Carolina Hurricanes Draft Jeff Skinner With Seventh Pick
by Bob Wage on Jun 25, 2010 9:15 PM EDT
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PrintLos Angeles, CA. The Carolina Hurricanes had the opportunity to draft either Brandon Gormley or Cam Fowler, two of the top rated defensemen in the draft, but decided to stick with a forward as the chose high scoring center Jeffrey Skinner of the Kitchener Rangers.
Skinner was one of the highest scorers in the OHL last season and exploded in the playoffs as he scored 20 goals in 20 games. The ISS reports that he has tremendous lower body strength and has the potential to be one of the premier scorers in this draft.
The center led the OHL in per game scoring average as he scored 50 goals and chipped in with 40 assists in 64 regular season games. The former nationally ranked figure skater said that he was surprised to be selected by the Canes, but is excited about the opportunity. He's going to show up to camp with the expectation to make the team and take it from there.
((Update))
I spoke with Tony MacDonald after the first round was completed and asked him about the choice.
The team had Skinner as the highest on their board at the time they chose him. Higher than Gormley, higher than Fowler. They knew if he was there, they wanted to draft him. He's been a prolific scorer at every level.
I asked him what he thought was the biggest surprise of the first round. He said he was surprised the way Gormley and Fowler dropped as low as they did, but then with a smile he said, "maybe us picking Skinner at #7".
After the jump, check out one of Skinner's first interviews with the media as a Cane.
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Can still go down to juniors like Boychuk did.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2010 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
guess a good addition to the checkers.
Hopefully the 'Canes re-sign Ray Whitney to a nice 2 year deal and he retires comfortably at age 40. Maybe even 1 more Stanley Cup? :)
but I think he is playing with the Rangers next season
Carolina Hurricanes! Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champions!
Me too.
Though I wouldn’t put it past them to give him the 10-game trial with the big club.
Advance apologies if the contents of this sports-based post offended you. I'm just aiming to educate the masses. My law professor says they're asses.
Panthers '010: Save the Richardson family coffers! We'll take the winning if we stumble into it.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2010 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Can’t play in the AHL until he is 21 years old. Either the Canes or back to the CHL with him. I seriously doubt he is physically ready for the NHL as of now though.
I believe it’s 20. Like Dalpe and Sutter.
It's gonna be a long summer. [But a helluva weekend!]
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 25, 2010 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s the only thing that sucks about the NHL draft: you usually don’t see these guys for 2-3 years, if even that.
In any case, looking for Skinner to score quite a bit when he makes the team. Hopefully he will be the playmaker Staal needs on his wing.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Rutherford seems to think its possible he’ll be ready next fall. He may just be saying that.
It's gonna be a long summer. [But a helluva weekend!]
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 25, 2010 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions
He’ll be flashy in camp and in preseason. But, hard to see the wisdom of rushing him, regardless.
We’ll see. Too crowded, methinks.
It will be hard to find him becuase he is so short.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Sounds like bigger than Whitney or LaRose. “He has incredible hands” is what Tony MacDonald said (latest CanesNow from Chip). Comparable to Boychuk?
It's gonna be a long summer. [But a helluva weekend!]
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 25, 2010 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Umm. Gionta, Cammalari… What about the Habs?
It's gonna be a long summer. [But a helluva weekend!]
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 25, 2010 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t be surprised given the recent youth movement.
by PittsburghCaniac on Jun 25, 2010 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
CHL option
At least if he is sent back it’s to a good team with a chance at a deep playoff run.
Experiencing success is not a bad thing.
He likely played with Matt Kennedy before Kennedy went to Barrie, right? Wonder if that’s when they scouted him at first?
It's gonna be a long summer. [But a helluva weekend!]
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 25, 2010 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
We signed Kennedy recently didn’t we?
It's gonna be a long summer. [But a helluva weekend!]
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 25, 2010 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
If y’all have any suggestions for my Skinner-fish, please share. Boy13 is thinking something that recalls Lady Gaga. We simply are not prepared for this one.
It's gonna be a long summer. [But a helluva weekend!]
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 25, 2010 9:46 PM EDT reply actions
I got a suggestion for a JR fish. Nah, I’m trying to not be neagtive.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 25, 2010 9:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Jun 25, 2010 10:33 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
At first I wasn’t so sure about this pick b/c I was surprised that JR didn’t pick Gormley or Fowler when he had the chance. That only means one thing: Our scouts and management must REALLY like this kid.
At 5’ 10", 190, I think he actually has good size. He’s not tall, but that means he doesn’t need a lot of space to make something happen. Judging by his weight, he seems to have a solid build, so it may be rather difficult to knock him off the puck. I was very happy to find out that he weighed in at what he did. Unlike many other prospects, he won’t have to put on another 15 to 20 lbs. before he’s physically mature enough to play in the NHL … one less thing to worry about. Therefore, this means he is one step closer to the NHL than some other players.
The more I read about him and watch some of his videos, the more I like him. The Canes really needed a center, so I’m very happy they addressed that issue and got him. Staal/Sutter/Skinner down the middle should be a formidable lineup. I’m guessing he’ll spend some time with the Checkers next year and we’ll see him with the big club for good during the ‘11-’12 season. Good pick!
Yes, I just remembered that he may be too young to play in the AHL next year, so he may have to return to his junior team next year. Maybe he’ll improve enough to where he can make that jump from the juniors to the NHL in ‘11-’12, as many great players have done before. Some reports have him as an NHL-ready prospect now … we’ll see. Either way, we need him ASAP.
by DesertCaniac on Jun 26, 2010 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Play me some Skinner!
Is it October yet?
by hotchipsnsalsa on Jun 26, 2010 10:32 PM EDT reply actions
Welcome to the Canes Jeff
I was confused at first, when they announced the pick, but since then I have completely changed my opinion. I’m glad we got Skinner instead of Fowler. I don’t know if I would have been brave enough to make that decision if I were in JR’s shoes, but I’m glad he did. I think the raw talent Skinner has not only was good enough to make him the seventh pick of the draft but also arguably in the top three offensive forwards overall. But the thing that knocks my socks off is his character and attitude. The kid is only 18 and he seems as mature and intelligent as a seasoned NHL pro. I’m really excited to see him represent the organization and us Caniacs… I see myself wearing a “Skinner jersey” in the next three or four years.
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