Training Camp Tryouts: Who Is Available?
by Bob Wage on Sep 15, 2010 5:37 PM EDT
Email
PrintLast week, Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford told the media that he was planning to invite a couple of players with NHL experience to tryout with the club. The general manager was quick to point out that he would only be offering two-way deals, he did not want to close the door on the rookies who were trying to earn a spot on the team.
There are several experienced players out there who have yet to sign an NHL contract. Would they consider trying out for a two-way deal? Let's take a quick look at some possibilities.
Defensemen:
There were a couple of rumors out there that the Canes had been in contact with this defenseman's agent. The Czech native has size, (6'3), and is a stay at home type with experience which could come in handy.
Another physical, stay at home guy who is looking for a home.
It's hard to believe how far this guy's stock has fallen over the past couple of years, but he's a shot blocker who might provide decent depth, if he's healthy.
Forwards:
While no one is knocking down his door with contract offers, it's still doubtful he would accept a two-way deal at this stage in his career.
Could provide depth at the center position if the youngsters don't pan out.
Mountain of a man would beef up the fourth line, but he takes bad penalties.
No longer wanted in Dallas, could this be another Finn to resurrect his career in Carolina?
Cory and I chatted about this and he emailed me his thoughts as well.
Jason Williams — always seems to land somewhere right before the season
Owen Nolan — veteran addition that can still score 15-20
Patrick O`Sullivan — NC connections
Wayne Primeau — good faceoff guy, PKer
Kyle Wellwood — likes to eat doughnuts, will love Krispy Kreme
Steve Begin — Agitator who can play center or wing
Adam Mair — good hustle guy, but riddled with injuries
Dean McAmmond — defensive forward, great skater ... solid fourth liner
Shean Donovan — big and fast fourth line winger who can play on PK
Marek Svatos — can score 25-30 in right situation; typical JR reclamation project
One might ask, why even bother to invite anyone? The Canes have plenty of young players available to earn the open spots.
But every team needs depth, especially one with the health problems that the Canes usually seem to have. Also, it would be better to have a veteran sitting the bench as a healthy extra, rather than have a rookie sitting there. If a prospect fails to make the top 12, or top 6 on defense, they should be in Charlotte playing big minutes.
Extra competition never hurts in camp. There already is a lot at stake, but another player or two in the mix, (with his NHL career on the line), should only enhance the mood.
The training camp roster should be out anytime. We will see what happens.
26 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Kyle Wellwood — likes to eat doughnuts, will love Krispy Kreme
Winner winner chicken dinner.
"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."
CaniacGirl, are you channeling ESPN?
John Buccigross would like his royalty for saying Chicken Dinner.
This killed me.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Sep 15, 2010 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t mind seeing W. Primeau as the 13th forward at a very cheap rate. He would be a solid 4th liner and someone that could take important PK faceoffs.
Triple Gold Juice - It's Potent and Guaranteed to Help You Score!
by PackPride17 on Sep 15, 2010 6:18 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Me too
E.Staal is not very good in the circle. Sutter was around 50% ( I think) last season as was Jokinen when asked to take one. Not knowing if any of the young bucks who might win a job at center are any good at face-offs it might not be a bad idea to bring in a guy who can win one as needed. As much as Brindy’s overall play fell off he was always good for a face-off win when needed. I wonder if Primeau holds any ill will towards the organization over his brothers "treatment " here. Probably not enough to turn down a job, I’d venture to guess!
O’Sullivan might be an interesting choice as well on the forward side.
But every team needs depth, especially one with the health problems that the Canes usually seem to have.
This quote should be its own article.
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 Sep 15, 2010 7:31 PM EDT reply actions
Bingo
Our Third Jersey logo should’ve been the Red Cross…
by East of Here on Sep 15, 2010 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Whoops on Wellwood. Think Exelby is going to Rangers camp, too
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 15, 2010 8:13 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Canes just tweeted that Invites are going out and stay tuned. Would they announce it at this hour?
Twitter @HMof2
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 15, 2010 8:54 PM EDT reply actions
Former Canuck Ryan Johnson?
I’d like to see him invited to the Hurricanes training camp. He’s a good 2-way forward who can kill penalties and is a great faceoff man. Before breaking into the NHL he played for the New Haven Beast of the AHL on a line with Checkers coach Jeff Daniels. He’s cheap and can provide a solid depth role
From a Canucks fan
I think you’d be disappointed in Johnson. He didn’t have a very good tenure here in Vancouver. Yes, he plays with a lot of heart, is a character guy, and bravely dives in front of shots. However, that’s about it with him. His 52.7% faceoff percentage was ok, but not really a difference maker for someone who is supposed to be a faceoff specialist (he was also below 50% in 08-09). He dives in front of shots so much that he often ends up putting himself out of position, resulting in scoring opportunities for the opposition team. He has no offensive upside, and because of his style of play he gets hurt often, which would not be good for a team already suffering from injury woes. He’s no spring chicken either at 34. I would be very surprised if he were back in the league next year.
Five Finns. The RBC Center will implode from all the sisu on the ice at the same time.
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Sep 15, 2010 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
So, 45 players is just slightly more than were invited last year (41), and down from the 59 that were invited two years ago. Wonder how that compares across the league?
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on Sep 15, 2010 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey Bob, I think the picture you have posted is actually Brayden Coburn, not Krajicek.
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Sep 15, 2010 10:42 PM EDT reply actions
you are right! Just goes to show, even the AP make mistakes. Will change photos, thanks.
Editing Manager of CanesCountry.com
No prob, Bob!
www.prosportsblogging.com
by Great Ice-Pectations on Sep 16, 2010 3:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Considering that one of Patrick O’Sullivan’s NC “connections” is the abusive father he’s had a restraining order out against for years, I kinda doubt he’s interested in coming here.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the Greensboro Coliseum rafters in 1997 didn't see any of this coming.
Well, scratch all that.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the Greensboro Coliseum rafters in 1997 didn't see any of this coming.
There's no room or money, but otherwise Exelby could be tempting
I’ve been against bringing in any vets, but, if healthy, Exelby is worth a look for Tim Gleason’s sake and as protection for the Canes’ kids.
At 6’1" and 215 lbs, Exelby has a rugged frame much like Gleason’s 6’ 217 lbs. Exelby has had years with an OK + / – (+11 with the Thrashers in 05-06) and it looks as though he’s fared pretty well in fights so he could help protect the kids against teams that rely on intimidation. That is a concern given the makeup of the team and the plan to integrate some young and less than titanic prospects like Boychuk, Dalpe, Skinner, Bowman or Nash.
At 29, Exelby isn’t that much older than Harrison. It wouldn’t be like adding a 37-yr-old retread and hoping the gods grant him another year of hockey life.
I don’t really have a sense of how good or bad a defenseman Exelby would be if paired, say, with McBain or Sanguinetti. But he would allow the Canes a second pair of defensemen that combines a really rugged guy with a mobile offensive defenseman who relies on positioning in his own end instead of body checks.
Dumoulin, Faulk and Alt are years away, and it isn’t clear that the Canes have any defenseman in the pipeline who is as physical as Exelby. Given the realities of the NHL, I do see adding that type of player as a serious Canes’ need.
I find it hard to believe that Exelby would come cheap enough for the Canes’ current budget.
by curiouscanesfan on Sep 16, 2010 11:24 AM EDT reply actions
As mentioned above, Exelby is going to Rangers camp.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 16, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canes Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
- Friday’s Three Stars: Devils head to Final; Brodeur, Kovalchuk the difference in Game 6
- Devils eliminate Rangers in Game 6, ending fear of the past, setting course for the future
