Bob McKenzie: Hurricanes Put Patrick O`Sullivan On Waivers
Bob McKenzie reported on Twitter that the Hurricanes placed Patrick O`Sullivan on waivers today. O`Sullivan was at practice this morning and everything seemed normal. Nothing has been reported about this yet by the Hurricanes staff.
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Agreed. I was more surprised when they let him on the ice for a shootout.
I am not a heavy drinker. I can sometimes go for hours without touching a drop --Noel Coward
by DaveLovesBier on Nov 22, 2010 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
Why not? His career shootout stats are really good.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Nov 22, 2010 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
+1
I kinda felt this weekends games would be his last chance. Honestly with his skill set he wasn’t a bad option for the shootout, but he was likely cold from not earning more ice time and it didn’t turn out well for him. This gives the team another spot on the big club to rotate another young guy into the lineup. Will be interesting to see if anyone bites on POS.
Not surprised, but I wish the guy had a better shake here in NC. Tough when so many forwards are battling for spot and you get relegated to 4th line work.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Nov 22, 2010 2:38 PM EST reply actions
O'Sullivan
I agree it’s a shame that it didn’t work out for O’Sullivan; but my take is different than yours, I think. The Hurricanes organization was very excited about O’Sullivan’s potential, but he had to adjust his view of the game to include 100% effort each shift and to include forechecking and backchecking in a meaningful way. O’Sullivan also had to learn to make simple passes rather than taking a risky approach. The main flaw in O’Sullivan’s game was that he basically refused to put himself in a position to hit anything or to forecheck or backcheck at all. He could skillfully steal passes, but he did not adapt. O’Sullivan was given more than a fair chance – even to the extent that Boychuk was sent to Charlotte rather than O’Sullivan. Even so, O’Sullivan is a very, very gifted offensive player who could help plenty of teams, despite his aversion to a physical game.
Per twitter, Bob McKenzie is hinting that other teams are sniffing around.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Other than beating another team to the punch via trade, why would anyone give up assets for a waiver pickup?
I guess there may be a chance he is packaged with someone in a larger deal (and this shows JR is willing to part with him), or JR takes on someone’s salary.
They’d want to send salary back to Carolina. But that doesn’t make sense for JR, since POS only makes $105K once assigned to Charlotte.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 22, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Or want to send someone the other way to free up a roster spot.
by iamafirehazard on Nov 22, 2010 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
Some Teams Clearing Roster and Salary
Anaheim seems to be moving a number of its forwards via waivers. It does seem that several teams are considering O’Sullivan.
Does Toronto have cap room? They are defly offensively challenged. I think I read that O’Sullivan’s wife is still in Toronto, and they are expecting their first child. That would be a happy ending, if he doesn’t melt under the bright lights of the center of the NHL universe.
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Nov 22, 2010 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
They’re pretty up against it, but POS is cheap.
by Cory Lavalette on Nov 22, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
Feel bad, but
Maurice told the media, and I’m sure POS, exactly what was expected and he totally failed to deliver. It would have been great if he could have rekindled his career here, but I was thoroughly unimpressed with his lack of hustle.
I mentioned this the other day; I’m hesitant to send POS to Charlotte. From a couple of interviews, I believe his attitude wouldn’t be good for our prospects down there. If no one picks him up, do the Canes loan him out to another AHL team?
If Staal can play like he did in LA on a nightly basis, he will be the 100 point player we all expect him to be!
O'Sullivan's attitude
Is his attitude that bad or is it his work ethics that are in question. To me, he seems like a pretty good guy but he just hasn’t gotten it going for some reason.
by Caneshockey1712 on Nov 22, 2010 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
I just wonder if he can handle the physicality of the NHL. He seems like a good guy and he has the skills but I’m beginning to think he’s just too soft to pay the price it takes to play in this league and grind in the corners.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just like, uh, your opinion, man.
It seems as if O’Sullivan just doesn’t have it in him to play the physical brand of hockey that NHL has now become. It’s a war zone and some people thrive in that environment while others just don’t want any part of it. I suppose there are some teams that have a plethora of size and grit and would love a player like O’Sullivan to stay on the periphery and score. I really had high hopes for O’Sullivan due to his offensive firepower. I can’t fathom what is going on in his brain that keeps him from taking those extra steps that would make him a consistent and significant contributor to any NHL team. It’s really sad, I think; but I feel the Hurricanes organization has given him a fair chance to prove he had the intestinal fortitude to play Hurricanes hockey. I never saw him play with the sense of urgency the situation required.
+1
What I sadly saw was a player who simply did not like to get hit. It may have been a by product of an abusive relationship with his father that has made him shy to any physical aggression. I too think the organization gave him a fair look, and don’t dis-agree with JR at least signing him and giving it a try, what with the impressive skill set O’Sullivan does have. The simple fact is that in the NHL there is not a lot of open space in which one can operate untouched. He may be able to contribute if traded to a team that is overall a big, physical team that may just need a skill guy to wait on the fringes of the battle, but this team is just not built that way. Even if he were traded to such a team, I doubt his success would be that great.
agreed- hockey is a very physical game.
I too was wondering the same thing about O"Sully
i hope he finds his game either in Charlotte or elsewhere.
still cheering for the homeboy…
I’ve never seen or heard anything from him that indicated an attitude problem, do you have a specific interview or video that you could point to where you saw that behavior? In addition to watching him at games, I’ve watched him quite a bit in practice and never got the impression that he has an attitude issue, so I’m curious where that’s coming from.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Nov 22, 2010 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone else notice this?
"When we’re rebuilding like this, it’s a very good situation to be in," said Rutherford.
That’s the last line in the O’Sullivan piece. I think that’s the first time I’ve actually heard JR use the term “rebuild” about this team this season.
Don't trust me. I have psychological issues.
Personally I had hoped
He’d catch fire but as AD said he can’t always try to play skilled no contact hockey…we talked earlier via twitter and he like myself hopes POS would be like a Paul Bunyan style of player. But on the flip side if he clears waivers will there be :
A: room for him in Charlotte
B: who will come up if he goes down
C: if he is traded who aside from 14 will a team like the NYI or Tor. want ?
gee like a good stew…the plot thickens !!! hehehe
The moment you write off the Hurricanes,
they make you look bad !!
Let him walk Call up Boychuk
Guy was not willing to take a hit or make a hit either; really offered a limited skill set and ceiling for the Hurricanes this year and with the recent success of Charlotte Checkers this season it is clear Canes need to call up Dalpe, Bowman, Boychuk, just to name a few. Thusty needs to be playing even if he is stuck on the 4th line.
See Pat you had a more then far chance to make an impact in Carolina this year and failed to do so. We just have to much talent in AHL to keep this guy Period.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Nov 22, 2010 4:36 PM EST reply actions
See Pat you had a more then far chance to make an impact in Carolina
No, he did not. He was slotted on the fourth line and isn’t a fourth line player. Slotting O’Sullivan on the fourth line would be like slotting Ray Whitney on the fourth line. They have skill sets that don’t translate to that role.
Also, O’Sullivan was generally a healthy scratch, sending him down isn’t going to open up a roster spot, just a spot in the press box.
Don't trust me. I have psychological issues.
I’d like to see Dalpe come up first, the tie break between him and Boychuk being Dalpe’s size avantage. Also agree that Tlusty needs to stay on the 4th line. I think a 4th line of Matsumoto/Tlusty/Bodie could be pretty effective. Good speed all around and some skill with Mats and ’lusty, with Bodie creating some havoc along the boards and in front of the net. A mini version of Cole/Ruutu/Skinner.
Dalpe, Boychuk, Bowman, Nash
All three of these players could readily step in and play for the Canes. I really like Boychuk and I think he has improved significantly already this year; but Dalpe’s size definitely gives him an advantage and particularly if Dalpe is playing on a third line or a fourth line. Bowman is also playing quite well. Given the finances of the Hurricanes organization, I can’t envision Samsonov being a healthy scratch. I do think O’Sullivan being put on waivers could mean Dalpe is brought up as the fourth line center and Matsumoto is sent back down. I think Matsumoto has done a fine job for the Hurricanes, but the fourth line seems to be a training ground for the young prospects. I also think Nash is going to get his chance before long on the fourth line. He has speed and size along the lines of Dalpe and Bowman. Nash sees the ice especially well and makes precise passes into tight spaces that have the right pace – fast enough to get there and capable of being handled.
You knew the handwriting was on the wall. Hell, when Stormy is getting more TOI than you, it’s time to pack your bags.
I thought Leo the Lion had a better game Saturday night than O’Sullivan did.
Don't trust me. I have psychological issues.
Leo doesn’t have the hands. It’s a shocker, I know…
by East of Here on Nov 23, 2010 7:07 PM EST up reply actions
Rutherford's tone
Maybe that interview included some veiled criticism of Maurice. JR didnt blame POS, just said he wasn’t utilized or given much opportunity. Anyway, not much of a loss, but I blame Mo.
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Funniest thing I have seen since the Nashville game!!!!
JR criticize Mo?!?!?!?
My gut hurts from that one.
But your last sentence is correct…I blame Mo.
I should send him my receipts from Saturday night. I want my freaking money back.
Everyone is talking about bringing up Boychuk, Dalpe, or Bowman. Does anyone think that this move simply clears the way for Bodie to now play on that 4th line?
For one thing, he actually has to go somewhere (Charlotte or some other org) before we can even get the forward roster reduced to 12 forwards at the NHL level. Simply putting him on waivers does nothing but make him available to other teams.
But, yes, once O’Sullivan is gone somewhere, Bodie’s in the lineup and we have no other forward slots open for AHL call-ups.
The call for call-ups is a bit premature, as you have noted.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Yup, my guess is that this is “cleaning up” the lines to get Bodine in and down to 12 forwards. JR will entertain offers for Patty O and then do what he feels is best.
I’m intrigued by the idea of taking back a bigger salary, ie Ian White. Buy trade deadline pieces in November is a bargain.
From JR’s post-acquisition remarks, it was obvious that he had been stalking Ian White for a while, even mentioning trying to acquire him when he was at Toronto.
Then he said he had spoken pre-season with Sutter about him, so Sutter, for whatever reason (and this is the part I find especially intriguing), gave JR the call once the decision had been made to choose Girodano over White for extension. Elements of the deal already had to be basically in place, sort of war-gaming the deal in advance.
Interesting, as you noted, that they would even momentarily increase the salary budget to absorb him, but also noteworthy that such exceptions are permissible for a targeted acquisition.
Similarly, I believe the acquisition of Bodie was not an impulse. They have every player currently under a NHL contract rated and ready to be judged if they become available.
Bodie had to be on the Want list. And, as a matter of fact, it may have been his availability that triggered the pre-arranged Calgary deal, making Kostopoulos expendable.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Elsker, last season I sometimes disagreed with what you posted on Canes Country. This year, we are seeing more eye-to-eye. I attribute that to becoming smarter on my part :)
JR getting all Freudian on “rebuilding” is telling. PK will be happy with just more points in the standings than last year. Mo will NOT be fired. Cole, Jussi, LaRose, Samsonov, Dwyer, Pits, Ian White, and Harrison are UFAs next year. Both Sutters, Tlusty, Bodine, Carson, Sanguinetti, and Pogge are RFAs. There is a potential for some turnover on this team’s 50 contracts. Interesting times ahead.
Follow the money
If you really want to get conspiratorial, not a single contract on the current NHL roster extends past the expiration date for the current CBA (9/15/12)…except Staal, Ward, and Skinner. Although, in fairness, there are a bevy of prospects that would extend past this date, including Dalpe and Boychuk.
Secondary core, under this there’s-method-to-the-madness theory would be those players that are signed right up to the brink of the CBA’s expiration, needing a new contract (under the new CBA) to go into 2012-2013:
- Gleason (UFA)
- Ruutu (UFA)
- Corvo (UFA)
- McBain (RFA)
- Peters (RFA)
- Matsumoto (RFA)
Again, in fairness, there has to be others at the AHL level that would fall into this category by sheer factor of the date of their original pro contract, but you get the picture.
There’s where the heart of the Canes currently resides, with pieces bolted on and potential one- and two-year contracts to be extended as needed to those that don’t have contracts stretching quite that far.
Here we are now...entertain us.
Unless JR has more in the works
Since about half the forward roster is comprised of 3rd and 4th line players I think the hope is that JR brings up a Dalpe or Boychuk, and rotates some interchangeable players in and out of the lineup. Tlusty can sit a game and let Dwyer drop down. Samsonov can sit a game. Somebody might be dinged up and need a game or two off. The idea is that once O’Sullivan’s status changes the team won’t be carrying any extras, and can use the extra spot to rotate players in and out, while letting a Dalpe or Boychuk get some meaningful NHL time.
Agreed
I hate to say it but the fact that LaRose is first line winger on this team should speak volumes about the coaching by Maurice. Why not let Boychuk start on the first line, this team has to many grinders and not enough scorers with speed. We need Whitney back or a player similar.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Nov 22, 2010 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
the bigger point is that the Canes need 2 top 6 forwards (LaRose, Samsonov) to complete the org’s vision for a winning team. If this is a rebuilding season, then AHL assets need the chance to compete for those positions. Nash, Dalpe, Boychuk, Samson, McFlickerwhateverit’sspelled and others will be given time on lines 3 and 4, but someone needs to step up and get on Staal’s line. Maybe it’s Jussi, maybe it’s Boychuk, maybe it’s Ruu and maybe it’s Dwyer, but E with the C needs a new bankie.
With that in mind if u were the coach, would u sit any of the 12 forwards on the roster right now for a Checker? I would entertain scratching LaRose/putting him on 4th line and scratching Tlusty to let Boychuk or Samson play with the captain. I really like Staal centering Jussi and Samson, but I’ve developed a man-crush on Samson because of his size and sense for the puck.
Dwyer/LaRose Trade Bait ?
Agreed on scratching LaRose . LaRose is a best a 3rd liner on any other NHL club. The guy just is not the player he was a few seasons ago when we won the cup. Secondly Dwyer has about reached his ceiling of play and is not as good as LaRose. So really we should try and trade LaRose for another Defense, just not at all crazy about Harrison starting along side Mcbain. Dwyer needs to go back to AHL, b.c. in my mind and in most he is just never gonna be an NHL regular I mean he is just an average player and a decent but not great penalty killer.
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Nov 22, 2010 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
You really should consider watching Dwyer a bit more closely. I’d take a clone of him in a heartbeat for the team. He’s quite the pleasant surprise.
As for LaRose, he’s tied with Skinner for second in goals, tied with Ruutu for fourth in points, is second only to Staal in shots on goal, and is eighth on the team for shooting percentage.
He had one goal and 13 points the Cup year. I believe he’s playing a bit better than then. Your perceptions may vary.
Here we are now...entertain us.
While LaRose may not seem like the best fit on the first line, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Staal is doing pretty well with 23 points. LaRose may be small,l but he’s fast and he’s willing to hit people on the forecheck. A short term solution.
My hope is that sometime in the 2nd half of the season Dalpe or Bowman make their way up and possibly take that first line role. They’re fast, will hit if needed and have some skill. A potential compliment with Staal and a hands guy Samsonov/ Jokinen.
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take-Gretzky
Jokinen/Sutter/Dwyer
Here’s a link to an article by Paul Branecky on Jussi Jokinen and how he broke out of his funk/slump:
I found these comments informative:
- “"So much of that communication is made easy by his personality and understanding of the game," said Maurice. "It’s (more) difficult when a guy doesn’t understand or agree with you about how he’s playing."
- "I like a coach I can communicate with a lot, and Mo is like that," said Jokinen.
- With the top three forwards lines staying relatively unchanged as of late, Jokinen seems to have found a home playing with Brandon Sutter, who has himself returned to form after some early-season injury struggles, and the surprising Patrick Dwyer, whose 5 goals have him just 2 away from his single-season career high, set last season.
- It was a unit Maurice cited as his best both offensively and defensively in recent games."
Given the comments, it looks as if the Jokinen/Sutter/Dwyer line is going to be the shut down line for some time; or at least Jokinen and Sutter will be a duo. I could envision a Jokinen/Sutter/Tlusty line. Dwyer, however, is perhaps under-appreciated by some Hurricanes fans. I happen to think he would do great on a fourth line if the Canes coaches would buy into the concept of truly rolling four lines; but that seems to run against their present thinking.
For the Mo Haters, Jussi Jokinen’s comments ought to cause at least some momentary pause to see how a 30 goal scorer who had to work out of a personal funk/slump views Maurice. The more the season plays out, and with Cole playing his best hockey in years, it seems that once the first line is sorted out, the Hurricanes have very strong forward lines with significant depth.
Similarly, Skinner/Ruutu/Cole seem to be a set line.
No pause from me on the Mo hate! Just because the players like him, doesn’t mean he the right man to steer the ship. I’ve heard before that Wade Phillips was an extremely likable guy, but he didn’t seem like the right person to coach the Cowboys. If Mo can get this team playing consistent good hockey, then I will tolerate him. I still believe there are a few better options out there to lead a young team.
Regarding the “rolling four lines” concept. I’m not a big advocate of this. I like that the Canes are putting forth a more traditional 4th line of cheap energy players that may be able to contribute on the PK. Now, they must use that cost savings to buy another 1st line player.
If Staal can play like he did in LA on a nightly basis, he will be the 100 point player we all expect him to be!
by PackPride17 on Nov 23, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
I happen to think he would do great on a fourth line if the Canes coaches would buy into the concept of truly rolling four lines; but that seems to run against their present thinking.
Matsumoto is a pretty solid player with some skills that haven’t fully been seen yet. Pairing him with Dwyer and Bodie ( if he proves reliable in his own end) would give the team a 4th that could roll without worry. Good speed, a little skill, and a big, fast guy to create some havoc in the crease and along the boards.
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