a true Captain before his on-ice performance went south.
Gleason is incredibly valuable to this team in the role that he currently resides, and will hopefully continue to grow as a leader on and off the ice. But I honestly believe that giving him the captaincy would actually weaken that role and hamper that developement. Obviously your mileage may vary.
Staal has been the heir apparent for some time now. And I’m fine with that. Some of you are not convinced, whether it be to his deserving the C or as to his role as the one legit superstar on this team. I’m fine with that to. To each his own. I do believe that this move will force Staal to mature and focus his game even more than he has over the last several years. And I think that is a good thing. Only time will tell. I sincerely hope that I’m not on the wrong end of this argument.
I too question the timing a little, but I also see this as the unequivocal sign that the page has been turned and a new era has begun for the Hurricanes. This season has been a lost cause, even more disappointing in my eyes that 2001-2002. In many ways I think this move confirms that, and signals that the team is looking forward to a rebuilding process. No more veiled allusions to making that elusive “run”. As someone else stated, the offseason officially started today. Now we build for 2010-2011 and beyond. While this season has been beyond disappointing, we can now look forward to (hopefully) a brighter future with a new generation of Canes.
-m
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
I’m sure Rod is very happy to pass the “C.” Could you imagine stepping up in the locker room or on the bench and trying to voice your opinion when you have played horrible for the past 2 seasons? That’s hard to do. I mean Rod honestly should have been playing in the AHL for the past two seasons. Our Organization has done a great job in showing loyalty. Rod was getting unlimited playing time last season and at the beginning of this season when he was killing our chances of winning. I’m sorry but I think I will have to disagree you on this one.
by THE_NEW_CANES on Jan 20, 2010 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
It is the best news I have heard this season and that is not hyperbole. A captain has to lead on the ice. This team needs to be Staal’s team because he is the most talented hockey player on the team. It’s a huge responsibility for Staal; but I believe he will rise to the challenge. I also believe it is time to end the “Brind’Amour Era.” Give the weight of leading the team to the core players. I think making the decision now is a sign that the rebuilding will start very, very soon.
why do I believe this is only the first of many difficult announcements in the next few weeks? Fasten your seatbelt.
GM and soothsayer of the Unofficial Hurricanes' fishtank.
Up this week: Introducing Sutter-fish.
by Carolyn Christians on Jan 20, 2010 11:11 AM EST reply actions
FOR SURE
Wait til they put Rod on waivers. I’m pretty sure that it will happen but I could be wrong
by THE_NEW_CANES on Jan 20, 2010 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Never good news when this stuff is pulled in the middle of the season, especially on the last place team. People will see how desperate this team is for a change now…
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I do not like.
Thumbs down
I fart in the general direction of hurricanes management…
by Andrea's evil twin on Jan 20, 2010 11:17 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Of course… maybe the Management realizes the fan base is already pissed off, so might as well get all the hard moves made now.
A great rule of leadership is to make the most difficult decisions first and as soon as possible. Hard decisions and painful decisions don’t get better by putting them off for another day.
Yeah, I have a feeling I’m going to be doing a lot of farting in their general direction over the next couple of months. Better stock up on the beans…
by Andrea's evil twin on Jan 20, 2010 11:21 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I don't get you people
I started to post a big post in defense of Staal but I realized this would be a waste of time. I think people want Eric to Be Ovechkin or Malkin. Truth is, he is not. But he is an impact player who has done a tremndous amount for this team, and still does. Some of you will just never see that.
His problem is he needs a big time compliment on his wing who can feed him passes for goals and create havoc while he skates around. He isn’t a superstar, but is being paid as such. And the fact that he needs a playmate on the wing plus more money to shell out for that guy can piss off a few about his play.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
No, I want him not to throw hissy fits and sulk when things don’t go his way – that type of behavior is not leadership material…
by Andrea's evil twin on Jan 20, 2010 11:25 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Someone show me him throwing a hissy fit. As far as sulking, I don;t but that either. Frustrated, yes, sulking no.
by wylde4canes on Jan 20, 2010 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t want to get in a Staal debate because I think it’s been argued ad nauseum here and elsewhere. But, I think what people see as sulking is him taking longer to get up when a call doesn’t go his way than when it does or him skating slower to the bench when a shift goes badly for him. I understand frustration and that’s all fine and dandy; he wouldn’t be human if he didn’t get frustrated. My problem is that he hasn’t yet learned to channel that frustration in a good way. I would have liked for that maturity to have grown a little before making him the captain.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Yes, and Gleason will get frustrated and punch opposing players who are standing nearby.
People see what they want to see. Someone doesn’t like Staal or see him as a rival for their favorite, Gleason, then Staal has a problem, but with Gleason it’s Leadership and passion.
by drifterscape on Jan 20, 2010 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
Good point and you’re right, there is frustration in both players’ games at times albeit manifested in different ways (Gleason’s punching versus Staal’s “sulking”). However, I haven’t noticed Gleason’s frustration (and subsequent reactions) stemming from the same things Staal’s has, or at least not as frequently. To be fair, it may be that Gleason just hides it better. I can just go by my observations.
And for the record, the whole “people see what they want to see” thing goes both ways. We all have our favorites and we all think that our favorites are the best. Nothing wrong with that.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Nothing wrong with thinking your favorites are the best. My favorite is probably Ruutu. That doesn’t mean I bash Jokinen so everyone will like Ruutu more.
Ya’ll have opened my eyes to Gleason’s potential. I just see him more as a Sergeant than a Captain.
by drifterscape on Jan 20, 2010 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
Fair enough. Personally I think that, like we all hope Staal will, Gleason would have risen to the role of Captain and been a very fine one. But it doesn’t really matter now as the decision has been made and the team is in Staal’s hands. We’ll see what he does with it.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
You said it perfectly!
A true fan is all day, every day--not just when your team is winning, but when they are losing, too.
by plumtexasgirl on Jan 21, 2010 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think the consensus here is that Staal stinks, I think there are 2 additional schools of thought, for me I subscribe to both….
a) Gleason is awesomer and should be cap’n
b) It was messed up to take the captaincy away from Brindy mid-season
But y’all are the same folks who want to put brindy in the press box. You can’t have it both ways.
As for Gleason, he is a lunchpailer, no doubt. But what makes him “awesomer” than Staal. Because the last time I checked he is nowhere near the caliber defenseman that Staal is forward.
by wylde4canes on Jan 20, 2010 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
You can have it both ways...
…but you can’t with Brindy staying on the ice and getting an “A”. That’s way more of a slap in the face than just retiring when you realize it’s time. Instead, he’s being pushed out (grudging acceptance or no), which is why I think this is a crappy way to do it.
I want Brindy off the ice and his number in the rafters for the good of the team, and for his own good, but only because I respect him so much I hate to see him fizzle out at the end of his career like this. Regardless of who it’s given to, giving someone else the C and relegating Brindy to the sidelines (even more than he already is) without a respectful retirement is just a lack of respect for that legacy, IMHO.
Add to that my belief that Staal doesn’t have the temperament for the C, it’s just doubly frustrating. I hope to be proven wrong, and that he’ll step up like we know he can, but he has to decide to put his mind to it. He hasn’t done that so far, injury or not.
We know how any players operate at this level. If their arm was cut off, you could ask them if they want to play and they’ll say yes. But, if they care about the team succeeding like a captain should, he should realize that playing injured all year is not as good for the team than manning up and saying, “OK, maybe I should heal more and then go out there and prove the Staal haters wrong.”
by Raccoon Fink on Jan 20, 2010 11:46 AM EST up reply actions
Staal does have talent in spades compared to Gleason, no doubt. Just what I see Gleason do on the ice and in interviews, I admire Gleason a bit more. seems to be better with the media, I love the way he stands up for his mates with reckless abandon, and his Novemer game when he took a puck to the face then sent the game into overtime – it was just Epic.
Staal is good, and I actually really like him a lot and just from his bio we have several things in common. But that doesn’t mean I’d want him as the captin.
Your best player doesn’t always have to be the captain – look at Jason Smith – that dude was a 2-3 pairing his whole career and yet was a leadership monster. Keith Carney lead the ducks several years ago and he wasn’t a whole lot to talk about.
As far as having it both ways – players retire in the middle of the season all the time – taking my captaincy mid-season would insult the hell outa me.
I’m a Gleason fan as much as the next guy … but when was the last time a Cup was won with a talented character guy vs. a perennial All-Star? Outside of Andreychuk — none. I think that plays in, as well.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 20, 2010 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
and Andreychuk once was a top-line guy
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 20, 2010 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
Ummm … huh? He won the Selke, had 30 goals, 70 points. That’s not role player stuff.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 20, 2010 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
That's one year.
You said “perennial All Star”. Brindy is not a “perennial All Star”. He WAS a talented character guy. Very talented, in fact. Perhaps the best “talented character guy” in the NHL. But not a “perennial All Star”.
by East of Here on Jan 20, 2010 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t deny he’s a great player, I just don’t see him as a captain from what I’ve seen in interviews and his overall demeanor (his quickness to get frustrated on the ice, etc.)
It is certainly possible that he’s a totally different guy in the locker room, but from what I’m able to see in the stands and in front of the tube, there are a number of better candidates. That’s all.
by Raccoon Fink on Jan 20, 2010 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Not a chance he will ever be one of those guys, but he could be a guy that shows up for a full 60 minutes. Just need to see it before I am a believer in this move. Sutter makes an impact, Gleason makes an impact. What I do see at times is Staal lazily skating around. Sorry just my feelings!
Staal; Put Round Pegs in Round Holes, Square Pegs in Square Holes
In general sports is not that complicated. For coaches, the idea is to put round pegs in the round holes and square pegs in the square holes. In Staal’s case, as wylde4canes points out, Staal is Staal and is not Malkin, Ovechkin or Crosby. Staal does have enormous talent and that talent is not always brought out on a game by game, shift by shift basis. I think Staal will improve enormously with the addition of the Albany Rats and some draft choices and new prospects. It will be synergy at work. Staal needs more speed on his line and more pure scoring power. Imagine a young Eric Cole with better hands and skating ability on Staal’s line.
If I have a question in my mind about Maurice, it is whether he can see which players are the round holes and which ones are the square holes. I think if Maurice can be creative and innovative with the new Hurricanes, he could have tremendous long-term success.
If we’re waiting for Month to sort the round pegs from the square ones, we’re screwed for next year too…
by Andrea's evil twin on Jan 20, 2010 11:33 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Stupid autocorrect – Mo
by Andrea's evil twin on Jan 20, 2010 11:34 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, but it seems Staal can’t get it going without Cole on his wing…Staal needs Cole to run interference and draw the defense. As far as speed goes..Whitney and Cullen are very fast..how much more speed could Staal possibly need? After all, Whitney’s leading the stats..not Staal.
A true fan is all day, every day--not just when your team is winning, but when they are losing, too.
by plumtexasgirl on Jan 21, 2010 8:53 AM EST up reply actions
Rut-Roh
Big changes must be on the way REAL soon.
Here we go! Let’s hope Staal takes the role and becomes the consistant star we know he can be. I’m just ready to see what else is in store!
Still not a crook!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Say it aint so!!!!!!!!!! now maybe he will play 3 periods and hussle. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Very Surprising Timing
I am very surprised they made the move now when it is basically impossible for us to make the playoffs and the best course of action is to lose every game. This is obviously not a “rile up the team move” that it would have been in Oct.
Cyn4Canes makes a good point:
maybe the Management realizes the fan base is already pissed off, so might as well get all the hard moves made now.
But I wonder if there is something else going on here (Brind’Amour couldn’t possibly be going somewhere could he?).
Of course I would much rather have Gleason wear the C but I knew that would never happen.
But abramsdoug also makes a good point.
If the rebuilding is about to start happening and we are about to sell off tons of guys it makes a lot more sense for the long term leader to be in charge when the new guys start showing up.
That must be the reason for the weird timing.
JR says as much
Branecky’s TTS goes into some detail of it all:
“As for the timing of the move, Rutherford said that Staal could gain valuable experience as a captain in attempting to deal with the Hurricanes’ current struggles.
"This would be the best time for somebody to understand what it takes to be a captain when you are in as bad of times as we’re in," said Rutherford. "Different people have different opinions as to if you wait until the end of the season or when this should be done. I really feel very strongly that doing it at this point in time when we’ve started our rebuilding of this team to give it to the guy who’s going to lead this team on for the next several years."
This Stinks!
The season is a write-off.. Let Brindy ride off into the Sunset still being Captain and retire at the end of the year. To yank the “C” shows no class by the Cane organization.
Don’t get me started if Staal is worthy of being Captain. My choices would be for Gleason or Whitney.
Classless move JR!
this will be a test
Like things werent bad enough, now this? Classless move guys. Im pissed and dont know if I’ll keep watching now. Staal, step the F up and play like you care and it matters, not only when its convienient.
You said it! Staal hasn’t played like he gave a damn all season. Far be it for him to actually skate for the puck rather than just waiting for the puck to come to him. Understandably, he’s dealing with plenty of things off the ice—but then so hasn’t every other player, and they aren’t the
“STAR” of the team. I’m tired of watching Staal turn over the puck every time it touches his stick. I certainly hope Rutherford knows something that we don’t, because I think this is a HUGE mistake to give it to Staal.
A true fan is all day, every day--not just when your team is winning, but when they are losing, too.
by plumtexasgirl on Jan 21, 2010 8:50 AM EST up reply actions
Is it possible that maybe JR has a taker for Brind’Amour?
"Last season we couldn't win at home and we were losing on the road. My failure was that I couldn't think of any place else to play." - Harry Neale
by hotchipsnsalsa on Jan 20, 2010 11:44 AM EST reply actions
Further comments from JR: http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=514291
In a closed-door meeting with the team before practice at the RecZone this morning, General Manager Jim Rutherford informed the team of the change, which makes Staal the 13th captain in franchise history. Former captain Rod Brind’Amour will assume the role of alternate captain.
Although it was ultimately Rutherford’s idea to make the change mid-season, he said that he gave Brind’Amour the opportunity to reject the move if he so desired.
"I made it very clear to Rod that if this is, in his opinion, not the right time or not the right thing to do, that he had every right to speak up," said Rutherford. "Once there was some thought put into it and both guys were comfortable with each other, then it was time to move forward."
As for the timing of the move, Rutherford said that Staal could gain valuable experience as a captain in attempting to deal with the Hurricanes’ current struggles.
"This would be the best time for somebody to understand what it takes to be a captain when you are in as bad of times as we’re in," said Rutherford. "Different people have different opinions as to if you wait until the end of the season or when this should be done. I really feel very strongly that doing it at this point in time when we’ve started our rebuilding of this team to give it to the guy who’s going to lead this team on for the next several years."
Rutherford said that he first pitched the idea to Brind’Amour and Staal several months ago, and that the three have had ongoing dialogue ever since. It was the mutual understanding reached between all three that resulted in the change finally taking place.
"The biggest thing for both of them was taking care of each other," said Rutherford. "That’s why Rod has been such a great leader for his whole career and a great captain for us, and why Eric is the new captain. They talk things through with each other."
by DaleCooper on Jan 20, 2010 11:46 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
This almost makes me feel better about it. Almost. Even though JR said he left it up to Rod, if JR made it clear he wanted to change captains, Rod isn’t going to create any more drama and stay captain if he knows he isn’t wanted in that position.
ugggggh
This whole season almost ALL of you have done nothing but bitch about Brindamour. Most of you want him in the pressbox and the other half of you want him shot in public. Now they strip him of the captaincy you all wanna bitch about how unfair it is.
Staal was always going to be the next Captain of this team. People can say he sulks or floats or whatever but NONE of you know as much about what is happening behind the scences than the management of the this team. None of you know if he is playing injured or not, and none of you know if whether or not the reason for this is because he is being pressured by someone from within the organization to do so. We all need to remember that this is not so different a squad that went to the ECF last year. We all need to remember that the line between great and suck in this game is very narrow.
And as well all compare Sutter and Gleason to Staal we need to remember that Sutter is in the same spot Staal was when he put up his best numbers and they are nowhere near Staals numbers. And that comparing Staal and Gleason is comparing apples and oranges, They have different roles on the team.
Like I said elsewhere, the people that want Brindy out want it to still be done with respect for what he’s done in the past. That’s what’s got people’s feathers up.
As far as not knowing what’s happening behind the scenes, well… of course! All we can go by is who seems to show leadership in the public – on the ice, in interviews, whatever. Perhaps Staal is the Best Leader Evar in the locker room, I just don’t see it where I can see him.
Only time will tell.
by Raccoon Fink on Jan 20, 2010 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
and just to be clear, when I NONE of you, I mean NONE of US, myslef included. It is time for a little faith and a little perspective. For once maybe we should all just say, there is a reason why the people who run this hockey team are some of the most respected in the league. There is a reason JR is on so many commitees and boards in the NHL and it isn’t because no one else would do it. He is respected and he IS a good hockey mind. Did he make mistakes, yes, but he has also made some very good moves, and I for one don’t see how this is such a terrible move.
by wylde4canes on Jan 20, 2010 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
Seriously, +1000.
Why are people going to constantly bitch about how much Brind’Amour sucks (and he does) and then complain when he gets stripped of his captaincy (which he has done nothing with this whole season). When has Brind’Amour done anything even remotely Captain-like in the past 2 years? Unfortunately Brindi NEEDS something like this to open his eyes and maybe reflect on how he has damaged the franchise for the past 2 years under selfish pretenses.
Staal was always going to be our next captain. Francis and Brind’Amour have been coaching him on the job for years. In today’s NHL, your captain is your superstar. I truly think Staal will show up huge for the rest of this season and beyond because he has been given this position.
Not complaining about when he gets stripped, just how.
Now, the update Dale posted just above does put it in a slightly better perspective. The biggest issue I have with this whole fiasco is that they waited to say something until the second press release. :P
by Raccoon Fink on Jan 20, 2010 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
Yea, the piece Dale posted explains a lot. They probably received too many negative comments from this blog so they needed to add the second press release as a public relations move.
"Last season we couldn't win at home and we were losing on the road. My failure was that I couldn't think of any place else to play." - Harry Neale
by hotchipsnsalsa on Jan 20, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
I think they should have been harsher. They should have done something about Brind’Amour before this year even started. Have you considered that maybe Brind’Amour really is just in some delusional fantasy where he thinks he is still good enough to play in the NHL and the Canes need him? I certainly think he is. I can’t think of any other good reason that a HoF caliber player would selfishly and knowingly continue to destroy their own franchise night after night with ECHL caliber play.
If Brindi doesn’t have the respect for his organization to step down himself, he should be removed by force. I have lost pretty much all respect I had for him as an NHL great.
I don’t see how this is a fiasco. The season is a fiasco. Brindy’s play is a fiasco. Replacing Brindy midseason, however tragic, is not a fiasco. The Organization is moving on.
by drifterscape on Jan 20, 2010 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
… or the captain is the grizzled veteran who can still contribute, like Craig Rivet, Scott Neidermayer, Nicklas Lidstrom, Mike Modano, Jamie Langenbrunner, Doug Weight (remember him?), Chris Drury, Eric Brewer, … it’s relative to the makeup of the team, IMO.
But I agree with the sentiment. Brindy was probably neither contributing on the ice and may have been part of the locker room chemistry issue (indirectly, most likely) off the ice.
Staal vs. Sutter
And as well all compare Sutter and Gleason to Staal we need to remember that Sutter is in the same spot Staal was when he put up his best numbers and they are nowhere near [emphasis added] Staals numbers.
Just to be factually correct, they actually have fairly similar stats for their first 82 games in the NHL.
Staal played all 82 games of his first season (‘03-’04) with 11 goals and 39 points. Didn’t exactly set the world on fire. It was after his lockout year in the AHL that he came back a playoff beast.
Sutter has two split seasons to date, but has logged 89 NHL games with 12 goals and 25 points. I’m encouraged that there is more lurking inside him, as well.
That is fair.
I consider Sutter to be a year two guy (as does the NHL), even though he did not get the benefit of a full rookie year. I was speaking more from a stand point of second NHL year.
However, maybe I should look across total games played to have a better point of comparison.
Thanks for the stats, btw.
You would not believe how many tabs I keep open in my browser to be able to easily retrieve numbers like that. :-D
Yes, Sutter’s on his second year, and it’s worlds better than his first, for sure, so perhaps a hybrid comparison to Staal’s second year is fair.
Plus, I’m not saying he’s ever going to catch up to Staal’s statistical level, but I am hopeful that there’s more there to see than what we’ve enjoyed to date.
EPIC FAIL!
So we pick the whiny, turtling, cherry picker as our Captain? Seriously?
Just wow. Staal is a good player, but I don’t think he is captain material. This reeks of trying to imitate the Capitals, Penguins and Thrashers. I think really think this sends a bad message to the team. But that is a just an opinion from the sidelines. I’d have given it to Gleason.
I’d have given it to Whitney. I believe that Rutherford thinks if gives it to Staal, maybe he will start stepping up his game and actually earn the millions of dollars we are paying him. Staal may develop into captain material eventually, but it damn sure isn’t now.
A true fan is all day, every day--not just when your team is winning, but when they are losing, too.
by plumtexasgirl on Jan 21, 2010 8:41 AM EST up reply actions
I'd have no problem with Whitney, but...
He is getting old and would not be a “long term” fix. Second, he is the best asset we have to move at or before the deadline. This is going to happen. He’s a UFA after this year, so I think a contender will give JR good value for his services in a playoff run. He’ll then re-sign with the Canes after the season (my speculation). They can’t give him the “C” because they are going to trade him very shortly.
Other than that, I do agree that Whitney is captain material. I just think that time was never on his side.
by East of Here on Jan 21, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
This is the "Shot across the bow", if this doesn't get the vets attention nothing ever will.
The teams poor performance has led to this move, not just Rod’s poor performance. Rod was never a vocal leader. He always lead by example on the ice, and in the weight room. Hard to lead on the ice when you are never on it.
This is a young mans game, and we need a young man to be captain. Plus, no more excuses for Staal about leadership now, no toes to step on. He will either develop into an excellent captain and leader, or he will be playing for a different team in a couple of years.
"He has all the virtues I dislike, and none of the vices I admire." -Sir Winston Churchill
by SouthernHockeyFan on Jan 20, 2010 12:03 PM EST reply actions
I’ll say one last piece and then shut my mouth so everyone else can complain.
I am a big fan or Brindamour, and have been one of his chief defenders this season. I hate to see this day come. There is a reason Staal was picked and I really don’t think this organization did so just because they felt like he was their poster child.
We all are entitled to our opinions, though.
I think there are two camps on this wylde. One camp is the people who are upset because they don’t feel Staal should be captain and then the other is upset because they don’t like the way this situation was handled. I fall into the second camp. Do I think there are better options than Staal? Yeah I do, but I was full aware that he was going to be the next captain at some point. And I hope that he leads this team to great things, regardless of my personal feelings for him.
My one and only problem is the way in which this was handled. I’m sorry, but you don’t go to a player and say “hey we want to take the C away from you and give it to so and so. Hope that’s cool, but if not you can say so and we won’t do it, but the whole team will know it was because you didn’t want to.” On going dialogue or not, that’s just a cruddy thing to do to a guy, any guy. The season is already down the toilet so why not just wait and do it during the offseason when there are other changes as well? Why make the change now so that the whole franchise can be a league wide spectacle?
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
One, this is the off-season already for the Canes. Two, you don’t wait until there are no games left to play because this allows Staal to get the feel of the C down now in games that don’t matter so he’s more comfortable with it next season. There will be a big transition between now and October. The last thing the team needs is Staal unsure of how to deal with it in October.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I understand the reasoning behind it, although I’m not entirely sure next season will be a whole heck of a lot better than this one. Plus, if it had been done during the true offseason, I think it would have reduced the media/fan backlash which may have made the transition easier for all those involved. But, regardless, I still think it’s a cruddy way to handle it.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
The fans would be upset no matter when it happened, unless it concurred with Brindy retiring. The man has already been scratched for a game. Everyone knew it was coming from that point.
Brindy got a lot more input in the decision than anyone else. This give Staal the chance to be entrenched as captain when the new guys come in in October, which regardless of how well the team plays next season, is the best option for the long term success.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
This particular fan wouldn’t have been as upset and reading some of the other comments on here, I’m not alone in feeling that way. Look I hope you’re right about it being better in the long term. I really do. But that doesn’t mean it can’t bother me in the short term.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Why let it bother you in the short term if it’s better long term? Also, it’s not like the Canes have anything to play for in the short term other than a great draft pick, and that’s all but sown up.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I can’t help but let it bother me because my fanhood (or whatever the right word is) goes beyond just wins and losses. It goes all the way to the players as individuals. I enjoy the stories and the characters almost as much as the game itself. So when something like this happens to one of the key components of the team, it bothers me becauses it undoubtedly bothers him.
Maybe it’s naive or silly, but it’s the way I am. It’s why I would be a horrible GM, but I’d like to think it’s part of what makes me a good fan.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
CG, I can agree that the way that this went down is not optimal. I surely would have like to have seen Brindy finish his career with the C and leaving the org hailed as the hero I think he is. Unfortunately, this season is anything but optimal, and hard decisions, sometime even unpopular decisions have to be made. I am not all warm and fuzzy about how this was handled either, but I think it could reap positive benefits long term.
by wylde4canes on Jan 20, 2010 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that there wasn’t any perfect solution to the situation because the team’s situation is not perfect. And you’re right, it may work well out for the long term, but there’s no saying that it couldn’t have worked out just as well going the alternate route. My feeling is that if Staal really was being groomed for the spot for months now, what could a little more grooming hurt?
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I agree that a different way to do this would have been nice. It would have been nice if Rod retired immediately and PK agreed to keep paying him millions. That didn’t happen.
What did happen was Rod’s play has made him and the ‘Canes a league-wide spectacle. We are dead last and Edmonton hasn’t yet found a goalie bad enough to catch us.
by drifterscape on Jan 20, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
*sigh*
Still would have preferred Whitney since Staal has done a lot of crybaby acts since coming back from injury. :(
Ray Whitney for Carolina Hurricanes Captain 2010-2011 (after Rod Brind'Amour graciously retires ;-] )
That would be kind of silly seeing as Whitney is going to be traded within the next few weeks. How has Whitney even been a better leader? Whitney more often than not gives up on plays, lazily skates to the bench when he should join the rush, has far too many giveaways, and rarely shows an individual effort on his goals.
If anyone else were to be considered it would probably be Gleason, however did anyone think that they might have offered it to him and he turned it down? Gleason has never been the spotlight guy… I doubt he would even want a captaincy.
however did anyone think that they might have offered it to him and he turned it down?
I didn’t mainly because it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that Staal would be the one and only option for the C since he got here. It was never really open to debate. However this means that when Whitney gets traded, Gleason better have an A on his sweater.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Sounds like he just compared Brindy to a retired general….. read betwen the lines. Adamantly says Brindy will not play elsewhere
Yeah, I caught that. I’m pretty sure this was also a message to get Brindy gone. Did you notice that JR said Brindy’s number would be retired?
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
Foregone conclusion I believe….. I believe him when he says Brindy was in on this decision. This is a true example of the leadership qualities Brindy does possess. The Captain has to put his team first. Guarantee if he does retire he will be there still showing up the youngsters during conditioning pre-season.
I can think of so many ways to that the organization could have handled this way better than what they just did.
Could have been done at end of the season. During the summer, or at the start of the next season. All better than what they just did to him.
All of those scenarios are too late for Staal to be entrenched before the new players come in. If you want to talk about classy ask why Brindy, who is a fourth liner, no longer defensively responsible, and is leading the team in – for the second year in a row by a lot, didn’t turn the C over voluntarily. Why did the organization have to take it from him? Not classy is not giving it up.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
Unfortunately I think it will be the exact same situation getting him to retire. He just isn’t going to do it himself, he has to be forced out. It is sad, especially after a HoF career, but he has brought it upon himself.
Classy captains voluntarily pass the torch when they know the end has come and classy players retire when they can’t compete. Brind’Amour just isn’t willing to do either it seems.
It is just sad, it seems like he is going to take the Chris Chelios route and go around next year begging AHL teams to give him one last chance.
I doubt this team is very good next year, and since they won’t have Yelle, Roddy can be Yelle next season. Although, I’m wondering if part of JR’s talk with Brindy on the captaincy didn’t involve discussions about next season.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
Maybe it’s just my optimism or how I cope with being so bad this year but in my mind for some reason the team we have…
1) Minus Brind’Amour, Walker, Yelle, Aaron Ward, and Wallin and replacing them with Rats.
2) Letting Cullen walk and replacing him (with Rat or other)
3) Likely resigning Whitney to affordable deal
4) Adding a top-3 draft pick Forward who is likely ready to join the team
5) Adding one young, top-4 D through trades this season
I think we got a pretty damn good team… At least playoff contending.
We do potentially have six NHL-ready players to replace those six you are shedding (4 forwards and 2 defensemen):
Tlusty, Dwyer, Bowman, Samson for the F’s and Carson/Rodney for the D’s.
Note we are losing 3 centers, but are at least one center rich now, plus Jokinen can handle those duties.
Young players make mistakes. young players have learning curves. The players we have in the minors have a lot of promise, but they won’t be showing that at high levels every night next season. The free agents that come in will likely be stop gaps. There will be struggles. There will be successes. My guess is that next season the struggles out pace the successes.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
My guess is that next season will be a sinker for sure! As we can see now, the young players are making tons of mistakes, every time they are on the ice. None of them can play point on the power play..not even Staal….and it really makes me crazy that Coach Mo doesn’t put Wallin on point. He’s the best defenseman we have, and we don’t use him. It’s already hard to watch the Rat Pack skate around like chickens with their heads cut off—Next season is only going to be worse if we get rid of all the veteran talent that we have. Hopefully Rutherford will at least keep Ruutuu, Jokinen, Cullen, Larose and Whitney. Cole would be great, too, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.
A true fan is all day, every day--not just when your team is winning, but when they are losing, too.
by plumtexasgirl on Jan 21, 2010 8:32 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe he and Chelly just love the game and want to play wherever they can, be that NHL, AHL, or beer league.
I cannot get over you calling Brind’Amour classless and selfish. He has given everything to this organization, and when he’s winding down, you act like he’s singlehandedly and intentionally taking it down with him. Suddenly the hero of 2006 is the villian of 2010? That couldn’t be further from the truth. No one trains harder or works harder than Rod. Yes, his skills have diminished, but the effort is there. He doesn’t give up on plays or mail it in.
You could at least have some respect for his accomplishments. And try to remember that he’s a freaking person!
by houstoncaniac on Jan 20, 2010 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
For the most part, you’re right. But I don’t think that his skills are necessarily diminishing-it is about his speed. He’s never been as fast as everyone else, but he is a playmaker, smart with the puck, and can hit. No one has a better work ethic. I don’t see Brind A’mour stepping down to play in the AHL, and I can’t believe Chelios did it.
Brind A’mour, hang your head high! You are handling this with more class than anyone is giving you credit. I think you’re getting screwed…How can your stats be good if you don’t get to play? Rutherford is an idiot.
A true fan is all day, every day--not just when your team is winning, but when they are losing, too.
by plumtexasgirl on Jan 21, 2010 8:26 AM EST up reply actions
EXACTLY!
A true fan is all day, every day--not just when your team is winning, but when they are losing, too.
by plumtexasgirl on Jan 21, 2010 8:34 AM EST up reply actions
Off topic here, but Im more concerned with the tweet I got that Staal had moved back to center. Whats the general opinion on that. Everyones been clamoring for a “power foward” and/or a “scoring winger”. I’ve been thinking that the way Staal plays he needed to stay on the wing and be that scoring winger. Its clear that he’s not the playmaker with the passing abilities that a center needs. Everyone knows he loves to drive down the boards and shoot the wrister from the circles, the same way he did against NJ in game 7. Ive just been thinking that with the emergence of Sutter, and the fact that staals put up his best numbers of the season here lately playing wing, that maybe it’d stay that way. opinions?
Yeah not sure I like that move either. Mo did say he’d move Staal back to center when he was “healthy” so maybe this is the sign that he’s 100% again. Plus the way the tweets came out, it seems that it’s now Staal-Cullen-Sutter in terms of order of centers. The Sutter line needs more than third line minutes.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
And the depth chart backs up the tweets.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Larose is gonna have to be the forward banger on that third line, but I like the speed it represents, could cause alot of headaches for opposing goalies.
LaRose as the “banger” is kind of a scary thought, but it is what it is. As long as Mo uses this line as an alternate second line (and not a PK/once in a while real line), I think it could work out well. I just don’t feel all that confident that that’s going to be the case.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I’ve been a big supporter of Brindy, and maintaining his dignity. But by this time I feel like he did this to himself. He sees his own stats, he knows about his lack of ice time, he knows hes not in front of the cameras nearly as much anymore. Aside from simply knowing he’s there, you really dont even know hes there. He’s had all season to do the “leader” thing and step down himself. With all the youth coming in we all know that its Staal who will have the biggest voice to these young kids. By now I understand that Brindy wasnt gonna do it himself, so someone had to do it for him. This is a business.
New Lines -- Staal,Cullen, Sutter
The return of Staal to center is indicative to me that the rebuilding process is in place. My reasoning is that Staal and Sutter are untouchables. They will be the first two centers next year. I think the lines tend to reflect where the untouchable players (and I include the Albany Rats in the untouchables) or perhaps more accurately the 2010-2011 players are thought to fit.
Although LaRose/Sutter/Tlusty are being shown as the third line, it really looks like a second line to me. I can’t envision why Sutter would be placed on a line getting only 12 minutes of time on the ice. LaRose as a power forward raises real questions, of course; and shows the issues at hand for Jim Rutherford in evaluating how to organize the team for 2010-2010 at forward. Jokinen is put into Ruutu’s spot on the first line, I am thinking. Tlusty is being given a full opportunity to demonstrate that he is a top nine wing — and I feel confident he is.
After Ruutu and Cole return, it will be clearer what ideas are in place for after the trade deadline and into 2010-2011. In any event, I have felt for some time that LaRose will need to demonstrate that he has the scoring touch on a line with young, fast, skilled players like Sutter and Tlusty. As a prediction for next year’s line, I just can’t envision LaRose beating out some of the Albany Rats for top nine minutes; but LaRose has had a history of being able to prevail when most people thought he would not succeed. Even so, my feeling is that LaRose would fit on a fourth line where Maurice/Francis/Rowe were able to roll four strong lines game after game.
All in all, it would seem as if LaRose is as likely to be traded as to be kept; but LaRose has been loyal, has been a Hurricane since a kid, has always brought intangibles of tremendous desire and a work ethic, and has been a strong force in the locker room over his career. Those intangibles mean a great deal to the Hurricanes organization.
We have way too many forwards that could potentially make the roster next year for Larose to be a 2nd liner. If you throw in Boychuk, Bowman, and Tlusty all in the top-9, that means a couple guys have to go. It is gonna be tricky that’s for sure. I wouldn’t mind seeing Samsonov, Cole, or Larose go to make room though. I’d be very unhappy if they traded away Jussi, I think for the money he makes he should easily be part of the core.
If you advocating Sutter and Staal on a line, I don’t like it. I think you take some of the opposing teams pressure off of Sutter by having him on a different line. Sometimes the best thing a first line can do is cancel out another teams best checking line, allowing your second line to be effective.
by wylde4canes on Jan 20, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
Power Forwards and Scoring Wingers
I am of the school of thought that the Hurricanes desperately need more power forwards and need scoring wingers. All in all, as part of the rebuilding process, I would put Staal back at center and try to figure out which players already in the system can be scoring wingers. In other words, I would see Staal and Sutter as my long-term centers. I’d treat the remainder of this season as a chance to see which players will be part of the 2010-2011 Hurricanes and hopefully at which position.
I just don’t see the two additional freight-train power forwards in the system I would have if I were building the team next year. I could be perfectly happy with the hybrid power forward — the highly skilled, fast, strong, mean as a snake on the ice 6’3" 210 pound player rather than the hulking beast 6’4" 235 lbs brute. I would however ensure that there was a warrior with size and speed and mental toughness to be Mr. Net Presence and who would love hitting as much as Ruutu does.
Hybrid player sounds like Blake Wheeler. Prototypical JR type underperformer too headed towards RFA status. Just needs to get a bit meaner but he has some hands on him.
Blake Wheeler would be awesome to obtain
Blake Wheeler is exactly the kind of player who would fit the Hurricanes’ needs. I agree too with your assessment that Wheeler could use a little bit more meanness; but if they would work that trade, it would fantastic.
I think this will be a good move in the long run. Let him get some experience in this lost season, working with some of the younger players who are going to form the basis of his new team. It doesn’t seem to make much sense, if you look at it that way, for Rod to be captaining all these youngsters and for all these youngsters learning to play under Rod’s leadership.
Makes sense
Whether you like the choice or not, it makes sense. He’s the face of the club and perhaps this gets him increasingly engaged in the areas we need him to step up.
Secondly, I hope this is a sign that (if no one picks up Rod as rental, which is likely) Rod can go ahead and announce his his intention to retire at the end of the season and officially and respectfully pass the torch. He deserves a farewell season and unbridled thanks and recognition for his past contributions. I can see a Rod Brind’ Amour night with flashbacks. A night (and swan song remainder of season) where fans that currently boo him and trash talk about him will join in on the appreciation of what he’s brought to the team and fans. This would be a much more fitting end to a successful career than schlogging through the rest of the season getting bashed just to be bought out or announce retirement this spring. He deserves the fanfare. I for one will be genuinely appreciative of his time in Carolina. If you remember, we could have been saddled with the Primeau-dona. How would that have been?
I’m thankful for how it went. We would not have won a Stanley Cup without him. We may never win it again.
Two thumbs WAAAAAAAAY up
Yeah yeah, Staal has a tendency to mail in games — well shit, no more! He cannot hide from the spotlight now. And as for Brindy, he shoulda retired last year. This sends a definite message to the team that times they are-a-change-in
The right move
I will be the contrarian here. I think it is a good move on several fronts. First, no one appreciates what Brindy has done with this organization more than I. He is a great leader, great role model for my kids, great contributor and a key component of the cup run. But it doesn’t make sense to have a captain playing 4-5 minutes a night and the worst plus/minus in the league. My biggest fear with Brindy is that his desire to play keeps us from giving him the swan song he so richly deserves.
The reality is the team is not doing well and needs to shake things up. That is business. A coaching change is off the table for financial reasons, and I am not convinced Mo is the problem here. And if this season is a loss and we are rushing to the first draft choice, as Decock says in his article in the N&O today, then it makes sense to let Eric take his lumps now. The last time Eric was asked to step into this role, during Brindy’s ACL time off, he did a great job. Was Gleason worthy of consideration, absolutely, man that guy has tremendous upside. But the reality is that Staal is a serious talent and we don’t see the dynamics in the locker room or on the practice ice.
"Thanks" to Brindy. "Good luck" to Staal.
Not really sure how I feel about the mechanics of this change. I am, frankly, happy to see any kind of move or change that signals that the team is taking action to right the ship. I will take a “wait and see” attitude. I have always been happy with Staal when he takes control and dominates over stretches. I am not thrilled when he seems to whine. I contend that he was always going to be the next captain…I am just not sure he is the cornerstone the franchise needs.
Here is to hoping that upcoming sweeping changes occur to build the future and to keep it fun for us.
THE QUEST FOR TAYLOR HALL...
by Caniac233 on Jan 20, 2010 1:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
May have to play Thursday's game with the sound off
Unless Tripp Tracy suddenly is unable to perform his duties :-)
It’ll be watershed moments the whole fing game!
Caveat… I haven’t read what anyone else has posted yet and I haven’t read or listened to any of the press. Just wanted to give my undistracted observations and initial reactions first as someone who was “at the scene” and then I’ll loop back after I’ve absorbed more of the details.
I was at the RecZone today when all this happened. I got there a few minutes early and was surprised to see no one on the ice or even milling about, then it became apparent why when I started getting the tweets. Needless to say it was very surreal in the building. It seemed like an eternity, in reality it was only about 10-12 minutes, before anyone took the ice. Jorge Alves came out, and Joe Corvo a couple of minutes after him, and Rod was the next guy out, just as you’d expect to see him, business as usual. Players slowly trickled onto the ice, Staal was one of the last to show around 11:25 or so, then finally practice started in earnest around 11:30. Of course by then all of the media and Canes PR were out and about so it was rather distracting though not much of a circus. Other than the announcement and some extra folks from the media hanging around, if you didn’t know any differently you’d think it was a rather normal practice, nothing or no one out of the ordinary, and they wrapped up around 12:30 and headed off.
My heart has been heavy over Rod’s situation for quite some time, and you knew a change was inevitable, and for the record I have zero issue with Staal as the new captain, but I question the timing, perhaps after I hear more the decision behind that will become more apparent. My hope is that everything has been handled with respect and dignity which I assume it has.
Sees the world through ruuu-colored glasses...
Sisu
Bout time...
I will say this…I have no issue with Staal as the captain. What does surprise me is the strong feeling here that getting the C on your jersey should be like being a supreme court judge…for life?? I just don’t get that. I’m sure it was handled with class. But give me a break…this was a long time coming.
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
Well, well, well.........
I just don’t know what to say….I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning. This is PERFECT TIMING for Rod to pass the torch, the start to the ‘rebuild’ has begun. I’m disappointed in the direction this thread has gone in many levels. For now I’d like to congratulate Staal for receiving the ‘C’. You have shown in the past that you are a great leader, on and off the ice, you have earned this in so many levels. May this be the start we as ‘CANIACS’ have been waiting for. Again Congratulations.
Staal IS the next CAPTAIN........get over it!
If you get a leadership position in a company and at some point don’t perform as you have in the past, they usually don’t demote you. They would fire you before they demote you. This has a feeling of demotion. The team didn’t want to look bad so they put it on Rod’s shoulders to decide and then gave him an A for his jersey. I don’t like the wishy washy nature of it. The political correctness of it. I also don’t see the point in it happening now. I’ll reserve judgement on Staal being Captain. I’m kind of glad that’s one way he can’t be kicked around any more though. I guess now I’ll start reading y’all saying he should be “stripped of his A.”
Love, love, love the 'Canes!
Staal
All I can say is…imagine being a pro athlete, then, be the go to guy on your team. The one that your teammates and the fans depend on each night. Play some 370 games without missing one. Welcome a new baby to the family (lack of sleep?), battle a shoulder injury that keeps you out of the lineup for weeks, when all you really want to do is play and be on the ice helping your team, quietly support your wife and family because your sister-in-law is fighting a loosing battle. And finally read all the crap being written questioning your skill and charachter on wether or not you should be the new captain of the Carolina Hurricanes. Welcome to Eric Staal’s life the past few months. Maybe we should finally give him some support, since he has given us fans so much to be proud of since he became a Hurricane. Good luck Eric you have earned the priviledge of wearing the ‘C’.
by Montreal Caniac on Jan 20, 2010 7:07 PM EST reply actions
2007-2008
I’ll just make this point. Think about how this team played when Brindy went down for the season in 2007-2008. I just remember all the injuries and the team played great hockey under Staal’s leadership. This starts another great chapter for the hurricanes franchise. The Brindamour’s Chapter could be one of the best chapters ever written.
You've GOT to be kidding me...
Disappointed doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about the decision to strip Rod Brind A’Mour. Mid-season, no less. Sure, you can say that Staal was going to be the Captain sooner or later, but I truly think it should’ve been MUCH later. I don’t believe that he’s earned the big “C”—if anything I think Whitney should’ve gotten it. That said, I believe this was the most uncooth thing I have ever seen Rutherford do. Would it have really made a difference to wait until the end of the season? True-Brind A’mour didn’t want the Captain job to begin with, but that really isn’t the point. It seems Rutherford’s whole point was to “dress-down” Brind A’mour for the whole world to see. Hell, they don’t even let him play anymore. Personally, I would ask to be traded, and NOW. He’s given everything for this team, and this team’s management has given him nothing but embarassment. I know things change, and mostly I’m good with that. I just don’t think this was the way to go about it. And I for sure don’t think that Staal deserves the Captain job—as it is, his play has been terrible. In my opinion, he hasn’t even been earning his multi-million dollar contract, let alone rewarding him with the “C”.
A true fan is all day, every day--not just when your team is winning, but when they are losing, too.
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