Is Patrick O`Sullivan on his way (back) to Carolina? Bob McKenzie reported on Twitter tonight that the up and down forward was on the verge of signing a one year, two-way deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.
(Story now on TSN.)
O'Sullivan, (who was raised in North Carolina as a youngster), was selected 56th overall in the 2003 draft in Nashville. The player probably would have been selected higher, but he came with some baggage at the time, an over-zealous and abusive father.
Reportedly, there was a restraining order in place against the father at the time of the draft and security was beefed up in the building to enforce it. Where all that drama stands now is anyone's guess, but Mike Sundheim just confirmed that O'Sullivan will indeed be taking a physical with the other players on Friday in Raleigh while the deal is finalized.
MikeSundheim
Jim Rutherford on Patrick O'Sullivan: "He will be in Raleigh for a physical, and we are trying to finalize a deal."
Coincidentally, O'Sullivan was once Carolina property for a very brief time as he was involved in the trade which sent Justin Williams to Los Angeles for Erik Cole, (who came from Edmonton.) The Kings traded O'Sullivan to the Canes for Williams and the Hurricanes immediately sent him to the Oilers for Cole.
Most recently, the Oilers traded the forward to Phoenix for Jim Vandermeer and the Coyotes bought out his $2,925,000 contract and released him on June 30.
Here is the SB Nation scouting report for the 25-year-old.
| Assets |
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| Flaws |
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The past couple of years have not been kind to O'Sullivan and his numbers have slipped a bit since his very promising first two seasons in L.A. But then again, he wouldn't be the first player to be unhappy and struggle in Edmonton.
| 2006 | Kings | 44 | 5 | 14 | 19 | -6 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 92 |
| 2007 | Kings | 82 | 22 | 31 | 53 | -8 | 36 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 220 |
| 2008 | Oilers | 19 | 2 | 4 | 6 | -7 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 59 |
| 2008 | Kings | 62 | 14 | 23 | 37 | 1 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 200 |
| 2009 | Oilers | 73 | 11 | 23 | 34 | -35 | 32 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 191 |
Did he have too much success, too soon? Does he still have family issues to deal with? Does he need to learn to play defense? Caniacs may soon find out if the offensively gifted sharpshooter has the desire and work ethic to make the Canes. If not, he'll be another scoring option for Charlotte, if the deal is completed.