Hurricanes Acquire Evgenii Dadonov, A.J. Jenks From Panthers For Jon Matsumoto, Mattias Lindstrom
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 18, 2012 9:46 PM EST
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The Carolina Hurricanes made their first deal of 2012, kicking off what could be a busy trade season by acquiring forwards Evgenii Dadonov and A.J. Jenks from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Jon Matsumoto and Mattias Lindstrom.
Dadonov, a 2007 third-round pick of the Panthers, is an undersized Russian forward who is strong for his size and willing to go into heavy traffic areas. In 55 games with the Panthers over the past three seasons, Dadonov had 10 goals and 10 assists. Dadonov represented the Panthers at the 2011 All-Star Weekend in Raleigh as one of the rookie participants in the SuperSkills competition. He scored his first NHL goal against the Hurricanes in Florida on Dec. 15, 2010. He is in the final year of his entry-level deal and will be an RFA at the end of the season.
Jenks, a former Plymouth Whaler, is a big forward who was once pegged as a top-20 draft pick. But Jenks' rankings slipped heading into the 2008 draft and he wasn't chosen until 100th overall in the fourth round by Florida. Jenks' size and speed are somewhat reminiscent of a poor man's Erik Cole, but he has struggled in his second pro season, going without a point in 25 games with the AHL's San Antonio Rampage and spending 13 games in the ECHL. Jenks missed the start of the 2010-11 season after having heart surgery.
The deal costs the Canes a big-time AHL scorer in Matsumoto, whose 34 points in 41 games led the Checkers. He will be an RFA at the end of the season.
Six months ago, Lindstrom's future with the Hurricanes was uncertain. He had battled injuries in Sweden since being selected in the third round in 2009, so there was very little information on his recovery and then his play after the injury. Lindstrom, 20, was eventually signed to his three-year entry level deal this summer and was loaned back to Skelleftea for the 2011-12 season. He was then loaned by Skelleftea to Tingsryd of the lower-level Allsvenskan for this season.
Here is the release from the Hurricanes:
‘CANES ACQUIRE DADONOV, JENKS FROM FLORIDA PANTHERS
Matsumoto and Lindstrom dealt to Florida in swap
RALEIGH, NC – Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has acquired forwards Evgenii Dadonov (ehv-GEH-nee do-DON-nauv) and A.J. Jenks from the Florida Panthers in exchange for forwards Jon Matsumoto and Mattias Lindstrom.
Dadonov, 22, is in his fifth season of professional hockey in North America, and has played 15 games on the NHL level with the Florida Panthers this season, totaling two goals and one assist (3 points). The Chelyabinsk, Russia, native has earned nine points (5g, 4a) in 20 games with the Panthers’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage. Drafted by the Panthers in the third round, 71st overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Dadonov (5’11", 185 lbs.) has skated in 55 career NHL games for Florida, totaling 10 goals, 10 assists (20 points) and 16 penalty minutes. He established career highs in NHL games played (36), goals (8), assists (9) and points (17) in 2010-11, and represented Florida at the 2011 NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh as one of 12 rookies selected to participate.
Jenks, 21, is in his second professional season, splitting the year between San Antonio (AHL) and Cincinnati (ECHL). A native of Detroit, Jenks has skated in 28 games for the Rampage, without registering a point, and has totaled three goals and three assists (6 points) in 13 ECHL games with the Cyclones. Originally selected in the fourth round, 100th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Jenks (6’2", 206 lbs.) played four seasons for the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) before turning pro, tallying 79 goals and 114 assists (193 points) in 249 career junior hockey games. Jenks helped the United States capture gold at the 2010 World Junior Championship in Canada, totaling three goals and two assists (5 points) during the tournament.
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Anyone think that some major trades will go down before the all-star break or closer to the trade deadline? I think the sooner the better if the canes are going after draft picks in return. This would give some of our prospects full-time action to see what they can do for the remaining part of the season.
by bready86 on Jan 18, 2012 10:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Would it be fair to call this a change-of-scenery deal for Dadonov?
"You, on the other hand, make Eeyore look like Rainbow Brite." -johnmoz
"I think of you more as the blue book style essay of sports journalism."-Kurt Mensching
Listening to the Panther’s Play-by-Play guys, they made it sound seem like it.
by Patrick Clarke on Jan 18, 2012 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
What I understand is that Dadonov wanted a trade to have a change of scenery and to show what he had. He is in his last year of his contract. He strikes me as a player similar to Boychuk, so I don’t know whether that deal will impact Boychuk.
I really like this move.
Dadonov looked great when I was watching him last year. Haven’t seen him much this year, obviously he has struggled but the potential is definitely there. I’ve seen him pull off some nasty skill moves.
by JussiJuice on Jan 19, 2012 11:07 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
So what was this trade about? Matsumoto seemed to have a lot more upside than either the undersized Russian or the heart-surgery guy. I have to assume the thinking is that Matsumoto is ultimately not NHL material, while Dadonov is.
Plus, you have to think Brett Sutter fills the same role Matsumoto played when called up to Raleigh.
by Patrick Clarke on Jan 18, 2012 10:28 PM EST up reply actions
Matsumoto is probably, at best, a fourth line center. He isn’t really good enough for the third line, and that spot is occupied by Sutter anyway. Sutter fits the fourth liner role better as well. He has potential, but he didn’t really fit with this team moving forward IMO. Dadonov could be a top six player in the future if he lives up to his potential.
So, what are you basing this on? Scoring in the AHL? Tlusty scored a lot more than Matsumoto did in the AHL while being years younger, does that mean he has a ton of upside? Not to mention that Dadonov has done more than Matsumoto in the NHL while being three years younger.
Especially amusing considering your post on prospects called Boychuk as “a failed offensive prospect” who has come close to hitting his ceiling, but someone with worse production three years older who has done nothing at the NHL level has a ton of upside.
Apparently Dadonov project as a top-six player while Matsumoto does not. OK, I guess we will see. Bad news for Boychuck maybe?
I actually liked Matsumoto’s game the few times I’ve seen him. Of course, he’s getting up there in age and I think the play of Nash and Brett Sutter has probably thrown both of them ahead of him in terms of playing for the Canes.
The move looks like a wash unless Dadonov can develop. Maybe just a change of scenery was needed for all involved. I’ll be honest, I don’t know much about Dadonov but he’s a young winger to add to our prospect pool.
"I'm not going to waste my time with Tuukka Rask" - Cam Ward
So far a change of scenery has worked for nodl, why not the same for Dadonov.
by CruelIn10tions on Jan 18, 2012 11:32 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Russian factor
I doubt this was at all a factor but I am in favor of any move that makes us a more attractive destination for Russian talent. We will never be a Russian destination like Washington or Detroit but it would be nice to able to draft the best player available without having to worry about whether they will report.
by jfhammon on Jan 19, 2012 1:10 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
OT: Patrik Berglund
Patrick Berglund is the kind of forward that the Hurricanes need. Here is a hit the Berglund made when he was controlling the puck. I’ve only seen a few forwards be that strong on their skates. At the WHL/WJC level, Rask has decked some defensemen while handling the puck; but Berglund’s doing that at the NHL level.
Dadonov Decking Brandon Sutter
I knew Dadonov had gotten my attention previously, so I was trying to figure out why. I think it was during the All-Star competition as well as this play versus Brandon Sutter. Dadonov has the puck, but manages to deck Brandon Sutter. Given how strong Sutter is that was impressive to me at the time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVE8GWo4UD8
Dadonov is probably forty pounds lighter than Berglund; but there are some similarities in the result.
While this isn’t just isolated to Russian born players, there has long been a thought that European players march to a different drummer than Canadians and US born players. Often there is criticism that they have loads of talent but when it comes to the need for that enormous passion and heart it takes to win championships many would take the Canadian born players. (major bias there on my part). I’m sure that there is plenty of room to argue this both ways and the results of this years World Juniors would indicate that there were blood checks to see if there was a lower testosterone count in my Canadian boys.
My point is that with Russians sometimes the light comes on a bit later as to what they need to do consistently to play in the NHL. While there is no comparison in terms of talent look at OV. On some nights he plays like the best player in the world. Then he goes through periods where you wonder why he isn’t benched. Its all mental with him.
FWIW, even in his draft year Dadonov was considered a hard worker who doesn’t lack effort.
by Cory Lavalette on Jan 19, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
The Muller Effect
Strong physical forward unafraid of the dirty area around the goal added to the prospect pipeline. The way the team in Raleigh’s been playing as of late, I’m guessing this is Muller/JR/Daniels all on the same page? I’m liking it…
"I need to make sure I don't get too frustrated and stay focused on my game...The points and the offense, you have to believe, are going to come." - Eric Staal, 11/6/2011
Dadonov
Been a fan of his for some time now. He reminds of Sergei Samsonov, but with the ability to do more than just sit on the half boards and spin. Good scoring potential and has some slick passing skills as well. I think, given the opportunity, he could be a solid second line scorer. It will really depend on how he is deployed though.
Jenks
Lost in all of this is Jenks who at one time was rated a top 20 prospect. No doubt a major heart issue set him back.. He is also a big power forward type player and they develop late is at all. While I recognize that Dadinov was the main target and this hardly classifies as a barnburner trade. Jenks could be an interesting pickup. I know there is a lot of sarcasm for Plymouth players and why, but it is also a quality program that produces some excellent players. Tyler Seguin is not too shabby…. better than Hall.
2009-10: Jenks had an outstanding year – both with Plymouth and at the World Junior tournament – where he was part of the gold medal-winning USA squad that ended Canada’s run of five straight titles. In 52 OHL games, Jenks scored 23 goals with 40 assists and was +12 with 58 PIM. Once again dangerous on the power play (8 goals), Jenks also scored 4 short-handed goals. Playing for Team USA, he scored 3 goals with 2 assists and was +6 with 6 PIM. Jenks continued his hot scoring in the OHL playoffs, as the Whalers swept the Soo Greyhounds but then were defeated by Memorial Cup-bound Windsor in a five game series. In nine playoff games, Jenks scored 4 goals with 8 assists and was +4 with 14 PIM. Jenks signed an entry level contract with Florida in April.
2010-11: Jenks had a solid, if unspectacular first season in pro hockey with the Rochester Americans (AHL). After missing time at the beginning while recovering from a procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat, Jenks was a fixture in the Rochester lineup and played in all situations. In 63 games for the last-place Amerks, he had 8 goals with 13 assists and was +3 with 48 PMs.
Talent Analysis
Jenks is a power-forward style of player, with surprising speed and agility for his size. He has a scorer’s mentality, and a good shot. Jenks’ long reach and quickness helps make him a solid defensive player and good penalty killer. He is also good on face-offs and thrives in power play situations. Jenks has become a more consistent player during his rookie season in the AHL, but could stand to shoot more in order to avoid dry spells during the season.
Future
Like most power-forwards, Jenks will need more time to develop. He projects as an above-average third-line player who can add offense, but he has second-line potential. In order to reach that potential, Jenks will need to continue to incorporate more physical play into his game, and work hard to avoid inconsistency. Jenks will spend at least another year at the AHL level, and could start making regular appearances at the NHL level in 2013-14.
sittler27,
Do you think the Dadonov trade has any impact for Boychuk? From what I understand, Dadonov sought to get a fresh start with a new team. I am glad the Hurricanes organization is starting to work on getting some larger forwards, even though those kinds of players frequently take longer to develop into NHL regulars.
Sorry to butt in on your question directed to Sittler, but I think Boychuk is done in this organization. I would bet JR is trying to trade him, and he may have been offered in this trade. My guess is he’ll be allowed to walk if JR can’t move him. Look at the call-ups since Muller has taken over. Some have been for a specific type of player that Boychuk is not, but when Dalpe comes up twice and Boychuk zero, I think the writings on the wall.
People here at Canes County know I have a high regard for Boychuk; but unless a lot of people, including myself, are all reading the situation incorrectly, it seems Boychuk will be given essentially one more chance to prove himself with Carolina. I have a hard time imagining any wisdom in shipping Boychuk elsewhere before giving him a run of games under Muller. At the moment, however, Boychuk clearly has moved down the prospect hierarchy otherwise he would have been called up to Carolina before now.
I think Boychuk has not been called up yet because Muller and Daniels have not felt he’s earned a shot. If that doesn’t change, would the team call him up one more time anyway? I am not sure. I can’t speak for anyone, but it would seem that if Boychuk is not putting in the work Muller wants to see, Kirk has no desire to see his skill level.
I would think it has to have an affect since there are only so many roster spots and with Mullers style there will be a need for a mix of some bigger guys. To me the acquisition of Nodl affected Boychuk’s place in the pecking order. Dadonov will likely do the same. The solid play of Samson on his last “tryout” was also an eye opener. I’m thinking it is getting close to now or never for Boychuk with this organization. Lots of pressure on the kid to really shine and we’ll see what he’s made of. If I were to bet I’d lay down money that if he makes it as a regular in the NHL it won’t be with the Canes.
Could it be that Boychuk is a Vrbata type player that will take quite a few years to develop? I liked Vrbata when he played here, but he wasn’t outstanding in any aspect of the game. Look at him now!
Harrumph
Vrbata only ever scored 20 goals with Phoenix… that’s a really peculiar comfort zone, don’t you think? I wouldn’t find that kind of limitation attractive in a border-line 2nd line player.
Vrbata has been a bit more successful than that w/ the Coyotes: in just goal production 27, 24, 19, and 22 so far this season so he should surpass those marks, don’t you think? To say he’s currently a borderline 2nd line player is a bit of a stretch. Hell, he’d make our 1st line w/ that production.
I only brought him up because I thought his NHL career was over when he went back to Europe. It appears to have made him more determined…. possibly. I’d like to see Boychuk take a more determined tack to prove he’s ready to make the jump. But, he made be one of those players that takes a l-o-n-g time to develop.
Harrumph
He just doesn’t seem to have the hockey IQ (right now) to play at the NHL level. Samson has quite a bit, Dalpe and Bowman both show it as well. Boychuk has nice skills, but has not figured out the game at the NHL level. Maybe under Muller, who unlike Mo doesn’t mind aggressive mistakes, he can find a place where he understands what he needs to do. I’d think the organization might want to see Dadonov can do as well, so yet another player may get a look before Boychuk.
Vrbata
Interesting article on MSN Sports on why he’s working in Phoenix. Couple Quotes:
An opportunity to make an impact in multiple areas — power play, penalty kill and among the top six forwards — has helped. So has playing for a coach who isn’t trying to make him more physical or overly defensive-oriented, as happened in other stops in Colorado, Carolina, Chicago and Tampa.
After spending so much of his career trying to alter his game to fit other coaches’ wishes, he’s enjoying the opportunity to play his game in the city where he’s thrived.
Maybe Boychuk, like Vrbata, is having problem being something he is not—DeCock mentioned this in an article previously. Boy certainly wasn’t a Mo type of player—JD’s role was to help the CHarlotte guys be readu for Carolina as well. Boychuk is fairly reminiscent of Vrbata—Hints of good scoring talent, nice shot, but not physical and a defensive floater… …SO he may not fit with Muller either given the backchecking required—and needed on this team.
Yes. Boychuk likely will need some time to get his NHL game developed. Whitney took a while to figure out how he needed to play to be an NHL player and also needed to be in the right situation.
By Whitney’s 3rd year out of Juniors (spending 2 years in the IHL as a 1.26ppg player) he was a 0.66ppg player with the San Jose Sharks. Boychuk on the other hand is a 0.89ppg at the AHL level and 0.26ppg player at the NHL level.
I think Whitney proved himself a lot more than Boychuk over his first 3 seasons.
JR; please dump some players and bring the kids up to stay!
by PackPride17 on Jan 19, 2012 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
Whitney was also a beyond terrible defensive player, which is why he found himself back in the AHL for nearly a full season at the age of 24, then not given a qualifying offer.
That was exactly what I was referring to in terms of Whitney’s NHL career having its ups and downs before he figured out how he needed to play to be an impact player in the NHL. As I recall, Whitney at one point was waived. Looking at Whitney now it’s hard to imagine there was ever a time where he wasn’t one of the players with the highest hockey I.Q. on the ice. Some players need more time than others to sort it out; and some players, despite all the skill in the world never do.
like AD i too
am a boychuk fan but not as ardent as before…now grant you he may very well be a late “bloomer”…but in this day and age of Hockey..he doesn’t have the option/time to become a whitney/Vrbata…sadly that is the nature of the beast called NHL Hockey as and in the case of harrison he by a stroke of fate/luck got noticed and his hard work/efforts has finally paid off…not that Boychuk is a sluggard or a lazy ass…as he is not .but something is missing..as in watching him the other day on Tv he didn’t seem to have the zip and let it ALL hang out type of body language ..and sadly my fear for him he’ll be another Keith Acoin..not that is a oh so terrible thing mind you but and unless a player has a spirit of stone to where being forever in the minorsd and not effect you & your ego…but i don’t seeBoychuk being like that..he is a passionate player/guy…but like some here have already said..i feel his time/days here maybe numbered…hope i am wrong..but inly time & JR/JD will know for sure…am looking forward to seeing Dadonov can do and while making note of his stats,but what to see what he’s like on the ice…and that dear fans is what I see from my place in the stands…
9/11/01 - Never Forget !!
Long Live #63 The Condor
Go Canes & Checkers !!!
Best Player Available or Best Player Within Relative Skill Ranges Who Fits Need
When Boychuk was drafted, I wondered by the Hurricanes passed on Joe Colborne. I believe in Boychuk and think he will be a solid NHL player. On the other hand, the Hurricanes have been far too small and non-physical team for too long as far as I am concerned. Colborne was much rougher around the edges than Boychuk; but he fit what I thought was an obvious need. In 2009, the Hurricanes took a long-shot with Paradis; but Zach Budish (knee injury and all) was still available. Budish was a better athlete than Paradis, but was less smooth as a skater.
I think the idea of taking the best player available has to be tempered by the exception that if the players are essentially equivalent in impact potential, the team needs to draft for need. Unless one player is clearly heads and shoulders above the other players available, relatively comparable skills and potential means the best fit for the team needs to be considered. While teams like Washington, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Philadelphia, and Anaheim were building big, strong, physical teams, the Hurricanes organization did not. Being big does not guarantee success; but being too small and underskilled is a difficult hurdle to overcome.
Boychuk
When i see Boychuk he strikes me as a more skilled Keith Aucoin ,or a less intense LaRose ,and imo he would be good trade bait as of now ,but his stock could fall even more ,and it’s possible a change of scenery would do him good.
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