Season Ending Press Conference: Highlights and Insights
by Bob Wage on Apr 14, 2010 4:10 PM EDT
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PrintJim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, held a season ending press conference Wednesday morning at the RBC. Head Coach Paul Maurice also attended. Both gentlemen answered any and all questions posed to them from the local press.
You can watch most of the press conference on video at this link at CH.com.
I was able to attend and asked a couple of extra questions after the end of it. Here are my thoughts:
- You can expect Paul Maurice and his staff to return next year. Rutherford felt that Maurice did an extremely good job, considering the circumstances of last season. They might make a change in the coaching structure. Ron Francis might spend more time with the prospects in Charlotte. Tom Barrasso may spend more time behind the bench. Rutherford is also very happy with the work of Barrasso and Francis, as well as Jeff Daniels, and gives them all credit for the excellent performance of the prospects so far in the system.
- At some point in the near future, the Canes will probably have an exhibition game in Charlotte. They may even hold training camp down there. They are very happy with the marketing possibilities and are thrilled to have a bigger "footprint" in the state.
- Priorities this offseason--- Meet with Rod Brind`Amour and Ray Whitney during the next two weeks to discuss ideas. JR does not expect any conclusions within that two weeks but he wants to begin the process. Also, to get ready for the draft, which is a huge priority. He feels they will get a high quality player at number seven and there is no talk of moving up right now. They also feel they will get quality players in the second round as well. It's a deep draft and they feel very good about the possibilities.
- At this point, he would prefer not to trade any of the other forwards who are under contract. (Cole, Samsonov, LaRose) He likes them. But, he is concerned about the defense. If a good trade presented itself so that he could acquire the right experienced defenseman, he might make that trade.
- Brind'Amour discussions are "sensitive". It's tough for any professional hockey player to retire. They have been playing hockey since they were 5 years old and no one can make the decision easily. Brind'Amour has meant a lot to the franchise and he will make that call. When the time does come for him to retire, he will have a spot within the organization. That will be up to him.
- Rutherford does not "have" to wait for decisions from Whitney or Brind'Amour to move forward. While Whitney had a good year last season and played in the top six, at the end of the season Ruutu was out and he could take Whitney's spot if needed. Or, one of the younger players could take that spot. There are plenty of options.
- Brian Pothier could be back, but it looks like Anton Babchuk is the first priority and is back on the radar screen. JR has been in contact with his agent a couple of times already and the defenseman wants to come back. If they can agree on the numbers, it looks like it will be a done deal. It sounded like there would not be room to sign both Pothier and Babchuk, but we will see.
- Goaltending decision will be made later. Liked both Legace and Peters very much. Legace needs an answer within a month or so because there is very high interest in him over in Russia.
- Regarding Cam Ward, Rutherford says that when you play the goaltending position you are always going to have knee and back issues. It depends upon how well you handle the "discomfort". Things seem good with Ward now, but he will have a lot of responsibility with his conditioning and workout programs over the offseason. And he still might continue to play 20-25 games in a row. It depends. Barrasso helps make that decision. But having a dependable backup will help a lot.
- Tim Gleason needs some help with the "grit" on the blueline. Rutherford says that Jay Harrison might help him out. (Looks like this an endorsement for bringing back Harrison).
- The young players who make the team at the beginning of next season will not necessarily stay all season. They plan on rotating players as needed. Sometimes it helps a younger player's confidence to play in the minors. Ron Francis will help to make those decisions.
- Paul Maurice will speak to others to research how best to handle the trip to Helsinki and all the details regarding that.
- Coach looks forward to a younger team next year and "molding" them into what they need to be. He sees more skating, pressure, and forechecking next season with the younger legs. He doesn't want mistakes to happen because of "sitting back".
- Eric Staal was injured much of the season. He transitioned to team captain very well. All of the vets embraced the younger kids this past season. If the kids are not accepted in the room, then they probably do not have success. The energy the kids brought to the ice can be felt on the bench. Some of them skated like it might be their last game in the NHL, and it showed.
- Rutherford says that the next Olympics in Russia will probably not have the same impact that this one did, but if players want to participate, the league should try to accommodate them.
- Ticket sales were down a bit and revenue was down this past season. Revenue sharing will probably also be down. But based upon the economy, the way the team played early in the year, and the fact the team missed the playoffs, it was a respectable year. In the past week, 2,000 people have expressed interest in attending the All Star game and 200-300 of those have resulted in season tickets so far. There is little doubt that the season ticketholder base will grow thanks to the All Star game.
- Even though next year could be considered a "rebuilding year", Rutherford expects the team to be good next season. They might be very good, they might not. It depends upon how fast they come together. He likes the core of players he has, along with the younger players, and at some time in the near future the team will be very good.
- Rutherford explained how he is a fan himself. He gets disappointed and upset after losses, just like fans. (But he does not call the radio talk show after the game).
- Budget will drop next season, but JR does not know by how much. He will definitely have room to add a player later in the season, if needed.
After the press conference I had a brief chance for a couple more questions.
Q: (To Paul Maurice) Due to injuries and other factors, Joni Pitkanen played a ton of minutes in several games, sometimes over 30. In a perfect world, how many minutes a game would you prefer to play him?
A: I think Joni is capable of playing 30 minutes a game on occasion. Obviously, he can't do it every game. I'd like to be able to drop him back to 25 after a night like that, but I honestly think he could handle league leading type of minutes, 27 to 28 minutes a game. I would like to see him shorten some of his shifts though.
Q: (To Jim Rutherford) A lot of people seemed very surprised that Ray Whitney was not traded at the trade deadline. Could you talk a bit about that? Why didn't it happen?
A: Well, as you know a lot of this is media driven. You have to be careful about that. But the fact that he was one of the top unrestricted free agents available, of course people are going to be surprised. I did have a deal with L.A. and he didn't want to go. It was a good deal for us, and it was also a good deal for Ray. But then as you get closer to the deadline and other players get in the mix, then there just wasn't a deal there that made sense. And there is a little bit more to it. In the back of my mind, I still thought we had a chance to make the playoffs. I know if I said that out loud back then, some people might say I was crazy, but in the back of my mind I still thought we had a chance.
Q: Does that experience, along with Niclas Wallin reportedly vetoing a couple of possible deals during the time of his contract, make you hesitate more before giving "no trade clauses", or "no movement clauses" in the future?
A: No, no, I will not be as free with them as I was, but you have to remember. Most of the guys that got those got them after we won the Stanley Cup. Now if we win the Cup again, I'll probably be freer with them again. (chuckles). But winning the Cup makes you feel different about it. And you almost owe certain players that. Like Roddy's contract. I gave him a five year contract at that age. I had no problem with it and I have no problem with it today because of what he did for the organization. Is he the player today that we had hoped he would be? No. Probably not, but I expected that it might happen.
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Whitney and Jim Rutherford
I guess that is about all we will ever know — that there was a deal with LA and Whitney didn’t want to go. Did Jim Rutherford ever indicate if the deal for Whitney was a rental deal? With rental deals, the LA Kings would buy his present contract and get the first right to negotiate with him for future contracts. Why would a rental deal at LA be any different from a rental deal with any other team who was in contention for the playoffs? Bob, what were your impressions specifically with regard to a rental deal versus not a rental deal?
Doesn’t sound like were getting any kind of predetermined hometown discount unless Whitney comes and offers it himself. Sounded to me like JR is happy with the top-6 minus Whitney.
In the language of negotiation, I suspect there is “an agreement to agree.” Some negotiations are like arm-wrestling an alligator; and with others there are implicit understandings by both sides that it is essential to reach a compromise and get to an agreement. I am convinced although all NHL negotiations have their tense moments, Whitney and the Hurricanes will be together in the end.
Do you want to put a friendly wager on the outcome?
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Well, if JR’s first goal is to shore up the defense, and Ray nixed a deal “that was good for him” that would have brought in Tuebert I can’t imagine JR is too pleased with him.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Yet, the Hurricanes have offered Whitney a job in the organization, which seems inconsistent with being upset with him.
I think the quote was that Ray had expressed interest in being involved in the organization when he’s done playing, not that he had been offered a job by the team.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Ray Whitney and an Offer from the Hurricanes
Here’s the quote where I got the information. I assume that Paul Branecky is correct when he wrote that statement. Whitney is highly regarded by the Hurricanes organization; and Branecky’s statement is entirely consistent with other public comments by Jim Rutherford regarding Whitney’s future.
http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=525439&navid=DL|CAR|home
“A job will be offered to Rod whenever he decides he’s not going to play,” said Rutherford. “Whether that’s this year or next year, I can tell you that he will be a part of this organization if he wants. By his own choice, if he decides he wants to go do something else, that’s up to him. This is a guy that’s been great to our organization, and I think he’s got a lot of things to offer for a number of years here.”
Blockquoted paragraph A similar offer will be available for Whitney, although Rutherford anticipates the unrestricted free agent will play on next season.
I’m just going by what was said during the presser, which i believe was Ray had expressed interest in it. I’m not doubting Branecky, tho, since he’s really part of the PR staff.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I noted the difference between what Paul Branecky wrote and the language used by Jim Rutherford. I feel certain Paul would not have made that statement without being authorized to do so.
I think it’s interesting that JR thought the deal was good for Ray. If he thinks it was good for the team and good for Ray and Ray didn’t take it I can’t imagine he’s too happy with Whitney.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
According to Paul Branecky’s article, it says both Whitney and Brind’Amour will be offered jobs in the organization when they stop playing. It doesn’t sound to me that there are hard feelings about the Whitney non-deal; but I do think both Jim Rutherford and Whitney have every reason to reach an agreement to re-sign Whitney.
http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=525439&navid=DL|CAR|home
"A job will be offered to Rod whenever he decides he’s not going to play," said Rutherford. "Whether that’s this year or next year, I can tell you that he will be a part of this organization if he wants. By his own choice, if he decides he wants to go do something else, that’s up to him. This is a guy that’s been great to our organization, and I think he’s got a lot of things to offer for a number of years here."
A similar offer will be available for Whitney, although Rutherford anticipates the unrestricted free agent will play on next season. The GM said that the decision-making process regarding both players will not affect the rest of his offseason planning, as he feels comfortable enough with some of the other pieces that are in place.
This is fantastic. Can you put this in the featured stories section?
I love the Whitney, Pits TOI, and NTC questions! You came in ready to roll on these “ubiquitous unknown” issues. We need this referenced every time someone brings these up and hasn’t read this.
First one-on-one with these two you’ve had at CC (I believe?) and you hit it out of the park. Proud to know ya, boss. Well done.
And thanks to Mr Rutherford and Coach Maurice for taking the time to answer these. Now would they consider opening themselves up to a “Fans want to know”?
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Apr 14, 2010 4:25 PM EDT reply actions
Now would they consider opening themselves up to a "Fans want to know"?
I can see it now…“where the heck do you come up with your line combos?” or “could you own UGLIER ties?!”
Yeah they may want to take a pass on this one.
"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."
I can see some other questions also.. McCutie or McBadass? Does Tripp Tracy hang around the hot tub a little to much in your opinion? Would you like to join the Mr. X for all star campaign? Mr. Rutherford have you ever Ruuu’d? Mr Maurice, do you know the term ride em’ to death? Hey Jim, you ever pay $8 dollars for a beer… could go on and on….
Maybe his kids bought him those ties and now you made them feel bad. Life and ’Canes fans can be so cruel.
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
by drifterscape on Apr 15, 2010 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting items:
1) Babchuk back. I’m open to it. He might play well for a season to become a UFA.
2) Harrison back, blech. I like him as a person, but I think there are better players available unless he’s brought back as depth.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
This is the most interesting part to me, Harrison.
I am wondering what JR and Mo have seen in him that we apparently haven’t.
Maybe they don’t mean on the ice “grit”? Not that he has seemed soft as a player, but he hasn’t seemed like too much of a shutdown guy.
The Harrison comments were very interesting to me as well. In particular, he mentioned Harrison was injured all season. I had thought Harrison was more of a player to be given a two way contract and was more for depth than a steady rotation. He has the least amount of make up speed getting to the puck of any defenseman on the Hurricanes. Maybe he was playing through injuries that slowed his skating down.
When it comes to D, I didn’t hear Picard mentioned. He’s not gritty is he? What are we expecting from him as a RFA.
It’s probably been linked in other comments, but it’s getting to be the time when this is a regular bookmark.
Hockey Buzz Carolina Hurricane salary chart. (They’ve left off Cam Ward at the moment.)
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on Apr 14, 2010 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
This is from memory only, and I will try to get time to go back to comments when he was taken, but Jim Rutherford mentioned that Picard was felt to be a big man who skates well and who plays with an edge. Nine games was too short a time for me to feel I had a total handle on how Picard played; but I liked what I saw. I thought he was very athletic and had a bit of a mean streak. That mean streak is likely to grow under the guidance of Gleason; and particularly because Gleason wants a grittier defense. My thinking is that what Gleason wants out of the other defensemen, he is going to get. I can’t see it being an easy task to tell Gleason no.
Harrison = Cheap
Good to know the ’Canes will be the ’Canes again next year.
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 Apr 14, 2010 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Coaching Staff
It will be interesting to see what happens with Francis behind the bench. Something dramatic has to happen with the powerplay this summer. Otherwise it will be another long season of pain next year.
Something dramatic has already happened: Jamie McBain!!!
You know, it would be interesting to have McBain and Babchuk on the PP together. If McBain can make teams respect his pass and shot that would open up the ice for Babchuk and his monster shot. If they can’t play him tough because of other players it could work out well.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Don’t forget Babchuk can’t aim his shot at ALL!!! It’s hard and fast but who the hell knows where its going?
'AWARDS!' Nobody on this team deserves ANY awards.........well maybe JUSSI.
The “where in the world is the shot going” aspect of Babchuk is much like some MLB baseball pitchers who use their wildness to their advantage. Nobody is going to block one of his shots more than once. In combination with net traffic, having a 100 mph shot makes goal-keepers crazy.
And, makes your teammates loathe to get in front of the net to screen and deflect your head-high shot.
McBain’s low shot is the ideal.
Absolutely true about the low shot versus the high rising 100 mph shot. Babchuk did get 16 goals; and he did improve tremendously on the timing of his shots — at least until the playoffs. Still, there is no doubt that the lack of predictability and the head high shots get the attention of the opposing team. I call it scattering pigeons; and that is a good thing as long as it is the other team being hit by the shots.
and lets not forget Babchuk was missed this season even fans that didn’t like him can’t say we could’nt have used him.
'AWARDS!' Nobody on this team deserves ANY awards.........well maybe JUSSI.
Hey Elsker, soooo, is that like a prediction? ’Cause we have sooo many guys in front of the net now…
I like the idea of McBeast playing like Lidstrom and put the dam biscuit on net at every, EVERY opportunity. I also think a cannon, albeit wild has some use, too. Can’t decide whether I like Babs coming back or not. I guess it depends on if he kills our own guys or satrikes terror in the enemy.
A
'09-'10 needed more than a spoonful of sugar, felt like a broken glass and battery acid suppository.
Young hockey players, the future, the answer. Learn it, then live it.
Sooo…Mcbain is the Silent-But-Deadly type, and Babchuk is the type that clears the whole room.
Eric Staal...Team Canada first line
by drifterscape on Apr 15, 2010 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t forget Babchuk can’t aim his shot at ALL!!! It’s hard and fast but who the hell knows where its going?
Hit the Bull….
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 Apr 14, 2010 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought the same thing last night when discussing the upcoming press conference with my family. All of us have been STHs for quite some time. My 16 year old son was adamant that Babchuk would really help the Hurricanes if paired on the power play with McBain for the same reasons you mention. I, too, think having Babchuk to scatter pigeons around the net while McBain does his magic could vastly improve the power play.
I have a feeling though Whitney will be back next year. Be it a 1 year be it a 2 year contract. What I read into was that they have not yet discussed it – and it seems like JR’s opinion changes from time to time. He could come back to us in a few weeks and say “we have come to terms with Ray Whitney”.
From both the extended interview with Ray and this interview with JR and Paul, I pretty much gathered that Ray would be resigned in some way, shape or form.
Thank you Jim Rutherford and Ray Whitney for working together for Ray to stay a Hurricane! :)
Great Work on the Interview
Thanks Bob for the insightful comments and interviews….Fantastic work…..I think you probably got the scoop on this stuff before Chip!
bringing harrison back?
Good god JR, lay off on the koolaid mo’s been bringing you!
I can't handle... this team.
by Andrea's evil twin on Apr 14, 2010 6:19 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Great Job Bob!!!
I would like to see Babchuck back, but not at the expense of Pothier….
by packpigskinfan25 on Apr 14, 2010 7:20 PM EDT reply actions
BTW, Johnny sideburns is doing the Pens game, kinda cool.
A
'09-'10 needed more than a spoonful of sugar, felt like a broken glass and battery acid suppository.
Young hockey players, the future, the answer. Learn it, then live it.
Anyone following the Calder Cup???? I thought that we would hear more chatter among this motley crue about the Rats. I went ahead and took the one round 39.99 plunge to watch the Rats in the first round. I am getting round 1 NHL on VS Pens vs Sens and the Rats vs the Baby Pens online……hockey stimulation overload. GO SENS!!! and GO RATS. I have been curious how engaged CC will be in the off season. It is great to see our young boys on the ice. Unlike any other time, I can identify players I know in Albany. It is great. Here’s the link. It is 9.99 per game 39.99 per round or 299.99 for all teams through the championship. It is jumbotron feed, but it is Canes hockey baby.
http://ahl.neulion.com/team/console.jsp
The Quest for BRANDON GORMLEY
I am somewhat surprised that JR is not looking at trading anybody under contract. I think Sammy and Cole should be packing their bags, JR needs to try and get rid of them for the benefit of the team (addition by subtraction).
The Harrison comment also shocked me a little. I don’t think he horrible, probably a good 7th/8th defenseman; but I read that comment like he’s going to have a regular NHL position. I guess Mo is JR’s boy, Harrison is Mo’s boy, so Harrison = JR’s boy. I guess JR like underperforming D-Men, he did sign Melchier in 08.
The Babchuk remark is interesting. I’ve said that there is no way Babs ever wears a Canes sweater again. It looks like I’m going to be dead wrong. I still feel that McBain is a better version of Babs and Babs could best assist us through a trade that would bring us a player of need or another/higher draft pick.
Good post Bob!
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Apr 14, 2010 8:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
“and Babs could best assist us through a trade that would bring us a player of need or another/higher draft pick”
If this is your opinion then whats wrong with letting him play half a season or so with us, and then if he’s still not what we were hoping we can trade him for next year’s draft picks when his value has (hopefully) gone up after playing in the NHL more and not being hidden in Russia. Win-win.
I’m of the mind set that Babchuk either needs to be on the team all season or not on at all. I’m not saying he’s the same person who bolted to Russia because a roster size/waivers issue meant he had to go down to the AHL for a few games. I think he’s matured some. That said, the last thing the team needs is to work out a deal that Babchuk nixes because he decides he doesn’t like the new destination.
Plus, I think packaging him with a pick to move up is an excellent idea. Pitkanen and McBain are better players of the same skill set. That puts Babchuk on the third pair and it’s going to likely limit his PP time. He’s not going to want to take that kind of money though. That sets up a situation where he may not sign here. If there’s a team that wants him and is willing to sign him for second pair money and play him second pair money it’s probably in the best interests of everyone to move him.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Moving Up or Not
I realize Jim Rutherford can always change his mind; but he seemed pretty clear he didn’t intend to move up. Whether or not he should move up is a matter for discussion; but at this point he would have to change his mind to do so.
GM’s often say the exact opposite of what they are actually going to do. JR said the information he had said that the 7th Pick they will be getting is an impact player who could make the team next year… Information can change. Near the trade deadline when we were stockpiling picks JR said a few times they could very well be used to move up in the Draft.
I’m just saying, If Rutherford really did want to move up, I don’t think he’d publicly say it. There is still the U-18 tournament that will be used to further showcase some of the Draft talent. We have plenty of 2nd rounders that hold a ton of value to other teams, I would be 100% surprised if we didn’t make some kind of move with those picks.
My guess is that between the U-18 tournament and the NHL draft combines, the scouting staff will conclude they can get an impact player at pick #7 and not have to give up anything to do so. I think as far as forwards go, over a three year period the top 10 will be very close in their contributions to their team. Hall and Seguin and probably Connolly appear to be more advanced but I also think the other top ranked forwards will tend to catch up with them over the next three years.
As long as the Hurricanes #7 pick is an impact player in the next two years, it will be a successful draft. I could envision Jim Rutherford deciding to move up; but I think he would have to get a great deal, such as somebody taking Samsonov and a #2 to move up. With all the young talent, some older roster players have to be moved to make room for them.
Unfortunately for me, I think the #7 pick has great potential if they are going to take a gamble, but I forsee the Canes taking Nino. It fits their general off-season MO of disappointing me.
I like Nino, but the kid is not a 1st liner. He didn’t even finish top-50 in the WHL in points on a Playoff bound team (he finished 61st). The only reason he gets so much credit is his WJC performance in which I think he vastly overachieved. He was the only moderately skilled goal-scorer Sweden had, they were constantly feeding him the puck… Of course he is going to score goals. He is a super hard worker and a character guy, that’s great, but we need a potential 1st line guy. I want a guy with raw skill, a natural goal scorer, we have enough “hard workers” on the Canes.
Plus, the nearest guy they could compare him to is Erik Cole, really? That was the nail in the bad omen coffin for me.
Although I am happy with Nino. I’m leaning toward Johansen, Blugstad, or Sheahan if Connolly is not available. I think it a little too soon to decide that Nino is not a first line wing; and ultimately if the Hurricanes get a consistent 20 to 25 goal a season forward who is big and fast and hits like Ruutu, the team will be fine. A young, pre-injury Erik Cole, with slightly better scoring instincts, would be a tremendous help for the Hurricanes.
I think there’s more talent at # 7 than Nino. I also think he’ll be available around #12 to #15. If they do draft Nino I hope they trade down to do it. Drafting Nino at #7 would be worse than Paradis in the first last year.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
The ONLY hope that I have that the Canes will not take Nino is JR stating that he thought the pick could make our team next year. That’s not Nino. Nino is a WHL rookie, he needs at least 1 more year to develop. He came over late from Sweden and is effectively 1-2 years behind everyone. Ryan Johansen is the same situation. Almost every other player near our pick has 2-3 years of Canadian Juniors experience.
I just simply don’t think JR would expect either of them ready by next year. Mark Pysyk has 2 years of top-pairing D under his belt, Vladamir Tarasenko has 2 years of KHL experience, and Mikael Granlund played in the Finnish Elite League last year. Those all seem like much better candidates for going directly to the NHL.
Personally the best case scenario is getting Connolly which would likely only happen if Tampa Bay was extremely high on Nino or Columbus took Tarasenko.
If Connolly isn’t available it’s going to be a difficult decision. Me, I would maybe trade down and acquire a late first or early second pick. Maybe Boston trades their first and Toronto’s second for our #7, but I think that may be dropping a bit too much. I think Nino can help, could be a big body on the second power play, but I really do think taking him at #7 would be too much of a stretch.
None of the other forwards excite me that much. Not that they’re not good, they just don’t look like they’ll be in the NHL next year.
I’m not sure what JR may do. He can go with top talent. 7th overall picks rarely make the league right out of the draft, so he can take the best player on the board and deal with the position issues later. The curveball as I see it is if a defensemen not of the top three is the best talent at #7. I know JR said something about shoring up the blue line, but again, #7’s rarely make the league after the draft, so I doubt a pick at that location will shore up the D. I also think there are plenty of good defensemen in the 20 to 40 range, so my bet is he waits to take a D at a point he’s more comfortable with.
If I had to pick a forward at #7 that wasn’t one of the top 3 and wasn’t Russian I would probably go Etem over Johansen.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Why would he be a 20-25 goal scorer in the NHL? There are over 50 guys in the WHL alone that scored more points than him this year and he was on a Playoff team… It may be too soon to decide he isn’t a 1st liner, but I think you would be hard pressed to find one scout that would project him that high. Nino is a 2-way character guy. He is pretty big, but not very fast, and more known for his defensive play than scoring.
I could be wrong, but I just think Nino is where he is because of the WJC. Anyone can have a good tournament, especially on a team like Sweden with basically zero talent around. John McFarland was ranked top-10 at the beginning of the year because he had a great U-18 Tournament last year. Now he is back in the late first round because that hype wore off.
Nino and Other Forwards Listed
Nino is in some pretty strong company with the NHL CSS rankings, so obviously the professional scouts see some things they like. I think we will all have more detailed information after the U-18 tournament and the NHL combines. I think the point is well-taken that there is a difference between being a big, physical forward, who is not a natural scorer; and being a natural scorer, who is big, fast, and physical. Erik Cole in his present post-injury style of play has all the tools other than great, soft hands and puck control. I think when healthy he adds size and speed and physicality to the team; but if he had Jokinen’s hands, he’d be amazing. I would rather put a 30 to 40 goal scorer on Staal’s line than an 18-25 head-banger, if I had the choice.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm?cat=1&year=2010&navid=DL|NHL|DraftMicrosite2010
8 13 Etem, Emerson Right Wing Medicine Hat WHL
9 11 Forbort, Derek Defenseman USA U-18 USDP
10 16 Johansen, Ryan Center Portland WHL
11 7 Burmistrov, Alexander Center Barrie OHL
12 14 Niederreiter, Nino Right Wing Portland WHL
13 12 Bjugstad, Nick Center Blaine HIGH-MN
14 25 Watson, Austin Left Wing Peterborough OHL
15 10 McFarland, John Left Wing Sudbury OHL
16 22 Toffoli, Tyler Center Ottawa OHL
I usually don’t get into all these draft discussions, but just to inject a note of reality, if this guy’s being compared to Cole, it might help to take a look at Cole’s career.
Sure he came in here and stole a roster spot out of training camp his rookie year, but his first three years were all sub-20 goal years. And, the position he stole was on the third line, not the first.
It was not until the Cup year that he reached the 30 goal plateau peak of his career. These kids are going to need some time to reach 20+ goals…and the minutes to do so.
I agree with your idea of the big forward and I think it would be absolutely amazing if we could trade some 2nds to move up and nab a guy like Austin Watson, Nick Bjugstad, or Brock Nelson. I might not even mind moving down and picking up 2 of them.
It just bothers me to be the #7 Overall pick, see tons of scoring and franchise D potential with the 6 picks ahead of us, and end up taking a power forward that we could have had mid-round anyway. Personally I like Watson and Bjugstad more than Nino in the first place for the role they fill.
Sure JR can certainly head fake well, but from the relaxed tone of his press conference he did seem content with the #7 pick.
However, the possibility of trading up was also mentioned by him, but in the context of bundling a couple of second-rounders (and maybe a player?) to move up somewhere in the first round.
A second first-round pick.
Adding a Second First Round Pick
I agree that Jim Rutherford seemed very content to keep his second round picks. In terms of bundling a player, he seemed to view core veterans to include all top six forwards. I would be surprised if Jim Rutherford bundled a prospect and two second round picks for a first round; but I would not be surprised if a non-core veteran such as Samsonov was bundled in with two second round picks for a first round pick, depending on where that second first round pick was located. Looking at a combined North American and European list, the end of the first round could hold some diamonds in the rough — although I think the second round will also hold some excellent prospects who will likely contribute in two or three years as roster players.
Austin Watson, Nick Bjugstad, and Brock Nelson at present by the NHL CSS are projected to be available at #7 when he Hurricanes pick. Here’s the CSS North American List (not counting non-North American Players in the listing). It is a very reasonable question whether any forwards other than Hall, Seguin, and perhaps Connolly are ready to play in the NHL next season. Tarasenko may well be the most NHL-ready of the picks 4 through 25, assuming Connolly goes as the third forward picked. On the other hand, I really agree with Jim Rutherford’s assessment that with this class, it is very possible a pick between 7 and 20 could be the best forward of the group. These players are highly skilled and it’s hard to predict exactly how they will fit in the NHL; but it is highly all picks 1 through 15 will be fine, contributing NHL players. Their level of achievement is less easy to predict.
7 9 Pysyk, Mark Defenseman Edmonton WHL
8 13 Etem, Emerson Right Wing Medicine Hat WHL
9 11 Forbort, Derek Defenseman USA U-18 USDP
10 16 Johansen, Ryan Center Portland WHL
11 7 Burmistrov, Alexander Center Barrie OHL
12 14 Niederreiter, Nino Right Wing Portland WHL
13 12 Bjugstad, Nick Center Blaine HIGH-MN
14 25 Watson, Austin Left Wing Peterborough OHL
15 10 McFarland, John Left Wing Sudbury OHL
16 22 Toffoli, Tyler Center Ottawa OHL
17 27 McIlrath, Dylan Defenseman Moose Jaw WHL
18 21 Pitlick, Tyler Center Minnesota State WCHA
19 29 Howden, Quinton Center Moose Jaw WHL
20 23 Galiev, Stanislav Right Wing Saint John QMJHL
21 20 Merrill, Jonathon Defenseman USA U-18 USDP
22 5 Sheahan, Riley Center U. of Notre Dame CCHA
23 33 Straka, Petr Right Wing Rimouski QMJHL
24 19 Coyle, Charlie Right Wing/Center South Shore EJHL
25 17 Nelson, Brock Center Warroad HIGH-MN
26 18 Hayes, Kevin Right Wing Nobles HIGH-MA
27 24 Martindale, Ryan Center Ottawa OHL
28 41 Schwartz, Jaden Center Tri-City USHL
29 34 Petrovic, Alexander Defenseman Red Deer WHL
30 45 Weal, Jordan Center Regina WHL
The last pick in the Draft (230th) could turn out to be the best forward in the Draft… For the most part you are getting what you see. Hall and Seguin led the OHL with 106 points, I would say they have a pretty good chance at becoming solid scorers in the NHL.
Nino was ranked 61st Overall in WHL scoring. The kid isn’t an offensive machine or a prolific scorer. He is ranked as high as he is because he is a power forward and he is a hard worker. Bottom line I don’t think he is the 1st line Winger we desperately need. I’d love to have him pounding away on the 2nd or 3rd line, but I’d love to have something we actually need more.
Historically only about 63% of First round picks turn out to be career NHL players. He could turn into a superstar, but you could just as easily say a player will turn out to be a bust.
Without reiterating previous discussions, the last five years have been yielding better results — either by the player sticking or by trades — Ruutu being obtained for Ladd; Tlusty for Paradis. Tanabe stands out as a high pick that flopped.
All-Star Tickets
I’m generally a lurker here (first time posting-ish), so hi.
Does anyone else think it’s a bit unfair/crappy that someone is going to be wait-listed for an All-Star ticket if they don’t have season tickets? I mean, my family is financially stable, but my parents wouldn’t really go for $1,000+ season tickets as a graduation present (not that I have time to attend all the games I’d be buying tickets for with my school schedule). Just continuously hearing about needing to buy season tickets (and Forslund once insinuated that season ticket holders are the best fans – how about just the most financially fortunate?) bothers me to no end. Besides, I’ve been waiting for the game to come here forever, and now I find I’m wait-listed until the rich people and the corporate sponsors reserve their seats!
by narwhalcavalcade315 on Apr 14, 2010 9:24 PM EDT reply actions
I wish you luck in your search for tickets, and money will certainly move some your way, if you’re determined. However, the place only seats 18,630 and people are coming from everywhere.
As to why the season ticket holders are given priority, perhaps a gentle reminder is needed that there would be no NHL team to host the All-Star game without the season ticket holder base.
They are the prime source of revenue for the org. The essence of the entire business model.
And, after all, the All-Star game is a traveling medicine show for the benefit of their host team and their city.
It’s a nice reward for those of us that have sat there and watched them mail one in on a cold rainy night in a losing season where we put way more effort into the game than them.
But I digress.
I sat at home and watched every single game this year as well. I even subscribed to GameCenter so I could sit and watch us lose on the Internet, too. My quest for tickets isn’t a matter of determination, either. It’s a matter of the season tickets being too expensive. I suppose all of this is making me feel like people think I’m not a good enough fan because my parents aren’t in a high enough tax bracket.
by narwhalcavalcade315 on Apr 15, 2010 6:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, the good news is that this event is also on TV (although remember that very little of the TV/Internet money goes to the team), and many events and exhibits are open to fans besides the game itself.
As to ticket prices, it’s a supply/demand phenomenon. Limited seats/high demand. Not a cheap seat event. Save up.
It is unfair, but it is a way for the organization to try and maximize their number of season ticket holders. Its like the ACC basketball tournament; the highest club members of the schools have the first dibs on those tickets.
By the way, I went to the All-Star game in Atlanta a few years ago. Its alright, but its not real hockey. I guess I really don’t care about all-star games to much. I much more interested in seeing the Canes back in the playoffs and paying those bloated ticket prices.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Apr 14, 2010 10:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I do understand your frustration, but unfortunately the world runs on money. Sponsors of the NHL want tickets, local sponsors want tickets, Representatives from all 30 teams want tickets, I want tickets, you want tickets, rick flair wants tickets. The RBC Center only fits so many, and I am sure they will squeeze as many as possible in there!
According to http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=61874 Mini plan holders will have limited priority to tickets also, there is also a waiting list to sign up for, that will give you a chance to purchase tickets without having to invest in the team financially, have you signed up for the waiting list?
It might be worth calling a ticket rep and asking about a mini plan….could increase your odds on getting the chance to buy a ticket…..remember just because season ticket holders have all star ticket priority…the tickets still cost them $ to buy….
The cheapest 12 game plan they offer is $288 in the upper corner. I am not positive if they offer the same 8 Month payment program for mini plans as they do for Full Season, but they do have a plan to pay 20% down, then pay the remainder over an 8 month period.
Just something to think about.
Like others have said, the all star game is an international event that is so much more than just the game itself…I am more excited for the skills competition and the $ all of the out of towner’s will sink into our local economy.
I do feel your pain, I was not fortunate enough to be able to attend many games live during the 06 cup run. Just didnt have the money, but I did watch them all on TV. As you get older you have more opportunities and more financial freedom to make commitments like season tickets, playoff games and all star games…..the good news is, you are a caniac, and we have good things to look forward to in the future, for many years to come…..
My advice is save your money for playoff tickets next year though!
by camwardsaysno on Apr 15, 2010 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Staal's winger
So I see nothing about trying to find a winger for Staal. uhhhh this sucks… JR actually needs to grow a pair and make a big splash here and there. This year was pure mix and matching lines. Can’t we have atleast a stable and solid first two lines?? Whether it’s movin up in the draft, trade, or free agency, JR needs to do something instead of staying $10,000,000 under the salary cap. something….anything.
by RU4RU on Apr 14, 2010 11:07 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Canes were right up against the cap .. the mix and match this season was due to injuries, really.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 14, 2010 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I also think Jokinen has made a pretty strong case for that role. Boychuk will make a strong case for Whitney’s line. Whitney/Boychuk – Staal – Jokinen can go 30-40-30 in the goals category for 100 goals from the first line. I think that’s more than sufficient for this team.
Plus, I think they need a 2nd pair defensive specialist to pair with McBain more than anything. GF will go up assuming they aren’t as injured next year and don’t come out so terrible. GA is what the team needs to focus on with the personnel decisions.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Whitney/Boychuk Staal Jokinen and 100 goals on the first line
I had come to the same conclusion about the first line. It’s funny because I felt the first line next year needed to combine for at least 100 goals for the team to be highly successful. I was at a Hurricanes lunch and Whitney introduced Boychuk as “that guy who one day is going to have my job on the first line.” Based on what I’ve seen and know about Boychuk, he has the kind of drive and will to succeed that makes for a successful NHL player. I think and hope he will come to training camp much improved over this season. This season as far as I was concerned he improved each game; and he showed glimpses of being a first line wing — just as last season I thought Sutter showed glimpses of the player he became in 2009-2010.
Goals Against seem to be an area of emphasis and concern for Jim Rutherford and the organization. I had heard rumblings that the Hurricanes were going to focus on defense next season; but until I read Bob’s summary and heard the interview I was perhaps a little dubious. Now I think those commentators were correct. It does sound as if Jim Rutherford plans to get some help with grit and ferocity on the blue line. Maybe Harrison was injured and that’s why he was not Speedy Gonzales out there on the ice; but I thought after the trades and after A. Ward, Wallin, and Alberts departed the team, Harrison was the least dependable defenseman — not horrid, just one of those players who seemed on the verge of letting in goals a good deal of the time. I contrast Harrison to Carson; and I always felt Carson was in position and had great reactions to the puck. McBain was mature beyond his years with the puck. Maybe there is more to Harrison’s game that I am seeing; but Jim Rutherford certainly seemed happy with his play. I realize it was a very short stint of 9 games for Picard; but I felt much happier with Picard’s speed and strength than with Harrison’s.
Do you think Jim Rutherford is planning on re-signing Pothier? Is he going to take a shot at re-signing Seidenberg?
personally, I think Staal needs a bigger player with him to ease the physical burden of the line. He shouldn’t have to be the guy who is physical on his line.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I liked when the team was running a checking line that went out against other teams top lines and did the pounding. I’d like to see that happen again, but I don’t know that the team has the personnel to do that full time next season.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Large, Fast, Scoring, Physical Forward for the First Line
I have been an adamant proponent of having the Hurricanes draft or trade for a first line forward who is big, fast, physical, and who can score. It is possible that Connolly or Nino could serve that role; but Connolly is reported to be closer to being able to play in the NHL next season than Nino. It is possible that Johansen could be converted to a wing from center. Bjugstad plays both center and wing. Sheahan is reported to be more of a center than center/wing. Tarasenko is only 5’11", but is strong and stocky at 205 lbs. I’d much prefer a player at least 6’2" if I were in charge.
Given Jim Rutherford’s interview, it looks to me as if Whitney/Boychuk might well be the ones spending most of the minutes on the first line next season; but I would be much happier to see a force of nature forward join the first line and take the physicality load off Staal. My take on Staal is that he does better as a slashing type player than as a physical beast.
I get the desire to get a large, fast, scoring, physical first-line forward … but really those guys are few and far between. Ovechkin, maybe Malone. Chris Stewart could become that. James Neal is on his way. But not many guys can do all those things.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Cory, you are right. It is really hard to find a player who starts out with all those skills. David Booth is a second round pick who developed into that role. Nathan Horton has tons of skills and could become that guy. For the Hurricanes, that player is a key missing element to the Hurricanes becoming a top six team on a consistent basis. In the meantime, the Hurricanes will be using a highly skilled wing to fill that wing spot. As Jim Rutherford stated in his interview, although the Hurricanes match up well against skating, wide open teams, the teams like Boston and Philadelphia (and Phoenix and San Jose) are hard teams for the Hurricanes to play.
My hope is that Osala will continue to develop and can add some of that size and physical aspect. I am also hoping that Jim Rutherford will use this draft to load up on big, fast, forwards.
Finding a winger for Staal does not seem to be an issue at all for JR in my opinion based on his recent comments. He seemed quite happy with Cole and his 16 points in 40 games. Currently I don’t believe we have anyone in the system that even has the chance at being a legitimate 1st line winger.
We drafted almost exclusively big, physical forwards last year and picked up Osala… You gotta give them a little time to develop.
I would keep loading up on the big, fast, physical forwards. It is obvious to me that is the direction the top NHL teams are heading and heading quickly. I would respectfully disagree about first line wings in the system. I think Boychuk will end up on the first line — but when that happens I cannot predict. I could see Bowman ultimately work his way to the first line; and if Dalpe moves to wing, he could transition to the first line. Tlusty has the potential in terms of size, speed, hockey intelligence to play first line wing; but he needs to gain some more strength and get more confident in his shot and more consistent in his scoring. Other than getting the puck into the back of the net consistently, he has all the physical ability to be that guy the Hurricanes need. Even so, I would love to see the Hurricanes get an under-loved, young, big, fast, scoring forward to go with Staal. Filatov, Frolov, etc. come to mind.
I really, really like the way Osala is developing; but he would have a significant way to go to end up on the first line. I have read great things about Matthias Lindstrom as well (as a somewhat longer term big forward project). I would love to get Connolly, for example, to add to the talent pool of potential big first line wings for Staal.
I agree I see the Canes putting Boychuk on the 1st line. We are the Kings of taking a 2nd line guy, slapping him next to Staal, and calling him a 1st liner.
I just question… Since apparently Staal isn’t willing to play his best unless he has at least one other Superstar on his Wing, is Boychuk good enough to fill that role? If Jussi and Whitney aren’t enough, I highly doubt Boychuk is. What is it going to take to for Staal to finally play up to his potential?
I wouldn’t under-estimate Boychuk. He has hands like few NHL players possess. He also has great speed; and once he masters the art of dead full speed acceleration, he could be a beast. Even so, I would prefer to see Boychuk/Sutter/Ruutu as a line because Boychuk and Sutter have skill sets that fit great together. In answer to the Staal question, if the Hurricanes will get a big, fast, physical scoring wing, Staal will suddenly develop into the player he can be. He needs a player with equal physical skills at one wing, and Jokinen at the other (with his hockey encyclopedia brain and incredible hands).
I envision a player with the speed of Erik Cole, the hands of Jokinen, Ruutu’s sisu, and a 100 mph slapshot.
So all Staal needs is Ovechkin by his side and he can finally start playing like he gives 2 craps.
But really, from what I have seen and read, you just described Brett Connolly… Is he still not worth trading up for? I agree with you whole-heartedly and I want Connolly.
Unfortunately this seems to be what I have been thinking pretty much every season. We wished for is last season and we got a fake 1st liner Cole. I find it horribly ironic that we are wishing for the same thing next season and we are going to end up with a player who’s closest comparison is… Erik Cole.
I don’t have any reason to believe that Nino is absolutely the player the Hurricanes scouts and organization are favoring. It sounded as if there was a list of players they really liked and that the list was constantly being reviewed and tweaked. The good news is that any of the players being considered should make the team better — whether next season, a year later or two years later.
Call me paranoid. But every single off-season when the chance to build this team for next year comes around I get my hopes up. Every time I know in the back of my mind exactly what will actually happen (usually the opposite of my hopes).
I have the worst sinking feeling that we are going to pick up Nino and he will turn out to be the Hugh Jessiman of the 2003 Draft (Only player in that Draft never to play an NHL game). It would, after all, be a fitting end to this horrible season.
I am 100% certain from what I have been told that the Hurricanes organization is absolutely, totally, completely determined to use its picks, and particularly the #7 pick, to enhance the team. They get it that reward for the organization, the team, the coaches, and the fans for such a painful season is the #7 pick. I think there is a less than zero chance the pick won’t be completely veted and that ultimately a great choice will be made. I tend to think Nino won’t be the choice, but even if he were, he is going to be a very competitive, talented NHL player — maybe not 40 goals a season, but somebody who helps his team.
Booth’s not really physical at all — tho I do love him. One of my favorites.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Booth and Semin are players who are large, fast players who can be surprisingly physical when they need to be in order to score. Neither are physical in the way Ruutu is physical. If a player can score 30 to 40 goals, I can overlook a little bit of artistry over body slamming.
and Semin’s a good slap fighter … lol
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
David Booth: 6’ 212 lbs — big, but not mega-sized.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471266
NUMBER: 10
HEIGHT: 6’ 0"
WEIGHT: 212
Shoots: Left
BIRTHDATE: Nov 24, 1984 (AGE 25)
BIRTHPLACE: Detroit, MI, United States
DRAFTED: FLA / 2004 NHL Entry Draft
ROUND: 2nd (53rd overall)
Booth will be lucky to play ever again much less be a physical force. 2 bad concussions in 1 season usually = retirement.
I was referring to David Booth as a second round pick who developed into a power forward star. I don’t necessarily agree that two bad concussions equals retirement; but it would not make me want to trade for him. I suspect he will be back. Cullen had a bad concussion and it took quite some time for him to get back; but he did eventually get over the concussion.
I see what you’re saying … the second concussion. I think they was more being precautionary.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Im not rich
We were fortunate to get grandfathered in upper goal zones, wife and i both have 2nd jobs which pay for our seats, and with the payment plan it aint to bad, have upped the kids to 26 plan for next season but they wanted to go so that is their Christmas present. I traveled all over England and Europe watching Newcastle play and never had any money, to some its money to others its a love for the club.
I love the club just as much as any other die-hard fan. Money is a big factor; no matter how much I love the team and want to see them play every game at the RBC, when you’re seventeen, can’t find a job in this economy (nor have any time for it when upping the difficulty of your classes and amount of extracurriculars trying to get into college), and have parents struggling to pay the bills and send their eldest daughter to ever increasingly-expensive college, season tickets just aren’t an option.
by narwhalcavalcade315 on Apr 15, 2010 6:12 AM EDT up reply actions
You do not have to have full season tickets to get allstar priority. You can get the 12 game plan. I am sure that you can earn an extra $300 over the summer and get to enjoy some RBC hockey at a reasonable price. Work hard and perhaps you can affford to pay for your parents to have tix someday. It is about drive and desire…not entitlement. Perks like STs certainly extras and benefits of labor and success.
The Quest for BRANDON GORMLEY
narwhalcavalcade …first you are young and in school… all in due time. At your age I would also not be able to afford STs and my parents would not have fronted the money either…that is life and your motivation to continue on path where one day you can enjoy the fruits of your labor
second…getting a smaller game plan is a idea or I split 6 season ticket seats with 8 people from work…split some ST with other friends or family
third…you know what, it IS fair for us STH to get first dibs because we pay them up front and it does not matter if we don’t get to use all of our tickets for games and events… the Canes have our money up front… that is guaranteed money for the org because the present value of $ is more than the future value of money (finance 101 if you have not taken that class) so the fact is there are some perks when u buy up front and this happens to be one of them.
RAKASTAN SUOMEN!!
My mom can’t work and my father works at home for a company with everyone else based in Phoenix and Minnesota, so sharing season tickets with colleagues won’t work, although I do appreciate the advice. I just want to make it clear that I’m not some lazy teenager sitting around, petulantly demanding everything I want while I do nothing to try to make it happen myself. The options really are exhausted. But I thank the both of you for all the advice concerning future choices.
by narwhalcavalcade315 on Apr 15, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m certainly not looking for any sort of entitlement. All the drive and desire in the world just aren’t panning out in the way I’d like, no matter what I’m doing to try to make it happen. Chalk it up to a teenager really beginning to see that the world runs on money and those that don’t have enough of it will be seen as inferior. And that no matter how much work a person puts into something, sometimes it just isn’t possible to achieve.
by narwhalcavalcade315 on Apr 15, 2010 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Niederrieiter – Staal – Jokinen
Boychuk – Sutter – Ruutu
Tlusty – Dalpe – Larose
Kostopolous – Dwyer – Samsonov
Pitkanen – Mcbain
Gleason – Babchuk
Carson – Picard
One can only wish…
You should switch Nino with Boychuk. Nino isn’t first line talent now, and if he grows in to it it won’t be until next year.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Boychuk
He isn’t even close to being ready to play on the top line. He might be 2 to 3 years away. he was a marginal player this year playing for the canes. We better go get a true first line winger or the season will be another dissapointment
You guys realize that Nino wasn’t even a top-50 scorer in the whole Western Hockey League this year right? There are 100+ Canadian Junior Players that scored more points than Nino and he is the one who is going to jump right onto our top line? Why does everyone think this guy is so great?
I already called him Byfuglein. I’m not totally sure about the love affair myself. If they traded down and got him that could be okay, but I don’t think he’s worth taking at #7.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
+1
It just seems like a waste to me. Nino, Austin Watson, Nick Bjugstad, Brock Nelson, Ryan Johansen, ect… All players that fill the exact same role and will be taken throughout the 1st round. We don’t have to waste the 7th Overall on a guy like that.
Speaking of the Rats...
Yes they did win…http://www.albanyriverrats.com/news/latest/index.html?article_id=2123
http://theahl.com/stats/official-game-report.php?game_id=1007253
gee i hope those do show up right !! next game is friday night @ 7PM..there in Albany
And Bob…great questions…
" Chadness" is contagious ! Go Canes !!
…Jamie McBain connected on a blast from the point….off of a faceoff …
And was +2 for the night. Two goals, including the game-winner, for Nick Dodge.
Sure would like to have been a part of that 2,027 crowd. Go Rats!
Rats Game
It was a very fun game to watch. McBain’s goal was amazing. Chris Terry made a move at the end of the game that led to the winning goal; and it was as clutch a move as any made this season at Carolina or at Albany. Terry has a ton of skill and is showing the kind of cool composure that will serve him well. Boychuk and Osala also had excellent games. Boychuk nearly had at least two goals. Dodge was also a man on a mission. I was interested that Rutherford mentioned Osala as a young player who would some day play at Carolina; and his game is growing by leaps and bounds now that he is getting positive coaching. To me the most noticeable improvement in Osala’s game is that he is becoming more and more physical in his play. He was battling and japping back the entire game and taking up for his teammates by joining the scrums. I liked seeing that Ruutu-like physicality and grit.
From what I’ve seen, Osala and McBain have made the most progress from the first day they dressed as an Albany Rat to where they are now, I think. Dalpe, by contrast, seemed born to play in the NHL. He continues to improve; but he was so talented, it was more a refinement of his game. Dalpe seems like a natural; a motivated, intense natural, but one of those athletes who arrives at a team and seems to have been there for years with the way he fits in.
I am hoping that Tlusty starts lighting up the series with goals. He’s always in the right place and skates hard. Once his shot starts hitting the back of the net, he’ll be a beast.
I subscribed to www.ahllive.com. It costs something like $30.00 per playoff round to watch the Albany Rats.
Didn’t get a chance to jump on here last night. Kinda got worn out taking the little man around ;) I think I passed out before the Pittsburgh/Ottowa game hit the 3rd period.
But I would like to echo pretty much everyone else on here…Bob, you, Cory and HM do a fantastic job with everything on this site; this article furthers my addiction to coming to the site about once every 15 minutes. :D Keep up the great work!
Can someone please get Manny a new shirt? He DESERVES one.
After Watching the Rutherford and Maurice Video Last Night
I wonder what those factors were which were beyond any coach’s control? It sounds suspiciously like some of the veteran players who were brought in didn’t fit with the other Hurricanes. Jim Rutherford had said earlier in public and then reiterated at this exit conference that he was not able to fix those problems that arose quickly enough.
I was interested as well with Maurice’s comments that the team would be younger and faster and would go back to playing the kind of hockey that defined the team and defined Hurricane hockey. I am really ready to see a season of what I consider true Hurricane hockey — the relentless pursuit of the puck, hitting to generate turnovers, odd man rushes off turnovers, and the Tim Gleason “Death Stare” defense — among others, but I think that gives the idea. If Brind’Amour and Samsonov play on the Hurricanes next season, it is difficult for me to see them consistently playing that kind of hockey over an 82 game season.
The fact that Rutherford said he wanted to address the defense was also fascinating to me. I have been in favor of trying to re-sign Babchuk as a way of re-gaining some offense on the power play and enhancing blue line scoring. When combined with the comments that there needs to be some more grit on defense so all the grit isn’t being carried by Gleason, it sounds as if Rodney may be the odd man out. I happen to like Rodney’s game, and am curious why he doesn’t seem to get as much positive praise as I would expect.
I thought Jim Rutherford was making it clear to the younger players that they could play themselves into a roster spot at training camp. That is particularly true, I think, for forwards. I still don’t see how the Hurricanes can keep all their veteran forwards; so I must be missing something.
I am very pleased that Jim Rutherford indicated he didn’t intend to trade up because this draft was very deep and the second round was going to have some excellent players available. There will also be some more long term project players available in the later rounds.
The Brind’Amour/Whitney discussion was interesting on a number of different levels, and that subject has been extensively discussed (but I didn’t want to ignore it entirely). Great job, again, by Bob in his interview.
This season will be a crossroads for the team and likely for some veteran forwards. If Cole can stay healthy and score 20 plus goals, he can retire as a Hurricanes player. Samsonov probably is playing for his career and seems destined to be traded at the trade deadline. LaRose will be in a battle for playing time. The LaRose of 2008-2009 with 19 or so goals (hopefully 20 to 25 goals) will see plenty of top nine minutes. The LaRose of 2009-2010 is going to see much more less ice time. I realize LaRose was hurt the entire year; and maybe the lesson is that it’s great to play hurt as long as you can go. It you can’t get the job done hurt, sit out and heal.
Focusing on defense = good idea
Not sure Babchuck’s the answer; got a great shot from the point, but remember in the playoffs he was woefully out of position in his own end. What about trading for (gulp) Jack Johnson? Didn’t he play alongside Timmy during the olympucks?
NO JACK JOHNSON
and you are right about Babchuk and the playoffs.
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Agreed, also not going to happen. JR already had him once and he didn’t want to be here. No way he pays the cost for the kid only to see him walk ASAP.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I am over the whole Hurricanes revolving door…how many times does this have to bite us in the rear?? A. Ward and Cole…come to mind….
plus i am all about keeping Pothier for another year…Gleason, Pits, & Pothier as veterans and we have some great kids developing and maybe add this years pick as a blue line
then again my opinion is worth what you paid for it…and that is $0 :)
RAKASTAN SUOMEN!!
I agree with that, would love to see Pothier stay. And you know JR loves to recycle, thats how he rolls. Don’t get me started on F’in A Ward…
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
I’m not really opposed to Pothier, but I don’t know that he’s the best option. He’s played well, but I’m worried about his injury issues. Seidenburg can be a good fit. He’ll cost more, but I think it may be worth it. No telling what JR thinks about Dennis after the negotiations last season.
Not sure on the other UFAs on defense. Could be a diamond in the rough. Second pair defensive defensemen tend to be available late. Trades are always a possibility and are more typical of how JR operates.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
salary wise there isn’t much diff. right now between Pothier and Seids (about $200,00), not knowing what “the budget” will be for next season it may come down to which is the cheaper of the 2. Pothier has already said it’s not a money thing for him at this stage in his career. Seidenberg may well find a better deal elsewhere. there is a list of UFA/RFA here should be interesting to see what JR has planned for the summer, especially knowing the D is going to a main focus.
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
Pothier vs Seidenberg
If it were me and I were choosing between Pothier and Seidenberg, I’d take Pothier. Both are solid defensemen; but I am impressed with the decision-making and poise of Pothier. It seems to me that turnovers in the defensive zone are deadly under the Hurricanes system; and Pothier seems to make excellent reads. I also like the idea of getting a slight degree away from signing a player, having them leave, then having them return, etc. Aaron Ward was an prime example of when that recycling approach fails miserably. One burned, twice shy.
I agree that Pothier tends to make the smarter decisions and I’m all for getting away from the revolving door policy. I’m just very worried about Pothier and his past concussion issues. A seemingly innocuous hit could have him out long term.
I only suggested Dennis because I knew he was to be a UFA. I could very well be someone like Dennis. I think he’s the right type of player, solid, shot blocker.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Names from the UFA list provided by Jenni that could work:
Paul Martin – Not certain he leaves Jersey, may be too expensive.
Derek Morris – May not want to leave Pho (can’t believe I typed that). Also may be looking for pay increase after playoffs.
Tallinder – From Buffalo.
Volchenkov – Likely too expensive.
Shoane Morrison – May take less to stay in Wash
Jordan Leopold – May take less to stay in Pitt
Lucas Krajicek – From Tampa, interesting option
Nathan Paetsch – Underrated from Columbus
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I want Michalek, but I think he’s going to cash in big time.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah but dennis now has a knee injury that can flare up at any time too and he has to rehab…Pothier is healthy now
RAKASTAN SUOMEN!!
Dennis should be healthy by the start of next season. Not sure about the long term impacts. Pothier is healthy now, but he’s missed significant time in the previous two years due to concussions. That’s something that never gets all the way back. It’s also something that is easy to have a recurrence of. I’m not really opposed to the guy, nor am I behind Dennis, but Pothier concussion history is a big warning flag.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
+1 on the revolving door policy. JR needs to drop the greenest GM in the league mantra because as we’ve seen things aren’t always better the second time around. :cough A.Ward cough:
"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."
And just said Raleigh is a place he’d like to come back to when his contract is up (though he was asked that directly after someone from Raleigh called in).
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
That is fascinating. His contract price was extremely high when he signed with Columbus. I wonder how the Hurricanes could afford him.
don’t think he’ll fetch near as much next time around unless he can shake his injury problems
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Cory,
What’s your take on the likelihood/probability that Commodore could return to Carolina? What salary do you think it would take? I wonder whether the Hurricanes would spend that kind of money on a defenseman rather than a UFA forward. I liked Commodore when he was at Carolina; and he provides size. Speed was always something of an issue with Commodore, but I read a while ago that he had been working with a speed/power skating coach and was trying to improve his footwork and skating skills.
Commodore's Salary
Here is the information from www.nhlnumbers.com for Commodore:
2010-2011 $3.8 millions; 2011-2012 $3.5 million; 2012-2013 $3.35 million; 2013-2014 UFA
It’s hard to know what the team will look like that far down the road.
Exactly … it’s way too far down the road to guess, plus he’s 30 already. So he’ll be at the tail end by then. I doubt JR is interested him at his $3M+ salary.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
What he'd like
verses what he’ll get are 2 very different things as we all know..and as far as possible D set ups..I’ll stick with Potheir…and let seds rehab and try to hook up with another team…and if you want to now why…no reason really just a hunch…nothing wrong is keeping a few pieces in place that have done the job we asked and NOT complained…
after all Character is what you say,think and do when NO one is looking…..and i have yet to see # 5 ever do anything that would call to question his character…
" Chadness" is contagious ! Go Canes !!
Season Ending Press Conference
To return to the theme of this thread, I finally finished watching the entire 45 minute press conference.
Highly recommend taking the time to do so for yourself. Most open I have seen JR and Mo be to date and there’s tons of insight into what’s going on in the org.
Good questions and excellent answers given throughout. It’s must see TV Canesvision.
Possible Defensive Signing
I don’t know about his possible salary, but what about Phoenix’s Milan Michalek (sp?). He’s a good shot blocker and plays a sound defensive game. Definitely has the size and quietly physical game. But again I don’t know what he will command, especially since he is a highly regarded shot blocker. Then again playing in the desert has helped him fly slightly under the radar, not significantly, but nonetheless.
Any thoughts? Am I correct that he is going to be UFA this summer?
Me from up the thread:
I want Michalek, but I think he’s going to cash in big time.
CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 11:19 AM EDT
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d love Michalek too, but he is probably the top named D who will be an Unrestricted Free Agent this year behind Scott Niedermeyer and Anton Volchenkov. I think he will be far out of our price range.
fwiw, I’d take Michalek ahead of both of them.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 15, 2010 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
22 points in 49 games with the russian league. not amazing but good numbers.
and hell be happier here
That is actually really good for the KHL. Scoring is a lot harder to come by there and they very rarely award Secondary Assists.
Do they award secondary assists? I was thinking that the KHL followed the suit of many other Euro leagues and didn’t award them. I’m not sure where exactly I got that idea from, so if you’ve got better info that would be great.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
Hmm.. Just from taking a peek it looks like they don’t award them at all as you said.
Hmm.. Just from taking a peek it looks like they don’t award them at all as you said.I remember during the Olympics they were talking about it and I thought they said they did but it was much rarer… Maybe they were talking about a different Euro League.
This is a ploy to lower expectations to allow us to fly under the radar which is where we like to be. I also don’t believe his comments about the draft, I think he’ll pursue a couple of different deals (move up or move down and get 2 in 1st), but he certainly won’t sell the farm to do it. He seems content at 7.
+1
We have far too many assets to just sit around and do nothing. He may be content with the top-7 but I certainly don’t think that means they aren’t particularly interested a player like Fowler or Connolly who might go a little higher. It would look desperate of him if he came out and said he was unhappy with the 7th pick and wanted to move up.
With a Draft this deep and having 6 picks in the first 3 rounds, I’d be willing to bet JR knows he will get plenty of calls. He doesn’t need to go out and actively pursue deals, he owns 1/10th of a very deep 2nd round. Maybe we take a chance on a guy like Vladamir Tarasenko and use two 2nd Round Picks to move up to a late 1st round to take Riley Sheahan or Austin Watson. I agree with AD that there are some great potential steals right around the 20th-45th picks. I doubt they would fall as low as our late 2nd Rounders, but moving up is always a viable option and gives us an opportunity to gamble a bit on the 7th Overall.
THE BATH ROBE!
Gleason said one thing they need to bring in next year is some grit. I think JR should stick to probably a bad habit, but could be good this time, by bringing back MIKE COMMODORE. Hes a fan favorite and would be the PERFECT addition to our blueline next year, possibly a 2nd/3rd for him come draft day. Please JR this would be amazing!Think about Gleason and Commodore together! hollllllyyyyy crap, i would not want to mess with that d pairing!
Thoughts??
I'd love it, but...
As a few have mentioned, he brings a few thing we need to the table, but left a few at the door.
Thank you Jim Rutherford and Ray Whitney for working together for Ray to stay a Hurricane! :)
Milan Michalek
Milan Michalek is a forward for the Ottawa senators?? Why is everyone talking about a defenseman
by RU4RU on Apr 15, 2010 9:23 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Commodore has’nt looked to good at all this season, think i would rather have good memories than have him back and have another A.Ward situation.
+10000
The Aaron Ward fiasco has made me very, very gun shy about bringing in former defenders. I was excited when Aaron Ward was re-signed; and I would have paid his plane fare myself to get him traded earlier. Commodore has his talents; but they are best left to grow in our Caniac memory where his flaws won’t hurt the team.
he was hurt all year and finally shut himself down until he felt he was OK to play. I think the team pressured him to play earlier in the year.
by Cory Lavalette on Apr 16, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
AMEN!!
I had the same thoughts…I am a huge Commodore fan and I would like to keep it that way from a distance. Plus…remember we want younger and faster Canes!!
RAKASTAN SUOMEN!!
I always wanted commodore to open a sports themed bar near the RBC called “Commie’s” that could be decorated with, amongst other things, USSR sports memorabilia. It’s a gold mine if you ask me.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
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