Jim Rutherford: "50% of Next Year's Roster Will Be Different"
by Bob Wage on Jan 6, 2010 7:00 AM EST
137 comments
Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford was on 99.9 The Fan late yesterday afternoon with a brief update about the team. First, he said how proud he was of the players who made their respective Olympic teams. He also mentioned, (not surprisingly) that if he made the choices, he would have included Jussi Jokinen on Team Finland and Tim Gleason on Team USA.
When the subject came up about this season's last place "perfect storm", once again, he took the blame for misjudging the personnel on this team and said that win or lose, the makeup of the club would be changed by 50% next season. That is a significant change. Let's take a quick look and see who might stay and who might be gone next year.
First, here are the forwards who are already under contract again for the 2010-11 season:
- Eric Staal
- Erik Cole
- Tuomo Ruutu
- Jussi Jokinen
- Chad LaRose
- Tom Kostopoulos
- Sergei Samsonov
- Brandon Sutter
- Rod Brind`Amour
Next, the forwards who do not have a contract for next year:
Taking what Rutherford said literally, one or two of the forwards under contract next season will have to be traded, or moved from the roster in some other, more creative way. One likely candidate is Rod Brind'Amour. Who else will be gone?
Rutherford has also stated that he would like to re-sign Whitney. That means yet another forward would have to be moved.
Now, the defensemen who are already under contract for next season:
And the blueliners who will be free agents come July 1:
There is little doubt, that 50% of this group will be gone. Some here might want to re-up Corvo, but it's likely he could get a big payday on the open market, probably more than what the Canes would want to pay. But you never know.
Of course, Cam Ward will return next year with his new long-term contract and the Canes will probably be looking to add a cheap goalie to be his backup.
Who will the new forwards be? Certainly, Jiri Tlusty, Zach Boychuk, and Patrick Dwyer will be given every chance to make the team. Perhaps Zac Dalpe will impress at camp or one of the remaining forwards in Albany? A player or two will also most likely be added via free agency or trade.
On the defensive side, things are a bit more murky. Brett Carson will be given an opportunity, but he does not look like a big "minute muncher", even if he does make the team. Jamie McBain or Bryan Rodney are possibilities, although the coaching staff seems to have soured on Rodney. Management could even bring back Anton Babchuk.
But look for them to acquire another experienced guy either by trade or free agency. You can not have three rookies on the blueline and expect to succeed.
The coming months will be very interesting and the rumor sites will be busier than ever.
0 recs |
137 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
If only....
…..but alas, Mo is a lifer, its the fans who will have to adjust to seeing the Diet Jacques Lemaire squander young offensive talent and JR continually recycle has beens, wanna bes, and never weres.
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 6, 2010 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
I personally have never seen any of our coaches turn over the puck in the neutral zone…..
Not that our coaching staff is 100% amazing or anything close to it…. But the responsibility is still on the players to play they way they are supposed to….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 6, 2010 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah… but that was way back when he was Rods age……
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 6, 2010 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
When Mo played
for the Windsor Spitfires…he may have very well turned the puck over a time or two…and he was a D man too wan’t he ?? And in Roniie Francis case yes the man in his lifetime in the NHL did turn over the puck a time or 2…the key is for the other team to not take it and score …right ?? Go Canes !!
If you think you can't, you won't !
Who Will Be Gone
Forwards,
Roddy, Yelle, Kostopolis, LaRose, Walker
Defense:
Aaron Ward, Alberts, Wallin
Goal:
Legace
Alberts is signed already for next year and he hasn’t been bad. He will probably remain on the team.
by hockeythoughts on Jan 6, 2010 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
He has one of the best +- on the team. He isn’t Chris Pronger, but he is a good defenseman at his price.
by hockeythoughts on Jan 6, 2010 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
Bobber shy of death, Rod isn’t going anywhere. even if he retires, we still gotta pay him and take a acap hit.
Sorry but Rods name on anything but a trade is worthless in helping this team.
A buy out is the best we can hope for.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
If he retires the team is not required to pay him the remainder of his contract. The cap hit will still be there, but I doubt this team will be running in to the same cap issues next year. Given the number of younger kids on the team next year the cap hit could be beneficial in getting to the floor.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I may not be correct. I was of the mind that after 35 any contract was due to player period. plus the cap hit, retirement and injury are not considered. Death being the only out.
You say your sure, good enough for me. I’m not.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
The cap hit stays. The Canes will take a 3.6 (Is that the right cap number) for Brindy, but they won’t have to pay him. There will probably some deal worked out, or he’ll take a player development job or something.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
that’s right … cap hit sticks, but he doesn’t get the cash.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 6, 2010 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
if that's the case
then Captain Rod needs to be paid off. personally i even hate to even say that, desoite the crummy year he is having…so all of us just has to wait,as there are just 40 games left in this season…Go Canes !!
If you think you can't, you won't !
He plays the softest minutes on D of anyone on the team. He doesn’t even average 16 minutes a game. If he was playing the sort of minutes and facing the match-ups that Pitkanen and Gleason do, I seriously doubt that he would be leading the team in +/-.
That said, I do want him back next season. However, He NEEDS to be paired with a puck-moving defenseman as he is below adequate in that area. No more of this pairing two unskilled defensive defenseman together and spending entire shifts turning the puck over trying to break out of the zone. Alberts and one of Ward/Wallin/Harrison on the ice together makes me sad.
Someone has to play those minutes, and in a salary cap league it’s not going to be a Norris Trophy candidate. You’re right in that he wouldn’t have the same +/- if he played Gleason or Pitkanen minutes, but that’s not his role. I’d agree with you on the need to pair him with a puck mover, but for my money he’s been a very pleasant surprise on the third line. He’s responsible. He’s not out of position. He can play the PK a bit.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
But he’s our BIG hitter, everyone else gives love taps.
Staal will be the next CAPTAIN........get over it!
by canescup on Jan 6, 2010 12:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Brindy I would say most likely will retire ( please hockey gods) , goodbye to Cullen, Walker, Yelle,Samsonov, and maybe Cole or Rosey if not both. Need to make some room for the upcoming Rats and T. Hall. Wallin and Ward absolutely, do not see any trades for Pitts, Alberts and certainly not Gleason, all are performing admirably. As far as Corvo, alot will depend IMO as to how he performs when he returns. Proven sniper with a good hard shot, and definetely burns up some ice time. I would put him about 60/40 with 60% leaving. Resigning The Hobbitt for one more year might be a good option also, because no matter what under Mo, C. Ward will be seeing alot of time between the pipes.
I’m okay with re-signing Whitney and Corvo if the price is right, but that had better in the off-season after they’ve been moved at the deadline. I just don’t see this team being competitive next year, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to try and eke in to the playoffs next year, especially if they just miss out.
Whitney is better served being moved at the deadline and playing in Pittsburgh next year in the Bill Guerrin role, and then coming back if he has anything left to give. That’s his best chance for another cup. Corvo has only upped his value since he’s been here and can bring a lot back at the draft. He’s a minute eater who can run the point and has become defensively sound. Better yet, there’s no one like that on the market. Neidermeyer might be available, but my guess is that he would go to NJ to re-unite with his brother. Corvo has the potential to bring back a first round pick and maybe more. That would give the Canes 3 picks in the top 32. They could potentially trade those last two for a pick in the middle of the first.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
New Lines in 2010-2011
I am very pleased to read about Jim Rutherford’s comments because I think the talent in Albany and in draft can be used effectively to create a top tier team long term. I also think it is obvious the team as constituted at the start of the season, particularly at forwards, was mismatched with Maurice’s/Francis’ system; and that the defense was terribly undermined by A. Ward’s abysmal effort and play during that period of time.
Even assuming no further additions to forward, but assuming Taylor Hall is drafted (or Tyler Seguin), the lines are much improved in terms of speed, scoring ability, and forechecking. Although I am convinced Jim Rutherford will try to trade Samsonov, I left him in the mix for the first series of hypothetical lines. I am convinced the following forwards will either be traded or where they contract is expiring this season and if they can be traded, they won’t be re-signed. The emphasis next year for forwards is likely to be on speed, size, hands, scoring, and ability and willingness to crash the net.
I believe the following players will not be on the Carolina team for next season:
FORWARDS:
1. Rod Brind’Amour;
2. Matt Cullen;
3. Sergei Samsonov;
4. Chad LaRose;
5. Stephane Yelle;
6. Scott Walker
DEFENSE:
1. Aaron Ward;
2. Nic Wallin;
3. Joe Corvo (if trade value is sufficiently high)
HERE ARE SOME LINE COBMINATIONS
Assuming Whitney, Cole, Samsonov remain:
VERSION 1:
Taylor Hall Brandon Sutter Eric Staal
Ray Whitney Jussi Jokinen Tuomo Ruutu
Jiri Tlusty Zack Boychuk Erik Cole
Sergei Samsonov Jerome Samson T. Kostopoulos
This line combination is not necessarily how things will work out; but I would try it. If I were king, I would try the first line to see if the big line could be a monster line for the team and basically could score at will.
The second line keeps the Jokinen/Ruutu combination together and assumes that Whitney would work well with that line.
The third line assumes that Boychuk can play center in the NHL on a third line; or that Tlusty could move to center on a third line. The first line and third lines have blazing speed; and each line has a power forward.
The fourth line with Samsonov is not a traditional fourth line (and that is one reason I tend to think Samsonov will be traded).
VERSION 2:
Taylor Hall Eric Staal Tuomo Ruutu
Ray Whitney Brandon Sutter Erik Cole
Zach Boychuk Jussi Jokinen Jiri Tlusty
Sergei Samsonov Pat Dwyer T. Kostopoulos
This line is a more likely line combination.
taylor hall on the first line?
you gotta be kidding me
kid looked like a shrimp in the WJ, let alone the nhl
Reasonable minds can differ, of course. I thought Taylor Hall had a great tournament, and apparently I was not alone in that assessment because he was selected as one of the top three players for Canada over the WJC. Given his age, his talent, and his drive, I think Taylor Hall will be a much stronger player physically by next year.
I expect to see the Hurricanes draft him; and I suspect he will play in the top six next year and probably on the first line. To be certain, because it is projecting into the future, it is not knowable now; so there is no correct or incorrect answer. On the other hand, if the Hurricanes are able to get Taylor Hall, it’s a situation where time will tell.
yea he was really great in the tournament
but not as good as he was supposed to be.
(he wasnt even the top player on canada, which was supposed to be the case according to all the announcers time and time again)
he will be bigger next year, but not big enough in my opinion.
IF we get him, he will play but not on line 1, me thinks
I have recently...
seen him listed at 185 lbs….shrimp?? He is still young and projected as an NHL ready player next season.
"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
Don’t forget, he’s one of only a handful of kids there who is only 18. Most of the kids in the tournament were 19, and that year makes a big difference.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
yea i definately get that, but the fact that hes younger than most around him doesnt change if he plays in the nhl next year.
i just dont think he is thse savior everyone is talking about,
i hope he is on our team, dont get me wrong;
but after watching this years tournament, id almost trade the rights to hall for the rights to eberle.
Yea I watched...
so what? He played well. You are basing your whole argument on a couple of games…not really smart.
I won’t even pretend to be an expert…but in addition to getting “leveled” as you say, I also saw him make some amazing plays. He is not only a goal scorer but also a very nice passes. Wanting Eberle is like the flavor of the month….a couple good games…heck I’m surprised you don’t want Nederreiter too…he had a couple great games.
"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
You all are quite ignorant if you solely look at this lone tournament to base your decision about who is good and who is not. Playing well in one tournament doesn’t mean anything.
I would bet the house that five years from now people will be saying D’Amigo who? While Hall is a 100+ point player.
Two light weights on Staals line could equal physical problems.
Staal will be the next CAPTAIN........get over it!
by canescup on Jan 6, 2010 12:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Staal + which other light weight playing w/ Sutter?
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 6, 2010 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
If Hall is on the first line we can look forward to another 1st overall pick
don’t get me wrong I am not saying he should not be first over all pick this year..jury still out but he is not ready for 1st line NHL play that much is very obvious. May be ready for NHL but not playing against top NHL defense and forward lines every game.
Hall may well need more time to be on the first line. It depends on too many variables to know. What is clear is that he is a big, fast, wing who at 17 has more skating and shooting skills than many NHL players; and that he has been an elite player at whatever level he has played. It is also clear he is a very, very determined player who plays to win. Very few NHL players can stay with him on speed; and few can shoot the puck at full stride and as quickly as he can. Whether or not all that skill and talent translates to a smooth transition to a first line position is impossible to say. Statistically, very, very few talented young players step right in to the NHL; and fewer still go to the first line.
Here's the link for the Rutherford conversation on 99.9 yesterday
Tues interview: Rutherford with Mike M (about 6 minutes). His comments on how the teams are picked were interesting; very measured and considered.
I’ve been wondering if Seidenberg might return – even before Babchuk. Wasn’t that just a 1-yr contract he signed in Florida? Seids will also be playing for Team Germany in the Olympics.
My gut is that Corvo will return to Carolina.
Wonder what the deal is with Rodney. He seemed to be the magic that made the PP click in early December. But maybe that was a coincidence.
What’s the best guess on Casey Borer and Drayson Bowman future in the next couple years?
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
Borer’s still not playing, Bowman needs more polish.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 6, 2010 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
I think "50%" is oh, what you call it,
oh yes, hyperbole. I would think that trading players away will be more difficult than some may think. I can see 25% to 33%.
Gone are:
Yelle
Walker
Cullen
and Brind ’Amour wil retire.
A Ward
Wallin
Corvo, trade bait will get too much $$$$ on the open market
For those who think that trading LaRose, Cole, Kostopoulous, Samsonov, etc is a good thing, hey it might be. But there is a big caveat: Somebody has got to want them. Trading them for an even worse player or a yet unnamed 2nd, 3th or 4th round pick won’t be a smart thing. the only way that is going to work is if they have no intention of playing the hack who we get and then just bringing up the Rats en mass.
But that leads to possibly the same issue for next year: “Mo defense” hockey. I will say that the way the NHL is structured now, with the salary caps, the number of games played and such, a team built with the players to play Mo hockey is a very rare and lucky break, not a thing you can build with $ as you need $$$$$.
That leaves the question, “What’s going to happen to Mo?”
Hell, why we’re at it, what’s going to happen to Wesley and Francis? If we include a coaching change and other personnel, with just the few I mentioned who’ll go away, then we can reach that “50%” mark that JR stated. As I believe 90% of this is an issue with personnel vs the style played, bringing good Rats up here who don’t play Mo hockey well is going to have many saying, “Sutter? Why is that hack getting any time? He’s at -23 and it’s only November” (yes, hyperbole but I hope the message got through).
I really believed that if the Canes were still playing Lavi style hockey with a little more defense as Mo had them play at the end of last season, the Canes would be fighting for a top 4 spot in the East at least. Other commentators have said it better, the Canes as a team and players lost faith in their coach.
I still think that’s an issue,
Later.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
I'm all for 50% going, but . . .
I don’t think being competitive for the Cup is realistic next year, and I think eking it out to make the playoffs will just make this team Toronto. I like the idea of Boychuk and Tlusty on the team next year. Those guys appear to be ready. I also like the idea of drafting Hall and sending him back to his junior team after 8 or 9 games.
I think it’s realistic that this team can re-build in to a top team in two seasons. I can’t see it happening after just one bad season. If they’re bad again next year, get another top ten or five pick, run out Cole and LaRose’s contract, or may be see a bounce back in one of both next season and trade them at the deadline next year for a pick, then they can have a strong system, be ready to make the playoffs in 2011-2012 and possibly be ready to compete for the cup in 2012-2013.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
My only concern w/ 50% going is:
how much money will be spent to make the team better?
I think Douchbag said it yesterday or the day before….. With the team spending right at the cap this year and getting squat in return…. we would be lucky to see JR/PK put much over $45M into this team next season…..
Say hello to the rookie squad and save your playoff money another season…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 6, 2010 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
I think being competitive for a playoff spot next year is a bad idea. I think it will take more time to rebuild the team through the draft. Personally, I don’t want to see JR spending a ton of money on free agents next year. I’d much rather young kids play and the holes be filled by veterans. That can be done cheaply.
One draft won’t be enough IMO to get this team younger and faster in such a way that it can compete for a Stanley Cup. It’s going to take two or maybe even three. My money is on two, but we’ll see.
In short, why pay 55 million for a turd sandwich when you can pay 40?
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I don’t want to see JR spending a ton of money on free agents next year
Don’t worry, you wont EVER see that happen here. This was the one time they were going to spend money and it failed. PK and JR will use this excuse to the end of time to never spend close to the Cap again.
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 6, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
If they build well I think they might go in to the free agency pool a little deeper. Never in a Hossa like way, unless we somehow get Toews v2 and Kane v2 in the next couple of drafts.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I don’t know what picks we got in the bag for draft after this one, but I would expect a finish next season better than this, so not much to look forward to in the draft. I think this year is our shot at gold.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
If the team sends the top pick back to juniors, goes with a lot of young guys and veteran re-treads. Not things that might work like Yelle, things like keeping Brindy around another year, then this team could be looking for a top pick next year too. That said, smart moves at the deadline, they might not need gold at the 2012 draft, only silver.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
As usual, a lot of money will be spent, but very little will be spent to make it better.
First we will re-sign Whitney for two years. He will decline rapidly and we will be stuck with our 352355th bad contract.
And since last offseason JR was obsessed with size and grit and ignored everything else, this year he will be obsessed with skill and speed and ignore everything else. And of course, the speedy skilled players he acquires will happen to absolutely suck at playing hockey because JR will bargain bin hunt and get players that nobody else really wants. If it’s a “gritty” player he acquires, it means they won’t be able to skate and have the all skill of a garden gnome. If it’s a “skilled’ player he acquires, it means they will be 5’5” and have no concept of how to play defense. He will acquire 4-5 garbage skilled players for $1-$1.5M a piece instead of acquiring a 1-2 good skilled players for that combined money. Because, you know, garbage depth >>> high-end talent.
damn, good thing we haven't . . .
WON A STANLEY CUP!
by DidJussiThat? on Jan 7, 2010 2:27 AM EST up reply actions
Even the owner...
…said that was a fluke
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 7, 2010 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
I'm glad...
Rutherford said he wants to re-sign Whitney. I’d love to see him wear the C next year – after Brind’Amour gracefully retires. Staal keeps his A (only b/c Staal still is not as mature as he needs to be) – and Gleason gets the A (well deserved, but like Staal – not mature enough to get the C in my mind). I still am of the mindset you need somebody with maturity and who is outspoken in the locker room. From all the interviews I’ve listened to, Ray is that guy. Plus for a guy his age, he does make some great plays. An example is the play he made for the win against the Rangers the other day. :)
One, Ray is not a captain. Captains are serious. They don’t play Where’s Whitney with the camera. Ray’s job is to break the tension.
Two, Staal has played his best hockey when he’s had to lead the team. When Brindy was injured he almost single handedly got the team in to the playoffs. End of last season when Brindy was the shell of himself he played great. The kid has been wearing a C since he was a zygote. It’s in his blood to be captain. He needs/craves that extra responsibility. It motivates him.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
It motivates him.
Eric was getting out hustled and walked on by his brother in the last Ranger game. If stepping up and playing hard and showing your brother who is boss isn’t motivation you cannot find it anywhere. He took most of that game off.. he doesn’t even bleed for this team much less have leadership in his blood. IMHO of course.
the "took a game off" meme is such crap
I’d like to know how many people on this site who pillory Staal for “taking games off” has ever ebven set foot on a field of play, let alone the ice.
Expecting the guy to be Gretzky (who also was accused of taking plays off, btw) is ridiculous. He can’t win games all by himself. Ovechkin can’t win games all by himself.
We’re lucky to have Staalm and you shouldn’t look that particular horse in the mouth, or he’s just as likely to head for NY himself, where he can make bigger money.
by DidJussiThat? on Jan 6, 2010 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
I do not expect him to be Gretzky, or to win a game all by himself. Look we all know what Staal is capable of, I as a fan and for what he is paid would like to see it more than every other shift in every 3rd game. I have already stated I am not a Staal fan for the “c” and will not be until I see that effort every time he steps on the ice, and I think that will come with more maturity. Do I appreciate him here in Carolina absolutely, do I think he is capable of producing more absolutely, just wont put him on his throne till I see it. Again that is my opinion just as we all have one.
please, let us know exactly how you deduce a lack of effort
how do you tell that from the stands? Hmmm?
Do you watch nothing but Staal the whole game?
Criticize the guy for particular plays, that’s fine. BUt attacking his heart and effort, when he’s been an absolute horse since he walked into the ESA as an 18 year old is just ridiculous.
by DidJussiThat? on Jan 6, 2010 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Whitney has been captain before
Whitney was definitely captain in Columbus and I believe at Florida for a bit.
GM of CanesCountry.com
“One, Ray is not a captain. Captains are serious.” — C Leaguer
I think some people think that a captain has to fit a certain mold. Captains come in all shapes and sizes. Just because Ray has some fun, you dont think he’s serious? So he plays his little camera games…..when he speaks in the locker room, you dont think the others listen?
I think people listen to him, and I think that’s why he wears an “A”. I think he’s perfect for the A. He’s able to break the tension. Make a joke or do a camera trick to get guys to relax and breathe a little. But you can’t do that as the captain.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
why cant you do that as a captain?…….i didnt get the rule book. Not being a smartass….just playing the other side. I believe Whitney’d be a great captain. Staal is not ready. And Gleason would only be a fill in until staal is ready. Whitneys the perfect candidate especially if he only signs for 1 year.
In the end I’d rather have Gleason as C over Staal anyways. I think the teams best player/scorer should focus on that alone, and lead by example. Gleason would be perfect for the C. But as I said above Staal isnt ready, and it would make no sense to give it to Gleason just to take it away in a year or two for Staal….assuming thats the direction the team will take. Ovies a captain….and hes also a clown….and a douchebag, but whatever. I think thats a mistake on the Craps part.
I’m not trying to be an ass here, so don’t take it as such. I only mention this because I’ve tried to re-write this so it doesn’t come off snotty, but it still sounds to me like it’s snotty. Here goes:
How many drill sergeants do you know that crack jokes? Hockey is a very disciplined game. If you don’t think discipline is important look at all the penalties this team took early in the year. When you have someone who jokes a lot that effects discipline. Plus it’s hard to be chuckling it up with the boys one minute and cracking the whip the next.
If the captain came out and played “Where’s Whitney” as opposed to leading the stretch and pre-game skate how do you think that would effect a teams start to a game? I don’t think it would have a positive impact.
The captains job is to get 23 grown men on the same page. You can’t do that all the time with a smile. Hockey players aren’t great salesmen. They have to strong arm sometimes. You cannot be effective as the strong man when you’re also the jokester.
As for Gleason, I’m not opposed to him having the captaincy, but in many ways I think it’s similar to giving Kevyn Adams an “A”. Not as bad, Gleason is clearly much more talented, but do you really view Gleason as a man how commands leadership? He goes out, he works hard. That’s great. But he’s an indian, he’s not a chief. The “A” on the blue line is perfect for him.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
Agreed,
After seeing Gleason on the sides, and watching his “enthusiastic” arm in the air during the jam, I’m sure he’s a great guy who you want to have in your group.
But that’s it your group, his group, the other guy’s group, not “Gleason’s group”.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
I’m curious as to who you’d want for captain if Gleason and Whitney aren’t it. (If you said this somewhere else, sorry.)
I think you make a good point about Whitney maybe being a little too loose for the C. I’m not sure it would be as big of an issue as you think it would-he’s always been very serious in all of the practices/games I’ve been to, but I may have caught him in the wrong moments. The only reason I’d throw my support behind him for Captain is because of all the experience he’s had. The man has gone through it all-waivers, buy outs, trades, etc. With that experience comes a perspective that some of the younger guys may need. He’d be able to take on that mentor role that would seem disingenuous from some of the others.
As for Gleason, I disagree completely about the indian vs. chief thing. I do see him as someone that commands respect and exudes leadership. And what’s more is he does it both on and off the ice.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
How many drill sergeants do you know that crack jokes?
I knew one – a retired command sergant major in the marines. One of the best dudes I ever met.
That said, I don’t think a drill sergant mentality is what you want for your team captain. People follow inspiring leaders – drill sergeants get you off your butt and get you moving FOR the real leaders – the officers. I haven’t been in the military, but I’ve known enough people in the military to know how things work. And like a hockey team I would expect it to be not. Unless you want to play for the Red Army I suppose so.
There will be times when a grown man does not want to do something for someone. There will be times when a grown man does not want to do anything for anyone. No carrot will motivate him. The stick will have to be used. This is not a maybe situation. This is a definite. At some point a captain will have to use blunt force to get one or all of the players on the same page.
This goes back to my point about the joking drill sergeant. Sure, he may have cracked jokes with you, but did he with his recruits? I’m betting not, and if he did it was rare. A hockey team isn’t as regimented as an army unit by any means, but at some times, when things are tough, it has to be.
As for who I would select to be captain next season, I would probably go with Staal at this point. I think he responds to responsibility. He wants the responsibility. Gleason, for all of his hard work and dedication, doesn’t really want it. He seems to me like he would much rather do his job well.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
Who hasn’t been captain of Columbus? I one time got re-routed on a plane that was supposed to land in Cincinnati but landed in Columbus due to weather. I was wearing the C that night for the jackets, or would have if the cabbie hadn’t gotten a flat tire on the way to the arena.
All joking aside, I think Ray is a better A then a C (see below). He was captain of the Jackets in 02-03, in between Lyle Odelein and Luke Richardson (source: wiki).
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I agree with this, more so because I don’t think we need to be giving someone the C for just a year or two. We need to have a Captain that is in it for the long hall, not someone that could retire in a few years, then the whole flow of the team changes again when Captains change.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 6, 2010 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
I can go along with that also….
I do not believe Brind’Amour will retire…. Nobody with a sane mind would leave that much cash laying on the table just to save face….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 6, 2010 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
I do not believe Brind’Amour will retire…. Nobody with a sane mind would leave that much cash laying on the table just to save face….
Not to mention he may well have torpedoed his chances to get into The Hall. It might almost be a " F&*k It, I don’t have anything else to lose situation. ". Of course if he comes back, which I hope he doesnt because of what I am about to say, I would not at ALL be shocked to see him waived and sent down. He is only hurting this Organization by staying at this point.
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 6, 2010 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
Ugh. Why re-sign Whitney? He will be 38 in May. We’ve seen how this season how fast players around that age can decline and even if Whitney doesn’t have a big drop-off, I still see that ice time better served going to a young player. Plus we can get a good pick for him if we trade him.
The only way I would want Whitney back is if we trade him at the deadline, then sign him in the offseason to a one-year deal. Not trading him and signing him to a two-year deal is just a continuation of Rutherford’s obsession with signing the same veterans over and over and over again and expecting different results.
Bryan Rodney is terrible. People here get all hyped up over him because of a handful of decent games where the powerplay was good with him in the lineup, but ignore the fact that he’ll be 26 in April and has played a grand total of 18 NHL games despite spending all of his career in North America. He is an AHL player who can look semi-decent as a call-up in a #6/7 PP specialist role. Anything more than that is asking for trouble and I’d hate to see him in a regular defensive role for the Hurricanes next season. Carson>>>>>>>>>Rodney.
Veterans who can feel free to leave include Walker, Wallin, Ward, Yelle, Brind’amour, LaRose, and Cole. The last three likely will not be gone due to their contracts, but there’s absolutely no way we should re-sign any of the first four. That Walker scored a big OT playoff goal and Wallin has played 500 games for us should have no bearing on their future with the team. Both are marginal players at this point and Walker in particular absolutely cannot stay healthy. Even if Walker would be willing to sign for league minimum, you do not re-sign him. $500,000 for Scott Walker is really $700,000+ when you consider that he’ll miss 30-40 games and you’ll have to call someone up to replace him. Not to mention the chemistry problems that result from having a player constantly in and out of the lineup.
I’d re-sign Corvo. We have a grand total of two top 4 defensemen (Pitkanen and Gleason) signed for next season and I do not trust any of our prospects to fill a Top 4 role.
by Kahz on Jan 6, 2010 10:42 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Totally with Whitney comments.
I’d like to have Corvo back but he may be worth so much on the open market that we have to let him go.
Re-Re-Hire Babchuk and maybe Seidenberg. But Seids has done so well in Florida he’s probably priced himself out of JR’s range.
by drifterscape on Jan 6, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Why resign Whitney? Because Canes fans love their fan favorites more than they like winning and building for the future. It seems JR is on board too.
I really believe JR’s comments are about one of two things:
1) Whitney said he isn’t going anywhere no way no how and don’t even ask to waive the No Movement clause.
2) JR’s upping the price.
My guess is the second. Ray wants to win another cup and he won’t do that here the next two years.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I’d think it’s obviously the second. It may not seem so to Canes fans but Ray Whitney is likely one of the top rental players this year behind Kovalchuk (who might not even be available) in the whole NHL. I’d say many teams would be looking to acquire him and we should be able to get a good return for him.
It would be almost unprofessional of JR not to rent Whitney out if we are certain not to make the playoffs. After all if Whitney really wanted to stay, he could just resign here next year under his own free will. The return in a trade would greatly benefit the organization and Whitney would get a free shot to possibly win another Stanley Cup. That’s Win-Win.
Pathetic, isn’t it? There’s absolutely no reason NOT to trade a soon-to-be 38-year old if he’s willing to waive his NTC.
Whitney doesn’t have very many good years left and maybe not any if Ward/Brind’amour can be used as examples. Even if you could get a guaranteed 60-ish points from him next season, I’d rather have a prospect or a draft pick that could be used to select somebody who MAYBE could help us in the future rather than have someone who we KNOW is very close to the end of the career. Let’s be honest: the team is not contending next season outside of some miraculous trade or high profile free agent signing with us (not happening).
If he really, really wants to play a final season and retire here, he can just come back. Like Weight, Recchi, and Tkachuk did.
I’m afraid his decline has already begun. Whitney is on pace for the lowest point total he’s had since the lockout and by far the lowest point-per-game average. And let’s not say “everybody sucks and that makes Whitney’s point totals look bad”. Here’s everybody on the team who scored at least 30 points last season and how far off their scoring pace is from last season.
Jokinen: +.25
Pitkanen: +.13
Ruutu: same
Corvo: -.03
Staal: -.04
Cullen: -.07
Cole: -.08
LaRose: -.09
Samsonov: -.24
Whitney: -.24
Brind’amour: -.44
So the only one who has seen a sharper decline in point production than Whitney is Captain Minus himself. Whitney is slower than he was in past years, misses tons of prime scoring chances and is about as strong on the boards as Samsonov.
If Whitney was five years younger, this would be a no-brainer. But he’s not. Time to move on. It completely disgusts me that there actually people out there who want Niclas “can’t pass or skate” Wallin and Scott “I.R.” Walker re-signed. I even saw someone mention they want CONBOY back.
your anger issues are hilarious.
you get disgusted over things that are really only mildly irritating,.
by DidJussiThat? on Jan 7, 2010 2:29 AM EST up reply actions
However your analysis of Rodney is wrong. Rodney is a great offensive D and has always been known for being so. Ever since Juniors Rodney has been an top-flight PP quarterback and remains one in the AHL.
I am a fan of Carson, however I believe Carson has much more work to do on his game before he can fulfill his role of shutdown D on an NHL teams. Far too many times did pucks get free right below his legs or straight across the crease when he was there. Both players showed Rookie mistakes, but they are Rookies after all.
Rodney is nearly 26 and is still in the AHL. There is a reason for that.
If he was such a great offensive D, why did he play three seasons in the minors before securing his first NHL entry level contract? Why did he even spend so much time in the ECHL in the first place? Seriously, when the Rats signed him mid-way through his THIRD pro season, he had played eight total AHL games. And that’s in addition to him playing an overage year in juniors.
We sorely lack offensive defensemen, so why is some alleged great PP quarterback rotting in the AHL? It’s not like we’re going to ruin him by “rushing him”. He is in his fifth professional season. A career AHLer in Jay Harrison beat him out for the 7th defenseman role and has been called up ahead of him as well a few times this season.
Carson can actually play defense. Rodney is absolutely terrible at doing so.
Gleason speaks
Off topic – but Gleason was on the radio this morning (620 the buzz – Ovies show); here’s the tweet and link;
Tim Gleason of the Canes on how his face is feeling, hanging at the mall, and the Olympics: http://bit.ly/609d26
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
still numb is not a good thing
nerve damage?
by DidJussiThat? on Jan 6, 2010 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
Too bad it cuts off so early. They’ve had problems before on the ESPN Triangle audio vault site. Maybe they’ll get it corrected later.
Gleason for the "C" :
Just what do we need to do to make this happen?
by hockeymomof2 on Jan 6, 2010 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Chip reports, we repeat:
ice_chip Eric Staal missed practice today and has taken a personal leave of absence. He returned to Thunder Bay and will miss at least one game.
and a followup:
ice_chip Staal returned to his Canadian home after the death of a member of his wife’s family.
just waiting for someone to say he's loafing...
Thoughts go out to the Staal family.
by DidJussiThat? on Jan 6, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Not to be crass, but I didn’t think his wife was from Thunder Bay. Am I mistaken there?
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
You can not have three rookies on the blueline and expect to succeed.
I hope the team doesn’t expect to succeed next year: JR tried to skip the rebuilding step this year and we fell on our faces. They’ve had to change gears and this year will just plain suck. Next year, we’ll be “rebuilding”. Hopefully ala Chicago.
Remove
A.Ward
Wallin
Brindy
Walker
Samsonov
Rosey
Cullen (even though I’ve liked his play this year, we need salary relief next year).
Yelle
I really don’t want to get rid of Whitney, but they probably will.
Keep:
Cullen
Sutter
Whitney
Ruutu
Jokinen
If possible for the right money. The trade evryone else for whatever is gettable, that includes Staal and his Binky.
On D Keep:
Pits
Gleason
Corvo
Alberts is 50/50
Again if the money is right.
Then set about rebuilding with players that want to play. Acquire two true assassin type super stars. I’m hoping that Taylor Hall will be one and by a good trade or two we can get our moneys worth out of Staal in a trade and bump up to a true PPG+ guy.
I think it was Capt. Stinky that mentioned the coaching…man I hope there is something in the works there, too.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Why are you so sold on Whitney being on the team next season? He’s 38. Haven’t you been riding Aaron Ward and Brind’Amour as being old? Won’t Whitney qualify for that category next season? Isn’t that ice time better served for a younger player?
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
Not so much sold on Whitney as much as I think he still puts in a good days work and get’s adequate results. At which point his age becomes an asset to the youth and locker room. Unlike Rod who has been done for almost 3 yrs and is a disgrace on the ice.
BTW, Ray was old this year, too. 35 in the NHL is twilight. Nobody get’s better from that point and everybody is looking at the end.
I’d trade Ray for a servicable replacement, but if his on ice performance holds, I think the intangibles he has outweigh any potential “even” trade.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
That’s a really good assessment Paladin, although I don’t know that I would say Brindy was a slouch before the injury. At the time of his ligament break he was 19-32-51 and 0 on +/-.
My big problem with keeping Ray is that I think his most useful days are coming to an end and it would be better to trade him for a second round pick then to keep him and have his last useful days come on a team that isn’t competing.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
Well that there is the rub, ain’t it? My thoughts were, Ray knows this coming year is last or next to last as a productive player. I think JR and the gang could make him an offer that doesn’t hurt the team, but is adequate for Ray to say, “Hey, i like Raleigh and the team, I don’t want to buy/sell a house and in 2 yrs be in the same boat.” I think he’s got the most reason to stay and take a pay cut or at least a reasonable deal.
Cullen’s the one I am attached to for several reasons. One he’s been bringing it. 2 his personality is one where he get’s along with about anybody. He’s matched well with LaRose, Sutter, about anybody he get’s matched with, he is the total package support type center man. Not a first line guy, but he can make a 3rd or 4th line perform magic. His age and skill will be a huge part of putting together a bunch of kids, wild personalitys and ego’s etc. I mention this to add in that Ray and Cullen would be a good veteran presence for a year or so as things pan out with the future So it’s a package and plan. One ligament or concussion and boom, right out the window.
Gonna be interesting this summer for sure!
A.
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I like Cullen too, but I really think he should be moved at the deadline. Just too much in return to pass up. Not to mention his age also likely gives him only a couple more years as a #2 center. I’ll be sorry to see him go, but less sorry if he’s another teams second round or late first round pick.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I believe that’s the reality and the way it will go down. Just wishin’. In the back of my mind a trade early and a negotited return would be nice.
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
I’m stunned by the agreement there…
I better check what I said…
A
The Canes are like a box of expired chocolates......
Check your meds
you’re being too agreeable here.
I guess I should check mine, not one “off-color” post in a while.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
I think the only true untouchables are Cam and Staal. The guys that JR is more than likely going to keep include Sutter, Ruutu, Pitkanen, Gleason, Jokinen and possibly Whitney and Alberts.
I think the rest are fair game. If Corvo wants what JR considers to be too much money (I can’t get a good read on him), I doubt he stays. I’d like to see Cullen stay, but am guessing he won’t. Same thing with Walker. Yelle and A.Ward are likely as good as gone. As for Rod…who knows. I wouldn’t be surprised no matter what happened there. I’d like for Legace to stay-I think Cam would benefit from some healthy competition and a veteran back-up as opposed to Murphy or Peters who I don’t think are ready to make that jump.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Agree with you on Legace.....
Leighton was languishing as Cam’s 2nd. Peters and Murphy aren’t ready.
having an older goalie is, IMHO, the best thing for a young #1 goalie just as having a new kid is the best for an older #1 goalie.
Happerry Chrisolkwanaka
I wouldn’t have a problem with Legace on the team next year. I’d like someone better to push Cam though through what may be another re-building year. It’s important to keep the heat on him so he doesn’t flounder playing games that don’t matter too much. Legace does a lot of things different than Cam and could teach him a lot, but I don’t think he’ll be able to push him as a legitimate threat to being the starter.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
I think it’s a fine line here. If you have a goalie (especially a relatively new one) who’s constantly afraid of losing his job, I fear you may ruin him mentally. Every mistake turns into “I may lose my job” and every goal takes that much longer to shake off. On the flip side, giving him too much leeway turns him into a lackadaisical player who may not try as hard.
I think having someone like Legace finds that balance.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Legace’s days as a starter are behind him. The problem with touting out a back up next season that everyone knows isn’t a starter is that if this team is rebuilding again next year Cam will play two seasons of games that don’t matter. it’s hard to stay sharp in those conditions. Some guys can do it, some can’t. I’m not sure which Cam is, but given how well he seems to play in tough situations I would err on the side that he needs to be pushed. If the standings won’t or don’t as the case may be next year then a back up needs to. If he plays well the rest of the year and is sharp, then I’ll alter that opinion. It’s hard to tell with a young goaltender. His play the last few games leads me to believe he may not need the push any longer, but as I said above, I’m going to wait until the end of the season to make that call.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
Fair enough, I’d say just this one thing: IMO, there are really only a handful of backups capable of doing what you want them to. I’m not entirely sure their current teams would be willing to let them go.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
Giguerre might be a guy who is available on re-entry waivers. He has one more year, and Anaheim is going with Hiller. Not sure that it makes sense at $3 million, but it’s an option. Carolina may also trade for him for Anaheim’s pick in a salary cap deal.
You’re right when you say there are only a few goalies who can do it. I’m hoping Cam shows that he doesn’t need that push.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
$3 million is a lot to be paying a glorified hat model (especially with the frequency we use backups-cough never cough). But if Cam needs the extra push (I’m not entirely convinced he does) and Giggy (it’s almost worth it for the nickname alone!) could provide that push, then maybe it would be something worth considering.
"This guy is as meat and potatoes as there is of a man."
Gleason for Emperor!
I like the idea of picking up Giggy and an early pick for a late round pick. Essentially the deal that Lou worked out after the lockout where he sent salary and a first round pick for nothing much in return. Not sure the Canes would or could pay that much for a pick, but it’s a shot.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
From everything I’ve read in the past, Giguere has wanted to be a full-time starter, not a backup anywhere. Has he backed off this at all?
Ironic too, he’s a former Whaler prospect, IIRC.
No he hasn’t. He still wants to be a starter. But two things: 1) This area does have the medical expertise to care for his son, and 2) he may not have a choice, or his choice may be stay here where we know Hiller is starting or go somewhere else.
All that said, I doubt that it would be Giggy. Too many obstacles there. Someone like him though may work.
5 seconds left.
Do you believe in miracles?
YES!!
No he hasn’t. He still wants to be a starter
This is the exact reason he will not be here, all others don’t matter. This is Cam’s team, performance be damned, and the last thing JR wants for his pet project is a goalie controversy. This is why Cam has NEVER had a serviceable back up who could truly challenge him for the position and never will.
The sad part is that JR is only doing him a disservice by not having someone capable behind him, it might cause him to elevate his game to that playoff level he can attain all the time, not just once every 4 years.
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 7, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Bullseye.
greaticepectations.blogspot.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jan 6, 2010 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
I understand that the rebuilding process may take another season. I just hope that I can see the team building toward a winning direction. That means bringing in players that fit roles, not budget hockey. I’m not saying we should go spend a sh*t load of money on one or multiple players. Just try to sign players that fit certain roles.
I think a team should be built/arranged a certain way and everybody’s formula is different. I want to see a skilled, scoring 1st line. A line similar to Washington’s or San Jose. I want to see a solid two-way 2nd line. This is a line that provides secondary scoring and normally matches up with other teams top-line. My 3rd line would be a mix of physicality/checking with young, up and coming players. My 4th line would be cheap, gritty players. I would expect the 3 4th liners be part of the teams PK.
The salary cap era makes filling every position almost impossible, so you have players that just fill in certain spots. Here are the players that I think should be kept, the rest in my mind are expendable.
Staal, Sutter, Ruutu, Jokinen, Dwyer, Kostopoulos, Pitkanen, Gleason, C Ward, Boychuk.
I’m not saying everybody else should be traded, but if the right opportunity arises – then yes.
I know my idea of the team is not the same as JR’s. I just want to see us move in the right direction.
by PackPride17 on Jan 6, 2010 8:54 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canes Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- In which former NHL coach Ken Hitchcock foils a shoplifter
- Montreal's Price talks new 2-year contract, expectations post-Halak
- Donald Fehr aware of Kovalchuk drama, mum on everything else
- Puck Headlines: Savard's agent rants on Bettman; Halak in Montreal
- Boudreau, Crawford placed on the coaching hot seat
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
