FanPost

JR Goes to Charlotte

Great feel good story about JR and entourage being in Charlotte last night. Wesley and Barasso were both mentioned in the TV coverage as accompanying him on the trip, and perhaps there were others.

Certainly was a big day in the history of the franchise down there with the TWC telecast of the game. And, the Canes did have the day off the ice, so might as well tool down Interstate and take in a game.

But, the more I thought about things, I decided that there was (as usual) more going on than meets the eye.

As always, JR's working when he's watching games. However, there was a convergence occurring last night that was more than coincidental, in my opinion.

Trading season is officially open and JR's judging the horseflesh himself, for one thing. Not only are there prospects there that are destined for the Canes on some kind of time line, from "immediate" (Dalpe) to "maybe sometime" (Samson?).

Beyond that, there are decisions to be made on who will not make the Canes, due to being thrown in as the "extra" on some much larger trade. Excess assets have value, too. If we can't use them at the NHL level, someone else may. A painful loss for the fans of that team, but sometimes a golden opportunity for that prospect that leaves a crowded barn and heads for greener pastures where the numbers game will perhaps work more in their favor, since the receiving team is asking for prospects in the deal.

But, then I really became aware of what might be transpiring. The opponent on the night of JR's visit was the Manchester Monarchs...affiliated with the Los Angeles Kings.

Suddenly I realized who was also on the ice, besides JR's own draftees and acquisitions. Skating for the Monarchs last night was the fabled Colten Teubert, subject of many a trade rumor involving the Canes and the Kings. The player that was selected 13th overall in 2008, just ahead of Boychuk at 14th overall.

Hmmmmm.

Okay, I'm calling it. Big trade brewing with the Kings. You guys can fill in the details of the deal below. :-)