Zac Dalpe To Sign With Carolina Hurricanes?
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 18, 2010 9:20 AM EDT
67 comments
USCHO.com is reporting that it looks like Carolina Hurricanes prospect Zac Dalpe, who was the team’s second-round pick (45th overall) in the 2008 draft, will leave Ohio State and sign his professional contract.
The Buckeyes fired head coach John Markell this week, and given Dalpe's stated desire to move on to the pro ranks as quickly as possible, it makes sense that the 20-year-old forward would make the move now rather than adapt to a regime change in Columbus. Chances are Dalpe, if he left OSU, would join the Albany River Rats for the balance of the season.
Dalpe led the Buckeyes in goals and points this season, registering 21 goals, 24 assists and 45 points in 38 games. His efforts earned him first-team status on the CCHA All-Star team — the first OSU player since R.J. Umberger in 2003 — and he is one of three finalists for conference player of the year, which will be announced today at the CCHA Awards Banquet in Detroit.
As a freshman last season, Dalpe made the CCHA All-Rookie Team, finishing with 13 goals and 12 assists in 37 games, helping lead Ohio State to the NCAA Tournament.
0 recs |
67 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
So we may actually get a chance to see him at least in Albany? Sweet! Wonder if they call him for a game as a signing bonus, prolly not, but who knows this year?
A
Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors
We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately
also, he was noticeably more muscular from 2008 prospect conditioning camp to 2009.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 18, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
If I said that, everyone would say I was cougar-ing. ;)
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by hockeymomof2 on Mar 18, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Dalpe
Good move, makes sense. With a coaching change and Zac wanting to go pro no point in staying, it certainly not helping his game. Why did he go to college in the first place?
Total speculation … but I think he felt slighted by major junior (since he wasn’t drafted when first eligible and went to the BCHL instead of CHL) and decided to explore his options with colleges. The Canes wanted him to go to Plymouth (where he was drafted after the fact), but he decided to go to OSU instead.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 18, 2010 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I recall reading and hearing that Dalpe felt he has given his word to OSU and that the honorable thing to do was to follow through with that commitment. I am hearing and hearing that Dalpe would soon sign with the Hurricanes; and that makes even more sense now that the OSU coach was fired. I think the Hurricanes organization will take a look at Dalpe with some NHL games. The Hurricanes organization is very, very excited about Dalpe’s potential.
Here’s a great piece on Dalpe and other college-bound players from the N&O last summer. Fills in some of these questions nicely.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by hockeymomof2 on Mar 18, 2010 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Late Bloomer
Very good reason to go to college. Typically 3 main reason to go to NCAA vs CHL: Late bloomer (need development on size or certain facet of game – way more practice time in NCAA vs CHL), college experience, and education; although CHL has scholarship programs – for every year you play they’ll pay equivalent year post-secondary.
What's speculation?
“since he wasn’t drafted when first eligible and went to the BCHL instead of CHL” You mean the bantam draft right? I looked through his draft year and didn’t see him get drafted – Zach Boychuk was drafted in the 5th round. I remember the Plymouth thing and that made sense, he committed to OSU and stayed true to his word. At some point when he was 15 or 16 he had to have made a decision: CHL or NCAA. If in fact it was because he felt slighted by the CHL or WHL in his case that makes sense.
Personally
regardless of what anyone has to say, how Zac Dalpe gets to the canes is or should not be an issue. if it becomes one it is because we chose to make it one. i find no fault with anyplayer of any sport who desires a college education or college experience. If it does assist or help a player, and like in the cases of Dalpe & McBain, those should be held up as examples of and what positive choices are out there. And we fans who seem to want and desire “instant winners” seemed to have forgotten that those prospects are someones children & grandchildren just as ours are. If i was a STH yes i want the best and the biggest bang for my buck…but I expect more of a quality type of players…and for what ever the reason despite the crappy season all of us caniacs are enduring…no time in recent history have we fans have more to look forward to than ever before..with the kids and quality players the canes now has in the system plus players like those in Albany,plymouth…tie those together with what draft picks JR has…there is nothing but air and injuries that would or could keep our beloved canes from become a powerhouse team…and dare i even think such a thing but a possible dynasty set of teams…again my last sentence above is mere speculation …but all i can and will say is give the kid a break, respect HIS choice and IF he does actually sign a pro contract with the Canes…that the team/organization has yet another solid building block to complete the whole picture. And isn’t that what we as fans all want ? i will not apologise for my soap box stance but i felt from what i saw and felt by reading some of the responces thus far the impression i got was one of entitlement…and no whereon my ticket stub that says I’m owed anything past the date on that ticket…yes i am excited and i do hope and pray he does sign and goes to Albany and possible help them chase the calder cup..but all anyone of us here can do is just sit, and wait…kind hard to do at times isn’t it ? enjoy the rest of day..and those around and closest to you…Go canes..
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
Is he a forward or defenseman?
Thank you Jim Rutherford and Ray Whitney for working together for Ray to stay a Hurricane! :)
Why BC?
The reason I faintly recall had to be with him being woefully small, not being drafted, and needing somewhere to buy time to grow and prove himself.
Let’s see…here’s a May 2008 piece on the Plymouth Whaler’s draft that supplies some of the back story:
Plymouth selected 18-year-old center Zac Dalpe with their second round pick (26th overall). As a 1989 birthday, Dalpe is the oldest player eligible this year as listed by Central Scouting. Dalpe scored 35 goals with 45 assists for 80 points in 62 games this season for Penticton of the British Columbia Jr. A League. Although Dalpe played in British Columbia this season and comes from Paris, ON (just outside of Brantford, ON), he has a Whaler connection.
Dalpe was too small at the time, but he attended a Whalers Rookie Orientation three years ago.
“I was really small,” Daple told NHL.com. “I was 5-foot-4 or 5-foot-5 and only 110-115 pounds or so. I was very small – stupid small. I had a lot of skill but no size, and I think that was part of the reason I didn’t get drafted. I was heartbroken at the time, but I had parents and coaches reminding me I just had to be patient and let the size catch up to me.”
Dalpe moved from Stratford to Penticton, started growing and gained attention from college and pro scouts. Ohio State has offered Dalpe a scholarship, but the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau has Dalpe listed at 16th overall in their final rankings. Daple is eligible for the NHL Entry Draft this summer.
Seguin
There are several mentions of Tyler Seguin in that same article, since he was also drafted by the Whalers (9th overall) that year, including this from the GM:
Tyler Seguin is a young man we watched quite bit over the course of the year and have been after all season," Vellucci said. "He’s an exceptional talent who sees the ice very well. He’s grown a lot – he’s over 6-foot-1 right now. He’s a great playmaker and goal scorer who grew up in the same area as Chris Terry. He played minor midget two years in a row, so he played up for a year. He’s a very, very good skater and offensive talent.
And this 2008 description:
A skilled centerman who patterns himself after Joe Sakic, Seguin scored 39 goals and 47 assists for 86 points in 51 games this year. Central Scouting describes Seguin as “a very skilled, offensively minded forward who plays a very prominent role in the success of his team. He is a very good skater that possesses quickness, agility and a great start. He plays the game at top speed and is always moving his feet while handling the puck. He is a great puck handler and an equally adept passer. He displays great vision and the ability to get his teammates the puck anywhere on the ice.”
Great Find
So he didn’t play in the CHL because he was too small, but doesn’t say why he moved to BC, still a great find.
B.C. and Alberta are the best Junior A leagues.
Ontario doesn’t really measure up, because its players almost always go major junior, while it’s not that uniform in BC and Alberta for whatever reason. He had a better chance to get scouted by top-end college programs and play better competition in BC.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
Great info...
That is crazy growth…at 18 he was only 5-foot-4 or 5-foot-5 and only 110-115 pounds and now 6’1 and 195 pounds? Is that correct???? Late bloomer is not even the word for it.
"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
No
He’s talking about when he was 15. He didn’t get drafted in the bantam draft, which is why he went the Junior A route.
Oh OK...
that makes more sense!! Thanks.
"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
Dalpe as a Third Line Center Next Year
In working and re-working lines for next year, one outside possibility is that Zac Dalpe might be ready for the third line center position, next season. I think a key issue for next season is the third line center position. The Hurricanes absolutely need a franchise forward — hopefully, a big, fast, mean, scoring power forward. If, and I realize how big an if that is, Dalpe were ready for third line center, one could see a Boychuk/Dalpe/Tlusty third line. A fourth line of Osala/Dwyer/Kostopoulos would a strong and talented fourth line.
I don’t know that Dalpe is definitely a center at the next level. We’ll have to see … I agree the biggest hole heading into next season is the 3C, tho.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 18, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Next Year
Cole-Staal-Whitney
Ruutu-Sutter-Jokinen
Boychuk-Dalpe-1st pick
TKO-Dwyer-LaRose
Hmmm. I know I left off Osala, Tlusty, Sampsonite, and Brindy (assuming he retires). Maybe we don’t draft a forward with our 1st pick. What’s noticeable is the amount of 3rd/4th line depth we have (everyteam has this problem though). I don’t think Osala or Tlusty crack this lineup. I noticed CL’s comment about lack of 3rd line center; we’re not considering what happens if we bring back Cullen. I know there are a lot of what if’s.
We’re dripping winger talent.
Look for someone (or maybe more than one) to be bundled with draft picks for a significant move upward in the draft.
No doubt. Bring back Cullen, push Sutter to the 3rd line, and grab a top six forward for Samsonov and some mix of our plethora of draft picks.
I’m not a huge fan of bringing back Cullen to be the second line center. We’ve seen that Sutter is more than capable of playing that role-why make him take a step back? Don’t get me wrong, I like Cullen, but I’m not sure returning to the old way is such a good idea.
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
Sutter's Played Great
But with Cullen as our 2nd line center think of the matchup problems Sudz creates for other teams. Look what J.Staal does in Pittsburg as their 3rd line center, he dominates pretty much eveybody in that slot.
Whos to say that Dalpe can’t fill that role for about $2 million dollars less? Or possibly Tyler Seguin? I think the Canes will try to go that route and save some money before handing over $2-3 million for a 3rd line Center.
I love this stuff
the guy hasn’t signed anything as of this moment and here many people here got him doing magic and farting stanly cups …I’m optimistic folks but…are we pushing it a wee bit ?? but heck…remember no one is promised tomorrow…
Relax !! Even Micro Wave Popcorn takes time !! Go Canes !!
Dalpe
I have been following Dalpe since shortly before his draft year. I agree it is never possible to accurately predict how any player will transition from the AHL or the NCAA to the NHL. On the other hand, Dalpe was been very impressive at every level of hockey he has played. I do know the Hurricanes organization was high on Dalpe and that they were surprised he was available. I also know he got rave reviews from the Hurricanes organization at all levels from his work at the Hurricanes pre-season camp. I have followed him as best I can at OSU; and my belief is that we are going to be impressed with him. We will know soon because he will be playing at Albany very soon.
He was considered for the first round if they decided to move down.
by Cory Lavalette on Mar 18, 2010 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s my memory, as well. That in post-draft remarks, the Canes org revealed that they considered trading upward to draft Dalpe later in the first round (after taking Boychuk 11th overall), but did not.
Then, were astounded when he was still on the board when their second round pick (45th overall) turn came up.
Bonus!
We took Dalpe instead of Staal Brother 4, yes?
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by hockeymomof2 on Mar 18, 2010 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
That was the scuttle-butt anyway. That we were poised to take Jared Staal, but plucked Dalpe off the board instead.
Phoenix then drafted Jared four picks later.
Jared Staal
Interesting that you mentioned Jared Staal. I had been thinking that the Hurricanes might be able to use some of their draft picks to trade for Jared Staal. I think the Hurricanes will benefit greatly from focusing on getting more players with the height and speed of Eric Staal and Brandon Sutter. Osala is a step in the right direction in that regard.
Maybe
But this is probably Cullen’s last to 2nd last contract, so he’s getting less most likely because of his age – at least if he plays here he’s getting less and probably getting max 2 years. Those 2 most likely will end being better NHLers career wise but neither next year will add as much as Cullen. Who knows.
I’m not sure you can compare our situation to Pittsburgh’s-Cullen and Staal don’t exactly equal the top center talent they have. But your point is well taken.
Sutter on the second line creates two really difficult lines for the opponents to defend which may take some of the pressure off Staal’s line, both in terms of drawing defenders and defending against the other team’s top line. Sticking him on the third line forces Cullen to play that role and while he is an effective player in a defensive role, I don’t think Cullen > Sutter. Plus Sutter is a whole heck of a lot less expensive than Cullen will be.
Will Cullen bring something to the team? Yeah, but who’s to say a younger, cheaper player wouldn’t as well? Like Elsker said, I think this team would move forward nicely without having to bring back Cullen.
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
Comparison
For my argument it’s a good comparison: Pittsburg’s center: Crosby, Malkin, Staal. My suggestion: Staal, Cullen, Sutter. I think if you compare Sutter to other 2nd line centers throughout the NHL you’ll find he’s probably a little better than average at best, but if you compare him to 3rd line centers he’s undoubtably in the top 5. With the amount of cap space we’ll have next year we should be able to pay for Cullen, provided that he takes a little bit of a haircut.
I think Sutter should get more ice time b/c he is a different type of threat and is still developing. That is why I am in favor of bringing back Cullen but bringing him back to play 3rd line. We all love Matt but we have to be realistic here, he is a 3rd line center in the nhl. Period. The only reason he did second line duties with us is b/c Brind’amour fell of the map a couple years ago. I think we all agree that Sutter will develope into a nice second line center (maybe even more upside,but we do have some dude named Staal centering the first line). I see no reason for him being on the third line. You make a very solid point about Sutter and other third line centers, but how does Cullen match up against second line centers in the league?
by CarolinaCanes on Mar 18, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Sutter on the Second Line
I feel certain the Hurricanes plan on having Sutter on the second line. It is what I am hearing and reading. It makes it less likely that Cullen will be re-signed because he would likely need to be paid as a second line center; but probably would be put on the third line. It will be fascinating to see how all that plays out.
As good
Fine, if you don’t bring Cullen back then we’ve got a problem on our 3rd line, unless you shuffle Jokinen to the 3rd. In any case, I think Sutter probably a year away from being a really good 2nd line center. If you look at the teams in the playoffs right now, I don’t think any of them would replace their 2nd line center with Sutter if they were given the chance. We need to bring in 1-2 top six forwards, otherwise he wave an average 1st line and 3 3rd lines, so it becomes very to match lines especially on road.
Sutter on the Second Line
I think the Hurricanes’ coaching staff is very, very comfortable with Sutter as the permanent second line center. I would respectfully disagree in terms of other teams because my guess is virtually every team in the NHL would love to have Sutter.
I do see an issue on the immediate horizon on the third line center. I think Jokinen has shown he can be a 30 goal scorer when given quality minutes. I agree that either through the draft or through the development of players in Albany, the Hurricanes need 1 to 2 top six forwards. My projection is that the Hurricanes top pick will wind up on the wing with Staal and Jokinen. That moves Whitney to the Sutter/Ruutu line. The third line, if I were in charge, would start out at Boychuk/Dalpe [or another pick or UFA signing]/Tlusty OR
Boychuk/Tlusty/Cole.
The fourth line would be LaRose/Dwyer/Kostopoulos — at least to start out the season. From those lines, it is clear to me that Jim Rutherford is going to need to trade some players and to buy-out Brind’Amour. The Hurricanes forwards have so much talent that I would roll four lines of the best forwards.
I don’t think Cullen is blowing away any other second line centers either. If they are going to go with the youth movement like JR claims, I think they are going to go all out with the kids. Downgrading Sutter’s minutes to bring back Cullen doesn’t fit with that plan IMO. As a third line center, sure, but he’s going to have to take a paycut I think.
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
by caniacgirl on Mar 18, 2010 5:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think assuming Whits is back is a mighty big assumptiono. If the wizard decides to ply his trade elsewhere you have an opportunity for Tlusty, most likely. Osala could beneift a ton from a year or some portion of a year learning under a guy like Jeff Daniels. It would also give him some time as a go to player on a team. That is something he missed being in the caps system and he will benefit from greatly in ours.
I also don’t know that you keep a dwyer and a larose on your team. They seem to serve redundant roles. Do you pitch LaRose and go with the cheaper Dwyer, or do you hang on to the guy with the buigger offensive upside in Rosey?
Don’t get me wrong, your take on the lines next year is as good as anyone else’s, I just wonder if JR doesn’t try to do something in the off season with some of these……
I like the 3rd line center idea. The Canes are going to be looking to save money and Dalpe has already proven that he is ready at least for the chance at a shot in the NHL. By next year he could very well be ready for the Pros. A Boychuk/Dalpe/Tlusty (Or sub in Bowman for Tlusty) sounds just plain fun to watch. It would certainly be fast and full of goal scoring potential. I assume the lines near the mid point of next year could be to be:
Whitney – Staal – Seguin/Hall
Ruutu – Sutter – Jokinen
Boychuk – Dalpe – Tlusty
Osala – Dwyer – Kostopoulos
If we don’t get Seguin/Hall and get Fowler/Gormley instead… That shores up our D leaves a spot for guys to move up or possibly capital to pick up someone like Alex Frolov in Free Agency. This is of course assuming Brind’Amour retires and Larose/Cole are traded.
Swwet!
Actually, no. It’s Super Sweet!
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
According to WRAL – Dalpe signed a 3 yr deal this afternoon. Here’s their story.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
Dalpe will report to the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League on an amateur tryout contract for the rest of the season, Rutherford said. He will be paid a $65,000 salary with a $262,500 signing bonus.
Somebody please explain why it’s an “amateur tryout contract”.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by hockeymomof2 on Mar 18, 2010 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
In the beginning it said he signed a 3-year entry level deal. That is a standard rookie contract I think.
I agree, I’m sure it’s all standard stuff – didn’t mean to make it sound strange – but it does get technical if you don’t have an advanced degree in NHL/AHL contracts and the CBA. (In other words, Cory will know).
I thought it might be relevant to the Clear Day Roster thing, for eligiblity for the AHL playoffs or whether he can be called up to Raleigh.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by hockeymomof2 on Mar 18, 2010 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe there’s some rule that doesn’t let him start once a season is in progress? Or maybe, by signing on as an amateur tryout contract they don’t have to use any of his entry level deal time?
:shrugs: We should just wait for Cory to come on. He’ll know.
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
Amateur tryout contract
We did the same thing with Lawson for the remainder of this year, even though signed to a two-year contract for future seasons (source):
The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to terms with former Notre Dame defenseman Kyle Lawson on a two-year, entry-level deal.
Lawson, selected in the seventh round of the 2005 draft, recently completed his senior season for the Irish. He would earn $500,000 on the NHL level and $50,000 on the American Hockey League level in 2010-11, and $525,000 on the NHL level and $50,000 on the AHL level the following season. He also gets an $80,000 signing bonus.
The 23-year-old will join Carolina’s AHL affiliate in Albany for the remainder of this season on an amateur tryout contract.
So, must be a way to catch the season in progress, with a deal that starts a clock next season. Would be reasonable to discover there is some maximum number of games that can be played under an “amateur tryout contract”…but, bet it’s enough to catch college prospects on the fly and add them to an AHL team.
That’s why loopholes rules like that exist. :-D
Cory also linked me to this piece which confirms your theories on ATO’s for college players joining an AHL Team mid-season.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by hockeymomof2 on Mar 18, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canes Country
Related FanShots on Canes Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
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.
