2009-10 Canes Country Exit Analysis: Tim Gleason
by Bob Wage on Jun 8, 2010 3:13 PM EDT
in 2009-10 Exit Analysis
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PrintLook up the definition of "warrior" in the dictionary and you're liable to find a picture of Tim Gleason. This player will drop the gloves in a heartbeat for any of his teammates, will skate through a brick wall in order to win, or will perform any other role asked of him.
Most critics in the league figured that Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford got fleeced back in 2006 when he traded the rights to Jack Johnson to the Los Angeles Kings for Gleason and Eric Belanger. (The Canes also tossed in defenseman Oleg Tverdovsky, a mistake of a signing who was still owed millions on his contract.) But if people questioned it before, at least no one in North Carolina is complaining about that trade right now.
One of the season's most memorable moments? When the defenseman took a puck to the face in Washington, left the game to be stitched up, then returned with a full face shield. Gleason scored a shorthanded goal in the third period of that game and willed his team to a tie in regulation.
The Good: After failing to score a single goal in the 2008-09 regular season, Gleason broke through for a career high five goals last season. He was one of the team leaders in average time on the ice, (21:12), but did suffer a couple of injuries and missed a total of 21 games over the course of the season. He is a team leader who is not too shy to speak to the media after a loss, but allows others to take the lime light after a win. The defenseman is almost always on the ice facing the opponent's best forwards. He is the team's top shut down man on the blueline.
Gleason also made a name for himself in the Olympic games as many who were unfamiliar with him ended up being impressed with his rugged, solid play. He helped Team USA to a Silver Medal finish after many questioned if he even belonged on the team.
The Bad: The blueliner has improved on this, but still can take an undisciplined penalty at times. While he is an excellent fighter and it's tough to question his desire to stand up for teammates, sometimes it would better suit the team if others did the fighting and he stayed on the ice. He is better on offense than he gives himself credit for and should be more confident in the other team's zone.
The Money: Gleason has two more years on his current contract which pays him $3 million this coming season and $3.5 million the following year. His cap hit number is $2.75 million. (Salary Chart)
Discussion: According to your expectations, what grade did you give Gleason and why? Should he fight more or less next season? How can he improve?
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There are only two (maybe three players) I can justify giving an A to because they not only met, but exceeded my expectations and the expectations of most outsiders. Tim Gleason is one of them. Gleason for Emperor!
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
by caniacgirl on Jun 8, 2010 3:24 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Gleason is a Solid A to Me
I view myself, rightly or wrongly, as a pretty strict grader. I think Gleason is a very solid A. If he had an identical twin, the Hurricanes would be lucky. Given the youth movement we are seeing, he is even more important to the team.
by abramsdoug on Jun 8, 2010 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
In my book, Timmy gets a A for his game in DC. He’s a gamer. Will never quit.
Go Canes!
by ivyleager on Jun 8, 2010 3:48 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Tim Earned
The “A” i gave him..yes he has a few flaws as a player…
but he plays like his life depended on it…and he leads by example…again despite his flaws on the ice…can & will he improve..I see no physical reason NOT to. personally I’d like to see him wearing an “A” on his jersey for the 2010-2011 season…but will he get it ?/ that is and would be another story from the RBCC…Thanks Bob…good effort on this…Yawn…nap time folks…Later…
Freedom Isn't Free, Someone Paid For It !
And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
Emperor.
A.
That is all.
"...they will not force us...they will stop degrading us...they will not control us...we will be victorious..."
Mah blog.
I agree with caniacgirl that there are probably only two or three players on the team that deserve an A (I lean to three), with Gleason being one of them. Who the heck gave him a ‘D’??!!
If Whitney isn’t back, I think Gleason will definitely be wearing an A on his jersey next season. The guy gives it everything he’s got every game and every practice and sets a great example for the team.
Let's go Hartolina WhalerCanes!!!! I am a big fan of the Canes, but I still have some residual Brass Bonanza Blue and Green in me.
Thanks! I’ve actually been an avid reader of Canes Country since the 08-09 season. I think I’d go slightly insane this summer without it.
Many folks I know who are transplants like me have their “home town” team that they root for whenever the team is in town playing the Canes. But I’ve been a fan of this franchise since its WHA days, although I didn’t follow them as closely between when they left Hartford and when I moved to Raleigh. So this transplant is very happy to call the Canes his home town team once again.
Although I still reserve the right to dislike Karmano ;-).
Let's go Hartolina WhalerCanes!!!! I am a big fan of the Canes, but I still have some residual Brass Bonanza Blue and Green in me.
Welcome Ned
If what you say comes true several Gleason fans will be all the more “merrier”…
glad to have you here…
Freedom Isn't Free, Someone Paid For It !
And if it Aint Hockey,It Aint Nothin !!
I give Tim a B. He played solid to very good and earned himself a Team USA spot.
And for the ladies here; he’s dreamy!
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Jun 8, 2010 5:15 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I gave Gleason a B. But I was basing my grade on what I think his potential is, and I think we’ve got more to come from him. If we were grading on a curve of who is the best ’Cane? Gleason is at the top of the class.
http://www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jun 8, 2010 7:07 PM EDT reply actions
Pfffft. Didn’t even need to read Bob’s write-up on this one (but I did).
A
No question. But it really has nothing to do with his “dreaminess”.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
Sure it doesn’t…
http://www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jun 8, 2010 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think he’s “dreamy”. Sorry. But I do think he is very badass.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Jun 8, 2010 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, let’s be clear in our worship here ;)
http://www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jun 8, 2010 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions
More shots to the face than Jenna does not rate an A, I gave him a C, needs to score more….Just sayin’..
really?? I thought he was our shut down defenseman, not his job to be a 20 goal scorer just sayin :)
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
A+++++++++
did anyone really expect anything different from me??? I think in the beginning of the season he did take a few too many penalties, and got in a few too many fights (I’m not complaining, I LOVE Timmy fights) but I think as the season progressed he really found his discipline and had a hell of a season!! Looking forward to more greatness from the Emperor next season!! (and he IS badass AND smokin hottt!!) ;)
"That’s what happens when you suck" - Tim Gleason
I am shocked at the paltry number of +’s on your grade sheet! I was expecting 15-20 easy. ;)
"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 attended three practices this season and who was the last person to leave the ice each time? It was Tim Gleason who stayed on the ice working on his slapshot. I can’t say he did that every practice but I can’t say it is a coincidence that I happened to attend the only three practices he stayed on the ice for either.
Let's go Hartolina WhalerCanes!!!! I am a big fan of the Canes, but I still have some residual Brass Bonanza Blue and Green in me.
A
- we all know tim gleason is a fighter on the ice but sometimes i wonder what Tim Gleason would or could do with his extraordinary talents off of the ice..
if Tim Gleason were to fight crime like Superman.
if Tim Gleason were to take on global warming.
if Tim Gleason were to fight a category 5 hurricane bearing down on us, who would win? but wait what if that hurricane was named tim gleason who would win?
please provide an opponent you all would like to see against Tim Gleason.
The nerd in me laughed out loud at this. :)
"What Carolina really has going for them is Brandon Sutter. When that kid first showed up, he looked like a skinny little thing that wouldn’t last two weeks. But he’s turned into a real star."
by caniacgirl on Jun 9, 2010 7:59 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Let’s get real here folks. Tim Gleason showed so much sisu in that Caps game that he was made an honorary Finn. Timmo Gleasonen. That alone is worth an A on my grade sheet.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
That person is clueless. Luke DeCock tossed LaRose’s name out the other day as someone the Bruins would want that the Canes could trade up in the draft. But DeCock said it wasn’t going to happen.
No worries. If he was all that expendable they wouldn’t be using him in their ASG ads, right?
It's gonna be a long summer.
by Carolyn Christians on Jun 9, 2010 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
LaRose and Marketing
It is hard to envision the Hurricanes front office planning to unload LaRose via trade and not telling the marketing department to chill out on featuring LaRose in the ASG advertisements. From what Jim Rutherford said I think LaRose will get a strong shot on the LaRose/Staal/Jokinen line just as they did in the 3/18/2010 game against Washington. It’s a game well worth watching on video; and LaRose finished on a break away with a fantastic centering pass from Jokinen. That game showed LaRose at his best. Still, I think Jim Rutherford was sending a very serious message to LaRose, Cole, Samsonov, and TK when he said there were only five or six untouchables.
It’s going to be “man up” time for veterans like LaRose, Cole, TK, and Samsonov this season. It will be a no excuses evaluation, and depending how they and the team are doing prior to the trade deadline, they could play themselves off the team. I suspect the decision about Samsonov has already been made.
Players with One Year Left on Contracts and Tradability
Any player with one year left on their contract is highly tradable in the NHL. This was true before the cap era, but is particularly true now. It limits the impact on the cap while also giving the team a good chance to kick the tires.
Look at the guys on the Canes who will be potential UFAs after the 2010-11 season. Here’s the list in how much trade value they have IMO:
Joni Pitkanen
Jussi Jokinen
Chad LaRose
Erik Cole/Sergei Samsonov (those guys have about equal trade value)
Patrick Dwyer
Rod Brind’Amour (I’m assuming the organization won’t trade him)
You can re-arrange those in any way you want, but I can’t see the top three changing. The order, possibly, but it will still be the same three guys at the top of the list. That means if the team struggles any or all of those guys could be traded. Rosey is in a sweet spot because he could be traded before the draft and the team could still be viable. Jussi or Joni could be traded at the draft depending on what the Canes can do with that first pick.
I’m not saying this as a knock of LaRose. There is no bigger fan of LaRose. I’ve been on the Chuck Norris bandwagon since 05-06. Bob can attest to that. That said, he’s not on an expensive contract, nor is his cap hit too high. He can put up goals and points if healthy. He can play on just about any line and be valuable. He can PK like the best of them and is always a threat for a short handed chance. His heart is amazing.
The thing to remember is that the things we love about him is what makes him so valuable on the open market. Add to it that the Canes have defensive system and can go with other penalty killer options and have young guys coming in that could bring the heart that Rosey does and you start to see that the Canes can, at least on paper, replace his skills. I personally don’t think that’s true, but I can see how some GM’s could believe it. Furthermore, I don’t think that LaRose is so good that he can’t be traded if the team gets something back in return that helps them be competitive for years to come.
For those saying it can’t happen, look back to the start of last season. Who thought Matt Cullen would be traded? No one. Cory posted an article about such a thing and was nearly run out of town on a rail. It happened and it can happen to LaRose.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
anything can happen at the trade deadline depending,
but that article was about a pre draft trade including larose.
which is what i dont think will happen
I think that article, like much of the threads here, are conjecture. The author didn’t pull an Eklund and claim it was E57 that it was going to happen. He was just throwing out a possibility. I think DeCock went farther in his article on Sunday, but that’s just my opinion.
I think of the guys that have value LaRose is the easiest for the Canes to replace. Again, I don’t know that it will happen, but I do think it is possible. That said, teams seem to be less willing to deal at the draft than they were pre-lockout. That said, what if the Canes do draft Connolly? The team could return him to juniors, which wouldn’t be a bad idea given the low number of games he played last year. However, if they carry him on the big league roster some one else has to move and LaRose is probably the easiest given his contract to value ratio.
Again, not saying probable, just saying it is very possible.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I’m really starting to like the idea of trying to get Boston’s pick. DeCock’s recent article has a lot of merit (3 marquee centermen).
The speculation is not surprising.
It’s not just that LaRose is the player with value who is easiest to replace. I would think that he is the only player with significant value that the Canes could or would trade. Cole and Samsonov have limited value right now.
JR can say that only 5 or 6 are untouchable, but come on, it’s larger than that, at least for the start of the season. The following will be on this team come training camp: Staal, Sutter, Jokinen, Ruutu, Ward, Gleason, Pitkanen, McBain and Carson.
Outside of LaRose, I would think the other guys who might offer some value are some of the prospects, or maybe Picard.
I’ve said it elsewhere, but if the deal was # 7 and Jokinen for #2, assuming Edmonton takes Hall, I’d make that deal. It cuts close to the skin, no doubt about it, but I would make that deal to get Seguin. Having that many centers, moving Dalpe to wing, guys in the system, the chance to draft D in later rounds. To me, it’s worth it.
I just wish JR would have given up Ray Whitney for Lent.
I’d make that deal even if Edmonton didn’t assure they were taking Hall. I’d take either one of those guys.
http://www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Jun 9, 2010 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions
No trade...
Barring a crazy offer, i wouldn’t even consider trading Rosie! The guy is HEART, when you see him go up against Chara (win or lose) you’ve got to want him on your team PERIOD!!!
Everybody who was trying to dismantle the team recently (trade: rosie, tko, pitkanen etc….),
where is your proposal to get rid of Gleason? CHILL PEOPLE… this team has a lot of skill, and youth, THIS JUST IN -—THE SKY ISN’T FALLING!!!!!!!!
My point Exactly!!!
What are Jokinen, or Pitkanen CHOPPED LIVER?
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