2009-10 Canes Country Exit Analysis: Erik Cole
by Bob Wage on May 7, 2010 1:29 AM EDT
in 2009-10 Exit Analysis
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PrintDuring the summer last year we started a new feature on the blog which gave our readers an opportunity to grade the overall performances of each of the Carolina Hurricanes. It's time to get things started again this offseason.
First up is Erik Cole.
Erik Cole
#26 / Left Wing / Carolina Hurricanes
6-2
205
Oswego, N.Y. Nov 06, 1978, age 31
by Carolina Hurricanes in 1998 (3rd round)
As you can see from the stats above, Cole's production has progressively gotten worse each season. This past season was the worst of his career. Of course, much of that can be attributed to injuries.
During the second game of the year in Boston, Cole broke a bone in his leg and missed the next 10 games.
Then from mid-December to the beginning of March, the winger missed 31 consecutive games because of a mysterious "upper body injury" that many assumed might end his career. But Cole returned to the lineup during the team's final push and was a help, even if he was not necessarily instrumental to the team's end of season success.
The Good: Cole seems well-liked by teammates and is a veteran voice in the room. His 94 hits were 9th highest on the team and his "hits per game" average was number one. The sniper's 13.6% shooting percentage is very good indicating that he should shoot more. If he could stay healthy, he is still capable of being a prototypical, physical power forward, which is needed badly on this team.
The Bad: The forward's future health is in question. Can he play with the same reckless abandon of old? Can he be counted on to contribute? His point total for the year was very disappointing, especially the lowly 5 assists. Defensemen around the league seem to have figured out his power move, making him less effective than in the past. Perhaps he has lost a step or two?
The Money: Cole is on the second year of a two year contract which will pay him $3 million next season. His cap hit is $2.9 million. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2010-11.
Last season, the majority of Canes Country readers gave Cole a grade of "C". What do you say this year?
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Memories
Those are really what we have of Cole. He was once an Amazing power forward that not only was great at collecting the puck, fighting in the corners and using his body. He had great moves (or move), he inspired Staal, and was a threat every time he was on the ice.
Now? Sigh… I love Cole. But he’s not the same, hasn’t been since breaking his neck. Everyone knows his move and he never really gets it off anymore. He’s not a power forward anymore, not crashing the boards or the net. Is he useless? No. But with the youth movement coming I bet Cole will be again the target of a trade. All I hope is he gets back some of his flash to increase his value.
Cole and the Grading
I was surprised how low the grades were Cole. I doubt anybody could argue that Cole has ever been 100% the same player since he suffered a compression fracture of his neck; but I strongly disagree that in 2009-2010 he played at a C minus to D level. Cole fractured his leg in the second game of the season and when he returned it took him some time to get his time back. He then had a recurrence of issues related to his neck and lost more time.
My observations at the time and then reviewing videos of the games is that Cole was doing his best skating in years. He abandoned, thankfully, his one cliche move. He also was the most physical I have seen him in years. It is also true that an area that Cole needs work is finishing around the net; but as a banging, physical power forward I think he was far better than the grades thus far.
I suspect, however, that Cole at $2,800,000 and at the end of his contract this season, has to have a career year and a healthy year or he is likely to be traded at the deadline. The Hurricanes desperately need an inspired, healthy Cole. He is still one of the fastest and strongest players on the team; and the Hurricanes really need him to perform well in 2010-2011.
Doug, first time I have caught you in what may be personal conflict.
“The Hurricanes need him to perform well in 2010-2011”
“Has to have a career year and a healthy year”
These were prefaced by:
“I doubt anyone could argure Cole has ever been the same”
Come on buddy. Call a spade a spade. The guy had a NHL career ender of an injury, period. His numbers and/or health has decreased ever since. A career year would require he and Staal regain the magic. That don’t seem to be in the cards. His days as a “Power Forward” are and have been over. This game demands a level of resilience that Cole not only doesn’t have, but the team can’t afford to chance. Cole smacks his melon, goes into the boards even catches a right hook. If and mean IF, he gets up, the team has to weigh the risk of not checking him out and removing him from the game to do so. While a healthy player without his history is afforded the question of “You good to go?”
His time is over. Let another team take a chance on him. Can Binky 1.0 and use the money for a real power forward
Bust out the twist tie necklace and find me a curb!!
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.
Paladin6,
I have this terrible affliction that I have an obsession with the truth; and it makes me a difficult person many times. I also want badly to be fair; and in the case of grading Cole it does cause me a personal conflict. I have seen the decline in Cole’s game post-injury. In terms of last year, it was the first time since his injury where I felt he was not holding back when skating to the net. If the Hurricanes had other power forwards in their system who were at the stage in their career of Boychuk, Dalpe, and Bowman, among others, it would be an easier call for me to say with Cole’s history of injury it is too risky and too potentially disruptive to keep him. My guess, which is solely a guess based on seeing Osala’s improvement curve from the time he came to Albany, is that Osala could serve a power forward role next season at the start of the season — if for example Cole were traded. At this point, the Hurricanes don’t have any skilled power forward over 6’2" and 205 lbs in the AHL system. They do have some younger players in the juniors or in Europe. Pistilli has the size but really continues to need more work on skating skills.
On the other hand, in fairness to Cole, he was injured in the second game of the season. He still has his wheels and he seemed last season to regain a determination to battle and to crash the net. I am puzzled, frankly, why he hasn’t hired his own personal coach to work with him on an obsessive basis on puck-handling and body control. In other words, with his NHL career really on the line, it would be logical to have him pretend he was a rookie and to approach this season as if he were trying to make the team for the first time. What disappoints me the most about Cole’s play is the lack of goal scoring. With his speed and size, he should be able to score 25 goals a season. At 25 goals a season, nobody can really complain at all and should be glad.
In terms of injuries, if Cole is insured so the team doesn’t have to pay out its own funds his salary if he is injured, there is less of an issue than if he is an uninsurable player. With the talent in Albany, it is not disastrous if Cole misses 10 to 15 games over the season, as long as the organization isn’t having to pay out of its revenues Cole and the replacement.
To be clear, I am adamant that the Hurricanes absolutely must have more power forwards; and that Osala is the prototype in terms of size, speed, agility, and hands — 6’4", 225 lbs. It is painfully obvious that other top six teams are intentionally including that type of player in the formulation of their teams. I don’t see Cole as the long-term solution due to his history of injury. I also would grade Cole and Brind’Amour as having the two worst set of hands on the team. I attribute the brick hands to the reason Cole doesn’t do a better job of putting pucks in the back of the net on rebounds. If one compares Sutter’s eye hand coordination, anticipation of the puck, and ability to gather the puck and accurately shoot the puck with Cole’s, the comparison is dramatic. I am of the mind that for an athlete like Cole who has good body control, he seems to still need much work on the basics; but fortunately as long as the athlete has inherently good eye hand coordination it is a skill that can be refined. It is much, much harder for a 31 year old to refine the skills than a 20 year old; but with enough work it will improve. It would mean giving up the off-season entirely because that kind of muscle memory is like learning how to play the guitar. It takes endless repetition and probably a separate coach with video review so that new habits can be learned and old habits unlearned.
I do think this season is a crossroads season for Cole. If he cannot stay healthy and if he can’t get at least 20 goals, it is hard to envision him being re-signed. My guess is that unless Cole comes out of the gate this season on fire, he is likely to be traded at the trade deadline.
2006-2007 Stats
Paladin6, here is what is really odd to me about Cole’s statistics. He was injured in 2005-2006. He returned late in 2006. In 2006-2007 he had an excellent year. He played 71 games, had 29 goals, 32 assists for 61 points. Since then his production has dropped off each year. Those statistics seem to suggest either his injury is a progressive type of problem or if not, he is suffering from the psychological overlay of the injury. In other words, if the injury isn’t getting worse and physically he is fine, then the deterioration in his game has to come from his reaction to a severe, painful, and frightening injury. It’s either mental, physical, or a combination of both.
I suspect that your assessment of the situation is what will happen; and that at the trade deadline this season Cole will be traded. Of course, Cole could make himself an “untouchable” by coming to camp with a rookie’s attitude and showing the hockey world he is ready to play five more years. It is also possible that Cole is having very significant sequelae from his neck injury and is being a warrior continuing to play; and I personally believe that is the real situation. I think Cole physically has issues still with pain, stiffness, and perhaps hand strength; and it would not surprise me to have him retire and then for it to come out that his doctors were suggesting he retire.
Well as someone that has broken his neck, I can say it is degenerative in as much as any hard blow to a joint begins the process. After my stuff got plated and bolted together I felt pretty froggy. Many years later, not so much. So not only deg. in an orthoped. way but also a mental aspect.
It’s the Theory of Relativity or the Jeff Gordon syndrom. It’s all relative until you done it. Gordon never hit a concrete wall at 180mph, so he always could push a little more (heh, heh, never mind…). Going hell bent for leather is all well and good until you get the bone snapping stop at the end. It ain’t the fall that kills you, it’s the sudden stop at the end. Anybody and everybody has fallen and hit the ground. Few have snapped a neck or cheered that your arms hurt instead of hang limp at your side.
Same scenario as Rod, the time for production out of them is over, time to move on. It’s a natural progression, you just have to recognize it and set the emotion aside.
You thiunk that is unpopular here, you ought see the crap I get when I mention Lidstrom’s days are done.
There is no, zero, zip, nada, not a dammy player in the NHL that at 40 is as good as they were at 29. Law of the jungle. Eat or be eaten.
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.
Because power forwards grow on trees, same with puck moving defensemen. I’m not convinced he’s going to have a breakout year but I don’t him to leave either. I think when he’s in the lineup playing at 80%, he’s better than any of prospect at 100%.
Put the bong down. Healthy vets gave us the first half of the year. The prospects the second. Pack a bowl of reality, 80% isn’t good enough to win in the NHL. Cole must go. The prospects will win or fail according to their own ability.
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.
Nice, the reality is most players never play at 100% because there always hurt in some way, Staal probably played the whole season hurt. It’s a little early to hit the bong, but I’ll be thinking of you when I do.
Called a “wake and bake” if memory serves..
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.
I’ve heard this term as well. But the Bong Hits for Breakfast was more of a play on the Bong Hits For Jesus thing from a few years back.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
What were we talking about?
I’m hungry…
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.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_v._Frederick
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
C
And I feel that grade is more than fair. Sure, he’s battled injuries. Yes, he looked like he was skating better at the end of the year. True, he brought his physicality up a notch as he got healthier.
The bottom line is production. Less than half a point per game from a guy who was thought to be part of the Canes top line isn’t getting it done. To be 31 years old and to “need work finishing around the net” signifies either a poor fit with the system or a lack of recognition of his own place on the team.
If this grade was on a curve then a case could be made for something higher. Cole may have been the best power forward on the team (also debatable…TKO had 21 pts and +4) but that’s not saying much considering how many people (I’m looking at you, Doug) think this team needs a power forward or two.
Love the guy, will always remember him coming back in the Finals in 06. He was a beast in the 06-07 season, and he made Staal a better player. I can’t see 09-10 being anything but a mediocre result for him, though.
Canes are Desperate for Power Forwards
Absolutely, the Hurricanes are totally, completely desperate for two more true power forwards with skill. TKO isn’t really my idea of a true, skilled power forward. He is 100% heart and determination; but 6’, 200 lbs is not a physical beast. He lacks the total game to be a hybrid power forward in the Ruutu, Tlusty mold. Osala meets the physical prototype — 6’4" 225 lbs; fast, quick, great hands, good vision of the ice, great ability to screen the goalie, and very difficult to move off the puck (for Osala the question is simply his sisu. If Osala comes to camp in mid-season form, totally committed, and hungry, he makes the roster; if not, he does the Charlotte shuffle).
With Cole, it is truly frustrating to see how many times he works hard around the net and can’t gather the puck and put it in the back of the net. It is also frustrating to see him create a 2 on 1 and then fan on the shot or blast it over the top of the net onto the glass. I don’t think Cole is unaware he has to become a Ryan Malone kind of player to help the Hurricanes. Instead, I think he lacks the nuanced hands that it takes to be successful in the dirty areas of the ice. Sutter may have the best hands of anybody on the team in being able to anticipate the puck and get a shot off 3 feet from the net. I think Staal may be the second best player in that regard when he gets in his mind that he has to go into the dirty areas.
In short, I don’t think it is a lack of resolve as much as it is Cole has brick hands. As posted above, the good news is that Cole is an excellent athlete and if he wants to regain his eye hand coordination and is willing to pay the personal price to work, he can improve that area of his game dramatically. To reference another sport, he is like a power forward who bricks free throws. If that player works with a shooting coach all summer, he can dramatically improve his skill as a free throw shooter. Cole could improve his shots on rebounds and one-timers; but it would take total, complete, obsessive dedication to do so — that is it would take tripling the off-season work that would be normal for a seasoned veteran.
Cole’s always been one of my favourites and the number of injuries he’s endured has been frustrating to watch. I know he’s only got one move, but it’s a good one and it causes havoc. Because he has stone hands I’d like to see him next year avoid trying to beat guys on the inside at the blueline causing a turnover and instead get the puck deep, even if you don’t retrieve it every time your making you opponent skate the whole length of ice versus transitioning at the blueline. He probably needs to simplify his game and pick his spots better, I think he’ll stay healthier that way.
To your points: I agree about TKO, Tlusty seems more of a finesse foward, Osala definitely meets the power forward definition however it remains to be seen he can get out of the AHL, so we’ll see. Free throw shooting and trying to score goals in the NHL aren’t the same thing, your either a goal scorer or your not, it’s like saying if Wade Brookbank works all summer with a coach he’ll eventually become a goal scorer. Cole seems to fall into the streaky goal scorer category. He shoots the puck well, I dont’ think there’s an issue there, he probably needs to shoot it more. Hands: Whitney might have the best hands in the NHL, it always amazes me how he picks passes out of mid-air, I’d probably put Sutter 3rd or 4th on the Canes, but he does have good hands.
Brookbank v. Cole
I’ll take the Brookbank v. Cole comparison and explain my point. Brookbank lacked the eye hand coordination and body control to ever improve beyond a given point. As you point out, Cole is a streaky scorer. When he is on his game, he can score tremendous goals. The fact that Cole has the eye hand coordination and body control to score in streaks means that he can in fact improve because he has sufficient fast fire synapses, body control, mental processing to get his hands moving in coordination with his body. Brookbank on the other hand lacks those basic skills. Free throw shooting and scoring within 4 feet are very, very similar (but not identical). One has to go to muscle memory and auto response by muscles. If one wanted a close athletic analogy it would be putting in shots across the crease in lacrosse. The point is that it takes an obsessive repetition to master the art. It is harder than it looks; but it an excellent athlete works obsessively on that one skill (rebound control and short shots to the net), their skill will improve dramatically.
Hands: I meant to be specific about the question of hands. I was referring to players who have the ability, strength, and mind-set to go into the dirty ice to get rebounds and put them into the back of the net, and who can streak across the crease and score in close. Whitney is truly remarkable with his eye hand coordination. Jokinen is also remarkable with his eye hand coordination. You will be pleased with the quick and soft hands of Boychuk and Dalpe when they get their turn. For absolute soft hands anywhere on the ice, I think Whitney, Jokinen, Sutter, Staal upon initial reflection would be my “Order of the Hands.”
I also agree that Cole needs to simplify his game, get the puck deep and make the defense turn and chase.
Brookbank’s a bad example, but at this point in his career it’s going to be tough to really improve any part of his game. Unlike a basketball rim goaltenders have something to say about how much net they offer and where they offer it, so if the only thing he changes is shooting the puck more he’ll get postive results from that and give his linemates more opportunities from that. Remember, the NHL averages about 1 goal for every 11 shots and it’s not a coincidence that the leading goal scorers also take the most shots, so I think he needs to shoots for the sake of shooting he’ll put up more points.
How about a slightly different approach. Cole needs to use his size and speed to get clear lanes and then throw as many shots as humanly possible at the net — as long as he can get the shots through to the net. If he can’t get a clear shooting lane, he needs to put the pucks deep and chase them using his speed to try to out-race the slower defensemen. Whenever he has a chance in the slot or crease shoot first and ask questions later.
When the dmen stand up and he can’t go wide he needs to dump it deep & retrieve, when he can go wide he needs to everytime, when the dmen give him gap but won’t allow him to go wide he needs to delay – save ice – start the cycle. He really needs to manage the blueline better, the Oiler fans hated how often he turns the puck over at the blueline, at the bear minimum get it deep.
When Cole is healthy and seems to be “on” (which is occurring less and less these days), he can be one dangerous right-winger, even when “unsuccessful” around the net.
His speed down the right side is still there. He’s a threat to pass, and good at it, so has to be played closely. Frequently draws penalties because of that.
Yes he hits the logo…a lot. But his best “shots” are when he has a trailing linemate and he feeds them the puck as a rebound off the far goalie pads (little the goalie can do about this crafty move).
It’s a subtle thing…but I appreciate subtlety.
That is very accurate and could serve as a notecard to give to Cole before each game. He doesn’t have to score goals on direct shots to help the team score; but he does have to (1) be healthy and (2) get shots through to the goalie, dump the puck deep if he is getting stood up at the blue, or (3) take the puck wide and cycle (see Go_Shelf above). Simplify, simplify, simplify.
Cole is most effective for the team when he significantly increases the opposing team’s heart rate by causing chaos down the right side and making his linemates look like snipers.
He did this for years on the BBC line, making the likes of Rod Brind’Amour and Bates Battaglia look good. :-D
D-men across the league are shaking in their boots thinking about the next time Cole might whip out his “Signature Move” against them.
Actually, Cole stopped finally using that “signature move.” He did get his leg fractured trying to run over a defender in the second game who had position in the corner. It makes no sense to me that he has not learned how to stop and cut. If I never see the recurrence of that signature move again, I will be grateful.
Even when it “fails”, it’s effective, whether executed by Cole or his successors in role.
It’s the cumulative effect of rushes like that, whether they result in that elusive “scoring chance” or not, that win hockey games for you.
It’s a war, not just a battle.
Really that one move is almost never effective in any sense. Everybody in the rink and watching the game on tv knows it is coming and it is really just like passing the puck harmlessly to the opposing team. Dumping the puck into one of the open corners is a much better move and isn’t any harder to accomplish. He just needs to erase the move and unlearn it.
I find when we’re successful it’s a culmination of doing all the little things right: getting pucks deep, making tape to tape passes, avoiding passes through high risk areas (especially in our own zone), using the boards instead of going through the middle, not passing up shooting opportunities, etc. A lot of this is coaching and getting guys to buy in, it might be why Detroit’s been so good for so long, they’re players understand their roles and understand what they have to do on a shft by shift basis to achieve the big goal.
I too am surprised and the C &D marks…but the facts are the facts huh ? I have to smile at many of the others comments and while many do have valid points…but when it’s all said and done…in the big picture…it really don’t matter…what matters is what 7 how the or any player on the canes bench does or did…Good stuff Bob…I thank you..
When The People Fear Their Government,There is Tyranny;
When The Government fears The People, There Is Liberty
I can’t see how you can grade anyone with only 40 games played. Incomplete.
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 7, 2010 9:11 AM EDT reply actions
FYI, if anyone is interested, here’s his exit interview.
First off, Bob, I really like and appreciate this feature of the forum, so thanks for doing this again this year.
I’m in kind of a hurry this morning so I’m not ready to post my thoughts yet, but just to set some expectations, this year I’m planning to analyze and grade based on my feelings as a fan of the sport and of the team, not necessarily based off the statistics or the reality. So I’ll probably drive a few of you crazy because my grades will be completely irrational in some cases, but at least they’ll be irrational across the board! LOL
Back later. Cole’s a tough one for me.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
It is interesting how a guy who was on his way to scoring 40 goals in 05-06 can have stretches where he looks like he has pretty limited hand-eye coordination. I can’t believe that has much to do with injuries.
I did notice, though, when he was healthy, that he finally learned to vary his rushes by doing that circle—back to the half boards, create space and look for a pass.
I just hope he can find his way off the team or onto the 4th line come playoff time next year, he is the most abysmal playoff performer the Canes have ever had. He has 5 assists in his past 20 playoff games as a top-6 guy. That’s just bad.
yes, prior to this year the same could be said about Joe Thorton. IF statement: IF(we get to the playoffs and Cole’s in the mix he’ll feel a lot of pressure to put up points because of prior playoff performances).
Comparing Erik Cole and Joe Thornton… An Art Ross and Hart Trophy winner, multiple 100+ point seasons, and multi-time All-Star to a guy who is a shell of a player who wasn’t half as good as Thornton to begin with.
Thornton has nearly a ppg pace in his playoff career even with the tag of “choke-artist”, I’d hate to think what that means for Cole and his 0.25 ppg pace. I guess it can’t really be considered choking if he has an awful season to begin with.
It is fair to say that players can find their game in the playoffs and that each playoff is a new day for all the players. It is equally fair to say that some players like Jokinen and Staal have a history of being at their best during the playoffs, while other players tend to become invisible.
Everything get’s way tighter in the playoffs and mistakes gets magnified in terms of significance, I’m not sure if his lack of production is due to lack of space or he’s so scared to make a mistake he stops playing his normal game. He definitely simplyfied things in the playoffs last year and played a more subdued game.
I wouldn’t call one great playoff year by Jokinen a “history.” Definitely Staal tho.
by Cory Lavalette on May 7, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not a big fan of “Out-of-Control Cole,” but he is not the first player that needs to go. I think his size does help with the mini-Canes and he has been pretty good helping bring the kids along. His production has continued to slip and is probably only useful in a certain capacity. I think Cole could be useful playing a 3rd line role with the like of Boychuk, Dalpe, Bowman, and/or LaRose. If he can be traded or packaged in a trade for a useful player (not a mid-level prospect), then JR should make the deal. If not, keep him in a limited role and let him move on or retire at season’s end next year.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on May 7, 2010 7:12 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I’m a big fan of Erik Cole, personally. I was excited when he returned here last year. I love his wry sense of humor and his surly side on the ice and with the media, and I think he’s a great Hurricane, a great community guy, a great team guy, fantastic with the fans. I always get the feeling he’s probably one of the most "normal" guys on the roster, the one you could hang out with in real life.
I vacillate between wanting to keep him and thinking the Canes should buy out the last year of his contract. I watched him practice for weeks knowing that he wanted to play but couldn’t for whatever mystery ailment he suffered from, which I always suspected was neurological, and like many of you I heard the rumors that he was considering retirement, and sometimes I wished he’d do that. I wonder if he should even be out on the ice at all. I just don’t know how you ever fully recover from a broken freaking neck and maintain any sense of normalcy much less perform at an elite level in a high-speed, high-contact sport. He’s still fast and he’s still a physical force, but I don’t know what else he’s really capable of anymore or what the "right" role might be for him.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Oh, and one more thing. Sadly he’s not “on” his game much anymore, but when he is, he is damn fun to watch.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on May 8, 2010 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Cole's Role Next Season
Over all, there are so many great points and varied points made about Cole. I realize we have to take Cole as he is now and not as we would want him to be — without the broken neck from a dirty hit. I think the Hurricanes will try to start Cole on the first line with Staal and Whitney; and will try then a second line of Jokinen/Sutter/Ruutu. I have heard and read so many favorable comments by Canes’ coaches about Cole and his size and speed; and when Cole returned from his leg fracture and then the mysterious [neck] injury, he spent time on the first line.
In the end, I think Cole would work better on a second line with Sutter -perhaps Whitney/Sutter/Cole. Sutter and Whitney have great hands and all Cole needs to do is fire shots through to the net and then let Whitney and Sutter work their magic. I suspect Jim Rutherford does not know exactly what his plans are with regard to Cole and that he is waiting to see which Cole shows up at training camp - (1) Cole the inspired, force of nature power forward or (2) Cole the somewhat disengaged skater who seems to circle around the rink like a hawk riding the wind currents but not in hunting mode.
Don’t know why the strikeouts came up. Here it is again:
Over all, there are so many great points and varied points made about Cole. I realize we have to take Cole as he is now and not as we would want him to be — without the broken neck from a dirty hit. I think the Hurricanes will try to start Cole on the first line with Staal and Whitney; and will try then a second line of Jokinen/Sutter/Ruutu. I have heard and read so many favorable comments by Canes’ coaches about Cole and his size and speed; and when Cole returned from his leg fracture and then the mysterious [neck] injury, he spent time on the first line.
In the end, I think Cole would work better on a second line with Sutter, perhaps Whitney/Sutter/Cole. Sutter and Whitney have great hands and all Cole needs to do is fire shots through to the net and then let Whitney and Sutter work their magic. I suspect Jim Rutherford does not know exactly what his plans are with regard to Cole and that he is waiting to see which Cole shows up at training camp – (1) Cole the inspired, force of nature power forward or (2) Cole the somewhat disengaged skater who seems to circle around the rink like a hawk riding the wind currents but not in hunting mode.
You constantly mention that we have tons of potential top-6 talent waiting in our flanks and then you want to waste a perfectly good top-6 spot on Cole? I don’t get that.
I’d rather see any other young guy up there, I don’t even care who, but someone who will grown, learn, and benefit from the position to help the Canes out for years to come. Cole will be here next year and then likely retire, he is a shell of his former self and every team in the league realizes it. It was fun bringing him back while it lasted, but I can’t see him being an integral part of the Canes moving forward.
JussiJuice, I have don’t disagree with your assessment that in all likelihood Cole will be on the Hurricanes team next year and unless he has a career year is likely to retire or be traded at the deadline. I still think the coaching staff is going to try Cole on the first and second lines based on their statements about him and how he was played when he returned from his upper body (neck) injury. I think Cole does play solid defense and is physical; so it is entirely logical to put him on a third line. I could see a Boychuk/Dalpe/Cole line as being a hybrid line with speed and defensive skills, but also with scoring ability. It all depends on which Cole comes to camp and how his season progresses. I don’t see Cole being a long-term player due to the injury problems he has had. It is also true that long term the Hurricanes are stacked with top six talent; and that it is somewhat illogical to keep younger talented players off the ice where there is always a risk that Cole will be hurt and unable to play during key stretches.
I actually think a decent 3rd line would be LaRose-Dalpe-Cole. They could provide some energy, speed, and defensive responsibility. Having some experience wingers could possibly help Dalpe’s development. And will all three players have some speed, they each bring a different element to that line.
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And AD, just in case you’re wondering; I would put Boychuk on the 2nd line with Sutter & Ruutu. We have to find out this year if this kid can be a top 6 winger or if his size is going to be too much of a hindrance.
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Boychuk and Sutter
Boychuk and Sutter played together in the past in the lower leagues and from what each has said felt they had great chemistry together. Having seen Boychuk play both at Carolina and at the AHL, I think he will be extremely well in the NHL. He realizes he needs to get stronger on his skates; but he very much on course in his development. I have also seen him rock some bigger defensemen. I think he needs to add 10lbs to 15lbs in the next two or three years; but even more importantly, he needs to continue his work on acceleration and shooting more quickly. I agree he needs to be given time on the second line to assess whether he is ready for regular duty against the top lines.
Gotta inject some Mo’ism. I’d like to see ‘Chuck on the second line. I’d like to see semi static lines. Mo can’t even pick ties out let alone let lines develop. If Mo keeps his Mexican Jumping Bean theory of how to pick lines going. It’s almost a waste having such great prospects.
I ain’t bitched on this one in awhile, but the coaching staff has got to adjust or be changed.
A
P.S. and Rod needs to man up and retire or be bought out TODAY!!!!!
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Young hockey players, the future, the answer. Learn it, then live it.
Rod deserves his money as dictated by his contract but the Canes have every right to buy him out. If he feels he really isn’t ready to retire, I sincerely hope the Canes say “too bad” and just buy him out. He can go play in the AHL for the next 10 years with Chelios if he isn’t willing to accept reality.
My Final thoughts On Erik Cole
many of you have on both sides of the ledger offer at times good to great points in favor or disfavor for the player named Erik Cole, but on one of LTD’s last posts she brought out a key issue many while mentioning injuries forget…When it comes to neuro type of injuries over 90% of the time and depending on your physical condition at the time of an injury many do recover but as time goes on and by…even at 100% functionality & etc…the person seems to be a or just a hair off..again as LTD has pointed out her being there and watching first hand has seen what many of us have not nor will…spinal cord injuries are tough things to survive from…and for Cole to even be on the ice and play at the NHL level is indeed a remarkable thing…but so is Savard,Sutter to name a couple of people who have had concussions ..to me an even worse neuro injury is a concussion…none of us here really truely know just how many promising NHL careers have been cut short due to concussions…I said of of that NOT to influence anyone’s thoughts or opinions, but make sure all of us here has ALL the facts (including myself)…before we cast the first stone…and either praise him or any player or if we crucify him (them). Stats are a good barometer of what and how a player has done…but it is just a guide…as it only only shows on side or facit of any player….including Brookbank who had serveral Rat players in knots during the playoff run too by the way…Like HM2 i also thank Bob for doing this…as there is and will be tons of things to learn and to get to know… have a safe week end
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Incomplete
Interesting, before I looked at the stats I would’ve thought the part of the year he played this year was way down—but projecting out the season based on the 40 games looks pretty consistent (other than assists) with the other years (other than 2006). This leads me to believe there’s not enough sample size to draw an accurate conclusion. Maybe 80 games would’ve given us 20 goals/15 assists/etc., which is not what we’re paying for—but consistent with his recent years.
C- for adaptation
i think he changed his game some as he realized he wasn’t getting ice time anymore. He became more a checker than a forward. He was also one of the few folks to be positive in the +/- realm. That adaptation saved him in my mind. I think that if he continues to adapt him game and (knock on wood) stay healthy, there is likely a discounted rate available for him in 2011 come UFA status – which I would be all for.
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