Ray Whitney named Captain of Team Canada for IIHF World Cup.
"He's clearly a guy from our observation that the guys have gravitated to," said Coach Craig MacTavish. "Like I said the other day, (it's important to) have the perspective. He can frame things the right way at crucial times because of those experiences that he's had...We felt like he was the guy."
Also, TSN has this video talking with Ray about his role as Team Nanny. Same old Ray.
Email
PrintComments
Exactly what I was thinking. How much does this effect his asking price? esply if Canada can win Gold. (Big IF when you look at Russia’s roster).
Also cuz we’re gonna need a Nanny in the locker room.
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 May 12, 2010 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
None at all, I’d say. Have you looked at the roster? Who else would be the captain? Everyone else was born in the ’70s or ’80s.
by Cory Lavalette on May 12, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
agree with Cory on this one, I don’t think this matters at all in future contract negotiations. I think the biggest factor will be how long of a deal he is looking for. If the Canes only want to offer one year, he obviously will want a longer term than that.
The franchise is already very familiar with his leadership qualities.
GM of CanesCountry.com
I suppose we will know in another 60 days.
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 May 12, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I think how it changes his price is his value to other teams. It seems the Canes know what they are getting with Whitney. If Whitney has a great tourny and Canada wins he probably increases his value come July 1st. A number of GM’s who have rookie phenom’s (NYI, EDM, BOS, COL, etc.) probably say to themselves what a great player Whitney will be to show my rookie phenom the ropes.
I think the raised profile suggests that he’s not “over-the-hill” but a respected valuable Veteran presence and that can only help the negotiations. Imagine if Allan Walsh were his agent, and the tweets we’d be seeing for another “client”?
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 May 12, 2010 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m with JussiJuice. I just don’t see it as a big deal as far as his worth.
by Cory Lavalette on May 12, 2010 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with this… Although if he wasn’t named captain with the roster on that team I think he should have been ashamed. Ryan Smyth is the only guy that even comes remotely close in seniority.
If his value is raised by this, it won’t be to us. I wouldn’t be surprised though if an young team like the Islanders didn’t want a guy like him to be a veteran presence.
that’s what I’m saying. What we don’t know is if JR’s really going to make a him a real offer and if he is and waits past July 1st it’s going to cost him more because I’d imagine G.Snow would love to have Whitney as a setup man for JT.
I doubt Whitney would want to go there. Not to rehash this topic, but why pass on L.A. so you can go to, of all places, the Islanders?
by Cory Lavalette on May 12, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
OK maybe not NYI, but COL, EDM, and BOS all have or will be adding a phenom forward (I realize BOS has cap problems). Also, by July 1st he no longer has a NTC, so his options will be different and if no one offers him the term he’s looking for he may have to settle with the NYI or the likes.
All well and good, but I think Ray wants to go somewhere where he has a shot at winning. These days that could be anywhere (see PHX and COL this year), but I don’t think he’d want to go somewhere that looks like a rebuilding or bottom-feeding team.
by Cory Lavalette on May 12, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Ray wants to go somewhere where he has a shot at winning
And where do you see the Canes in that line of thought? (which I agree is relevant to Ray’s preferences and also hard to predict – and you might include the Caps and Detroit in that sampling of surprises).
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 May 12, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Carolina is farther along than any other team who finished in the bottom 10. Not to mention Carolina is a known entity for him. No one else in that group has a proven top-notch goalie and top-notch scorer. Columbus is the only close one, but that hinges on Mason bouncing back from a dreadful sophomore slump. New York has the scorer and goalie, but literally next to nothing else.
by Cory Lavalette on May 12, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Do we know winning’s way up on his priority list and eventually drives his decision making model. All the phenom’s have proven they can score at every level and if you look at the recent past #1 picks they’ve proven to be goal scorers, so it’s not that much of a risk betting JT, Hall, and Seguin are going to score goals in the NHL. While it’s fun to speculate and there seems to be a number of options Whitney can explore my money is on what benefits Whitney the most, so unless JR comes to him with a deal of 2 years or more I’d expect him to explore his options come July 1st.
Depends on what “benefit” he wants. You’d think he’d be playing for Cups at this stage, not cash. That doesn’t mean money shouldn’t be part of the equation, but I hope that wouldn’t be the driving factor.
by Cory Lavalette on May 12, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s fair, I’ve always deamed Whitney as the type of player that knows what his role is, knows how to deliver it, and wants to be paid fairly for it. I think he’s more of a money guy than people are giving him credit for. He’s always been more of a mercenary than a franchise guy.
I wonder if you have spoken with Ray Whitney in person to see if you had that opinion based on talking with him about his feelings toward the Hurricanes organization or are you basing that statement on some other information.
I went back and watch all of his interviews, that’s my basis. Honestly, do really think he’s going to give a hometown because he loves the Triangle so much.
Yes, I think Whitney will sign for less at Carolina because he has moved here; he wants to be part of the organization; his family likes it here; he believes he can really help this team; and he is loyal to the organization. I don’t think he is trying to strong arm the last penny; but of course there could be a price difference so great the gap can’t get closed.
-1
It that’s the case it should have happened by now, the fact that JR hasn’t made it a priority leads me to believe there’s a gap, and the fact that Whitney’s playing the WC instead of golfing makes me wonder.
It surprised me also that he would head to the Worlds seemingly on a whim like that also. I have to believe being as old as he is that the Coach and him talked about the possibility of being a Captain before-hand.
Maybe trying to get in some last minute exposure before Free Agency? Captaining the Canadian WC team highlighted by the likes of Stamkos, Tavares, ect. (players he could be mentoring next year) does seem to accomplish that goal well.
It’s suspicious, after playing an 82 game season at 38 you’d think he would want to rest and spend time with his family.
Whitney has said in many interviews that he realized at his age he could not take the time off from hockey. Whitney is a competitor and wants to play hockey. Why is that strange? He has been in hockey since he was a stick boy for Edmonton. He knows his career is nearing an end and he wants to go out on top.
I think it is more just strange because it seems like he is the old guy at the kids tournament. His name seems very out of place to me on the roster for some reason. It is almost as if he contacted them himself for the opportunity.
Although searching around, it looks as if Whitney has never been to a WC… Anyone confirm?
That makes a lot more sense to me… Could be one of his last chances.
Really? I wonder why I can’t find that anywhere. Still, winning a medal is important.
Though after losing to Switzerland, the better step up there game if they want a medal.
I agree, but I think it is also worth considering that Whitney has been a Journeyman in the NHL and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go.
Also considering we weren’t a Playoff team this year, who knows… A Pittsburgh or Washington type team might really like him and throw an offer his way. If he was after Cups I think he’d be foolish to turn that down.
I think that Pittsburgh might be a real possibility. I could see him as Guerin’s replacement.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on May 12, 2010 7:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Whitney Interview
With a few more seasons, he’d be old enough to be a young grandfather. Whitney is great; and it does point out how much help he could be for the Hurricanes if they put a fast, big, young wing with Whitney and Staal; or even put Whitney with two young prospects who fit that mold on a third line — say Whitney/Dalpe/Niederreiter or Whitney/Johansen/Dalpe (or Bowman or Tlusty).
I wonder how Niederreiter does today. My guess is he struggles with how fast the Canadian dmen take away space and how fast they move puck, he’ll be doing a lot of chasing.
Nino’s not been doing much there. (tourney stats) But then I have to remember he doesn’t turn 18 till September. Heckuva experience he’s getting.
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 May 12, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Niederreiter v. Johansen v. Connolly
I too wonder how Nino does. Nino seems to be getting big love from the pro scouts; but I suspect the rankings will continue to shift around. I think the Hurricanes could put Niederreiter’s, Connolly’s, Johansen’s, and Tarasenko’s name in a hat and have somebody from CC pick a name out and be quite satisfied with the result. There are only good choices available among that group. One factor will be how well the player fits into the Hurricanes hockey approach. It’s like a family where everybody washes the laundry and takes out the garbage. Nobody is too good to do the dirty work on the Hurricanes team.
I think the player we are going to get is going to fall to us due to these crazy rankings. Someone ahead of us is going to take Granlund, Tarasenko, or even Niederreiter. At this point I think I’ve convinced myself believe that either Gormley, Gudbranson, or Connolly is going to fall into our laps.
Gormley, Gudbranson, Connolly
JussiJuice, I think you are dead on. The way the rankings are in flux, I too think the Hurricanes will be able to take one of the these three picks - Gormley, Gudbranson, or Connolly. I am hoping Connolly is the one who is available and who is taken; but I’d be very, very pleased with Gormley or Gudbranson. I also think there is a chance Johansen will jump into the group of players that the Hurricanes want and could be taken. I would be surprised if the Hurricanes don’t take either Gormley, Gudbranson, Connolly, or Johansen; but who knows -— definitely not me.
Gormley, Gudbranson, Connolly (with strikeouts taken out)
JussiJuice, I think you are dead on. The way the rankings are in flux, I too think the Hurricanes will be able to take one of the these three picks: Gormley, Gudbranson, or Connolly. I am hoping Connolly is the one who is available and who is taken; but I’d be very, very pleased with Gormley or Gudbranson. I also think there is a chance Johansen will jump into the group of players that the Hurricanes want and could be taken. I would be surprised if the Hurricanes don’t take either Gormley, Gudbranson, Connolly, or Johansen; but who knows; definitely not me.
Dub dmen range between 190 – 210 lbs. for the most part NHL dmen range between 210 – 230 lbs. that’s a big difference. Couple that with the change in speed as I mentioned above, it’s a lot to ask of 17-year old.
“Dub”?
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 May 12, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Hadn’t heard that nickname except for the other “W”.. good to know. :)
Certainly – this is just a great resume builder for him. I’d be surprised if he’s an impact player with his age and as you point out, his still-growing size.
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 May 12, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Also, he isn’t the only skilled player on his whole team now. They don’t have to constantly feed him pucks to win games like in the WJC.
I think part of the reason he stood out as much as did at the WJC is everyone else around him was aweful, except Sbisa and 3 others.
I think this was a HUGE reason he was so successful. The guys is a talented goal-scorer, but he would never have gotten that much acclaim on Team Canada or USA. This IIHF tournament he has a 1 Shot on Goal in 2 games, the team around him isn’t much better (I’ve never heard of any of them), but it’s clear their game-plan isn’t “Get Nino the puck” like it was in the WJC.
Off-topic, but ADog (and others), I think I figured out the mysterious strikethough issue! Here’s how it appears to work…
Take this sentence…
I went to the store – which was crowded by the way – and bought some stuff.
Now, remove the space before the ‘w’ in which and after the ‘y’ in way, and this is what you get…
I went to the store which was crowded by the way and bought some stuff.
So, if you’re using dashes in your sentences, make sure they’re preceded by and followed by spaces.
This does show in preview, so if you preview before posting, you should be able to spot it.
#grammarnazi
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
This hidden shortcut in the html here (minus sign invoking strikethroughs) also plagues plus/minus discussions, since putting a minus sign in front of a number triggers the strikethrough.
I just write out “minus” instead, plus I do Preview before posting, to catch unintended formatting and/or typos.
Similar hidden feature is using the asterisk. Placing one of those before a word invokes the bold feature.
The “Formatting Guide” (the red letters at the top right of message box) explains these as well. Another one that occurs is when people start a sentence with #17 and it turns it into a 1. like at the start of a list.
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 May 12, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Hah! I never noticed the formatting guide before. Way cool!
And I could have a field day with the # replacement of the start of a list. Hmmm…..
- should officially retire
- should never don a hockey uniform again
- should never play hockey on this side of the globe again
- is a hunka hunka burning hockey hottness
It works!
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on May 12, 2010 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I almost spit my water out on that last 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."
But you really can’t tell which players I was referring to, can you?
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on May 12, 2010 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I have fairly good guesses for the first three.
As for that last one, unless you’ve fallen victim to the body snatchers, I think I know who you’re talking about there too.
"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."
Skinner
As Red Line Rpt moved Skinner up to #7, i was wondering what folks here think about his +’s and -’s ???
Plus: Best goal scorer in the Draft. Hands down you will not find another kid that can put the puck in the net like he can. MAYBE Connolly could have, but obviously being hurt the whole year he didn’t get the chance.
Minus: Skating and defensive play are moderate, nothing special. These days scouts want to see speed and scoring, if you only have one then it is going to hurt you.
I’m followed Skinner pretty closely in the OHL Playoffs, I think he easily outshined Taylor Hall every game in the Windsor vs. Kitchener series. I would have loved to pick him up in the 20-30th spot but with his recent rise through the ranks, I doubt we could get him.
Some commentators really like Skinner. He has great skills; but he falls within the category of yet another small, talented, fast player. I really think the Hurricanes are going to struggle against the bigger more physical teams until they get bigger, faster, and more physical. The Hurricanes have a rare chance to get a #7 pick which means as a forward he would be one of the top four or so forward prospects in this year’s draft.
We can get bigger and still pick up small players. I think Skinner deserves his due as one of the better forwards in the Draft, he scored literally nearly a goal a game this whole season (50 goals in 64 games regular season, 20 goals in 20 games post-season). There is a reason Red-Line Report has him listed so high. I don’t know if you saw the Kitchener vs. Windsor series but Skinner was extremely dominant. You can’t teach the type of goal-scoring he is capable of, if he could shore up the other areas of his game I think he could be a dangerous player.
On a big and physical note though… I think Brock Nelson is a big, American, physical, power forward with top-6 potential that might fall the the 2nd Round. He is definitely a guy I’m going to keep an eye on during the Draft.
Brock Nelson is a beast
Brock Nelson would be a fantastic second round pick. He is big, strong, fast, and is reported to have a huge mean streak (meant in all the best ways). I suspect he will be a late first round pick; but I would love to get him in the second round.
He is definitely a guy that I would consider moving up for. I agree, I think he will probably go late-first, but with the dichotomy of opinions I was really hoping he might fall to the 2nd.
Getting Connolly and Nelson in the same draft would be amazingly good. I wonder where the Hurricanes are going to put all the talent they have — over the next two year period. It might well argue for getting some players like Nelson who might take a year or two to be ready — although Nelson is the kind of player who could be a David Booth type player and who could be ready sooner rather than later.
I don’t think he will be picked top-10.
Gormley, Connolly, or Gudbranson will fall to us at 7th Overalll and that is who we will take. As much as I think we need a shoot-first pure sniper like Skinner (after all you can’t teach a guy to be a 50 goal scorer), the three guys I’d take easily over him.
But once again you see how deep this Draft is. After Skinner’s awesome Playoff run (20 Goals and 33 Points in 20 Games), I honestly wouldn’t be upset if the Canes surprised everyone and did take him #7 if Connolly, Gudbranson, and Gormley were off the board.
I would too… But I was just saying I wouldn’t be upset if for some reason they felt he was their guy. The Combine can change a lot of things, personality and interviews I think can be a big factor..
I am starting to hear some big love for Skinner with the commentators and with the scouts. I haven’t heard particular rumblings specifically one way or another as it relates to Carolina and Skinner. Still, as you point out, nobody could be upset with having Skinner. He’s a top player; and the question is just how top end he is.
I doubt we take him at #7, sorry I didn’t mean to give that impression if I did.
I think everyone is pretty tired of me hearing my opinion on our pick. I have cemented it in my mind we are going to get one of Connolly, Gudbranson, or Gormley and it will be a glorious day.
Battle of the Mighty-Mites though:
Who would you take: Granlund or Skinner?
Pretty opposite, both amazingly skilled and smart offensively however Granlund is definitely a pass first playmaker while Skinner is the epitome of Sniper.
I think an interesting aspect of Granlund is that he is very good friends and has great chemistry with other highly touted Finnish Draft Prospect Teemu Pulkkinen. With the Canes already knowing a good bit about Finnish teamwork and chemistry, I think it would be very cool if we could Draft both. At the very least I’m hoping we can scoop up Pulkkinen in the 2nd.
Although I’m very wary to say it… The Canes would have to pull some unbelievable stunt on Draft day for me to walk away upset.
I too think Granlund won’t be there…sorry AD but i think his stats and scouting reports are on the mark…and I will not be quitting my day job just in case i am wrong…hehehe
When The People Fear Their Government,There is Tyranny;
When The Government fears The People, There Is Liberty
Gee ...
all of you continue to prove that for a bunch of hicks in a place where Hockey should never have been….All of you do a better job than most of the writers @ THN,Washington Post, NYT & The N&O…all of you covered all the bases so well…heck and old fossil like myself can’t add to what’s already there …has anyone ever check most of Y’all out as many of you sound like pro scouts in disguise…:-} (wink wink giggle giggle)
When The People Fear Their Government,There is Tyranny;
When The Government fears The People, There Is Liberty
Seems as decent a place to post as any…
Captain Ray had an assist today in Team Canada’s 4-1 loss to Switzerland.
Ex-Cane Sami Kapanen scored the eventual game-winner in Finland’s 3-2 win over Team USA. This was an elimination game for both teams, and with the win, Team Finland advances to the qualifying round and Team USA unfortunately is headed to relegation. No points for Jussi although he generated some decent scoring chances.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
I was just about to link those – and when I deleted it, the whole thing became the link. Hence, the pretty red bold face.
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 May 12, 2010 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
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 May 12, 2010 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Puck Previews: Blackhawks reeling; Sabres streaking; Holmstrom’s 1000th game
- Will Teemu Selanne remain with the Anaheim Ducks through the trade deadline?
- Nikolai Zherdev takes stick to crotch, elbow drop in KHL game (Video)
- Puck Headlines: Accused coach Pravilov dead; more Tim Thomas heat; Junior team goes nuts post-shootout
- After Scott Gomez scored, other candidates for NHL goal drought obsessions
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Lightning forward Dominic Moore fined $2,500 for hit on Rangers Ruslan Fedotenko
- Lightning forward Dominic Moore fined $2,500
- Blue Jackets place Lebda, Methot on injured reserve, add Prout, York on emergency recalls
- Blue Jackets put Lebda, Methot on injured reserve
- Lightning's Dominic Moore fined $2,500
Certain photos copyright © 2012 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.
