Not so much

Well, the Canes are 0-2 on their western conference road trip. I didn't actually see much of either game. I saw tidbits of the Calgary game while I was in the emergency room (my two and a half year old daughter needed half a dozen stitches) and the Edmonton game was overlapped by my rec-league playoffs (we lost). I understand that Brindy is hurt (moreso than he was before) and Stillman returns tomorrow, so the Vancouver game should be interesting for a variety of reasons.

Pretty goals

I wasn't at the game last night (holiday party) but I caught the highlights. Wow, the Canes scored some very pretty goals, led by Erik Cole's beauty - blocking a slapshot, gaining his feet, and outracing everyone else to score. That's just plain impressive. The other goals, including Staal's set up by Walker and Whitney's slapshot were just nice execution - not much Thomas could have done. This is how the Canes play when they are on their game. I'm hoping that my prediction after the last game holds true and they've found their groove. We'll see how the upcoming road trip treats them. If the Canes can pull out 4 of 5, watch out.

Turning the other cheek

One of the things that made the Hurricanes successful last season was their ability to turn the other cheek when provoked; not taking the stupid retaliation penalty, keeping their heads about them, and making their opponents pay on the score board. Against the Montreal Canadiens tonight I saw that discipline and willingness to do what it takes for the team to succeed for the first time since last season.

The Hurricanes bombarded the Habs with nearly 50 shots on goal. Huet was stellar, but eventually the torrent broke the dam and the goals started coming. Very good effort from the boys in red and hopefully then can use this as a turning point to get back to winning with regularity.

Another meaningless trade

Derek Walser is back in Columbus (well, Syracuse) in exchange for Mark Flood. Basically he's a top AHL/#6 NHL defenseman. Whatever. This has no real effect on the Hurricanes and I'm curious what the reasoning behind it is. I understand the Isbister move - he was considered a pro and there is a limit on that calibre of player in the AHL. Is Walser considered the same?

A little dip

Well, the Canes have dropped three of four since beating Dallas on the 18th. They have Montreal coming in tomorrow (a game I will actually be able to attend!) and Boston on Saturday (one I will not be able to attend due to our holiday party).

Since I'm being pulled in a million different directions, my ability to keep up with every detail going on with the team has been somewhat limited. Still, I'm not terribly worried yet. I think they need to turn this losing streak around and put some wins on the board. The guys don't need Atlanta building a cushion in the division race and certainly don't want to fall out of the top eight in the conference regardless.

Their early season schedule has been the busiest of any team in the league thus far, so as long as they stay afloat now, the second half should be considerably easier on them; especially when Stillman returns (in the next few weeks, with any luck).

Bye Brad!

Brad Isbister's stint with the Hurricanes, if you want to call it that, is over. He was traded to the Rangers for a prospect and a fifth round pick.

What did I say about Isbister when he was signed?

Two way deal, according to TSN. I'm looking forward to camp - should be a lot of interesting stories there with the amount of depth we now have at many positions.

Sigh. Nothing. Well, at least Black Dog Hates Skunks had something interesting to add:

Black Dog Hates Skunks said...
Take it from someone who has seen this guy's act - he will break your heart.

Well, maybe not that - but he will leave you frustrated - all the tools but no toolbox.

Too bad.

OK, I got nothing. The Canes are currently getting hammered in New York. It's not pretty.

Ward Smash!

I think it's very funny how something that Aaron Ward did all the time while he was a Hurricane is suddenly vilified now that he is a Ranger. Aaron always used his free hand to maul opposing players, something routinely cheered by the announcers and the fans. He clobbered Kevyn Adams last night and all of a sudden he's a vile cheater. It just amuses me.

More importantly than the "family reunion" was the win for the home team, making this home stand 3 out of 4. The Canes are still in "playoff contention" if you can use that term this early in the season. I think they're only going to get better, considering the number of injuries they are carrying right now. I have heard nebulous rumors about us trading for a defenseman, but nothing specific - I have not been keeping up with the various rumor sites lately.

Always an excuse

I have definitely missed more games than I have seen this season, and it's killing me. It does seem that the team does well without my attendance. I missed the Washington game, for instance, because I was helping my mother move furniture into her apartment. Including a piano. A piano! Anyway, I was able to listen to the game on the radio.

Tonight we play Pittsburgh and I am out of town, at a gaming convention in High Point. On a related note to that, Eric Huffeine, brother of 'Canes video coach Chris, is here. He and I chatted about the night Chris had the Cup. He has promised me pictures, which is pretty cool. The entire night, according to him, was pretty surreal. They had a limo taking them around town and the Cup's chaperone was very helpful in keeping them from being unnecessarily detained at various parties. (Naturally, people want you to stay with the Cup as long as possible).

Power failure

Wow, I am finally able to make a game and this is what I get? The whole team looked sloppy and out of sorts last night. Cam Ward actually played pretty well, but he had little to no chance on the various breakaways and odd-man rushes caused by careless turnovers. When your team is -2 on the power play, you're going to have problems.

I was concerned when we clearly outplayed the Habs in the first period, doubling their shot output, and had nothing to show for it. The second period was all Habs and I knew it would take something to turn the tide. That something never came and it ended up as a 4-0 blow out.

We're in Ottawa on Saturday, taking on our former goalie and his new team. I would make a Darth Vader/Obi-Wan analogy, but the prequel ruined it for me.

Quick Hits

I'm back, more or less. I was finally able to see a complete game last night and I'm going tonight, so I'm pretty happy on that front. It's been a while and life has been crazy. Anyway...

The Atlanta Thrashers are up to their old tricks - things start going against them and they throw an on-ice tantrum and start up with the cheap shots. Atlanta may be on top of the division, but as Rick Flair says: "To be the man... WHOOO... you gotta beat the man." They haven't.

The Penguins are blossoming. Last year Sid the Kid was on his lonesome and tearing up the league, now he has Jordan Staal and Evgeni Malkin taking the load off his shoulders. I'm happy for Staal; I know he had a ticket back to junior pre-printed, but he earned staying with his play on thei ce. Malkin is phenomenal - At least a goal in each of his first 6 games is an amazing feat, one not performed in 89 years. That team will be deadly for the next few years, depending on how the RFA contracts for Staal and Malkin iron out. They'll come up the same year, and that won't be nice on the Pens' payroll. Both players should hit free agency at about age 25. Yikes!

I'm not surprised at how poorly Boston is playing. I wasn't as impressed with their offseason moves as everyone else. I am surprised by Philadelphia though. That whole situation is insane. More surprising than either of those is that the Central division looks basically unchanged from last year; Nashville and Detroit at the top (reverse from last year) and the other three teams languishing in the cellar. I think Chicago has a better chance of the bottom three of making a move, but it all depends on Havlat getting healthy.

A little humor

Even though I was able to catch the last two periods of the thorough drubbing last night, courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning, I am still somewhat behind on all things hockey. The most I've been able to keep up with lately are my various fantasy hockey leagues and game highlights on NHL.com.

Still, with that in mind I thought I would give those of you out of market something to enjoy. The local paper does web cartoons, usually lampooning the local sports figures. They're pretty funny and they have finally gotten around to the Hurricanes. It's structured like one of those TV commercials for insurance - the real person and the celebrity translation. Check it out: Hurricanes web cartoon

One of these days

One of these days I'll actually get to see a whole hockey game. Life has been crazy and I have not been able to watch enough hockey in order to intelligently (or otherwise) comment on what's going on. I'm not going to even make the next two Hurricanes home games for a variety of reasons.

Lots of things going on though in hockey land. The Hurricanes dropped one to the mighty Sabres and then lost in overtime to the frickin' Islanders? I didn't see that game because I was at the Lion King with the family. See? Always an excuse. Anyway, the fallout of the debacle that is the Philadelphia Flyers finally came to a head with the resignation of Bobby Clark and the firing of Ken Hitchcock. It's kind of shocking to just see a total explosion of that magnitude this early in the season, but I guess stranger things have happened.

The good kind of streak

Well, the Canes have turned a 0-3-1 start around with a three game winning streak that has them looking like the Stanley Cup Champions they are. I apologize for not having updated earlier, but I just started a new job this week and have a million other urgent things going on. I have not seen any of the wins in their entirety, if that gives you an idea. Each game was a combination of TV, radio, and outright gaps. I'm pleased as can be that we're winning, but I can't comment on too many of the specifics because I've been running ragged.

Hopefully things will calm down soon, but I think Cory Stillman will be back in the lineup before I get a real deep breath.

Finally

Well, after moments of trepidation and a threatened overtime, the Friday the 13th game against the Thrashers turned out to be pretty lucky. There were weird bounces all game for both teams. Craig Adams scored two goals, which is weird enough on its own. Hands of Feet is not known for his goal scoring prowess, hence the nickname. Staal and Whitney both score with a second left in the first and third periods respectively. A puck bounces over the net into the crease and is eventually punched in by Sim, followed later on by Holik's goal which went off Tanabe's skate right onto his stick. It was a fitting ending to a strange game.

The best part of it all is that they finally got a win in the books, in regulation no less, and they can breathe again. We'll see how they do tomorrow in Pittsburgh; that should be a spirited game for many reasons - Cole vs. Orpik 1, Staal vs. Staal. Exciting.

Skating Help

This is a little off topic. I mean, it's hockey, just not NHL/Hurricanes hockey. My skating is ... not so great. My primary problem is that I am comfortable only on three of my four edges. My right outside edge gives me serious problems and I am unsure how to correct it. I tried working on it today during an open skate, but I just don't have the same comfort level as when I use the outside edge of my left skate. Meaning I can do a nice and tight turn to the left but not so much to the right. My balance seems off and I'm not biting into the ice quite right.

Once I can correct that, I think I will be in much better shape as far as other things. For instance, I can cross-over left, but not really to the right for the same reason as listed above.

Any suggestions or helpful hints?

Not quite Hurricane force

Well, the Canes have come out of the short off season with a noticeable limp. Nothing seems to be going right. I only got to watch the first period of the game tonight, as I had a hockey game of my own to play. When I stopped listening on the radio, Gelinas had just scored to make it 2-1. A 6-3 final is a bit much, I think. What in the hell is going on with this team?

The Hurricanes are now the first team in NHL history to start defense of its championship with four straight losses. I didn't see anything after the first period, like I said, so I don't know if it was a matter of effort, bad luck, solid goaltending (a 6-3 final makes me think this is not it), or just the fact that the Panthers were on fire. I just know that things need to be turned around right now. This losing streak matches the longest losing streak of our entire season last year.

It just takes one win to break the streak. They'd better get on it soon.

Distracted

You know, I wish I could tell you about the game last night. I mean, I was there and should have been able to see most of it, but my wife convinced me to take my daughter after it was apparent that she (my daughter) was really excited about going. She had a great time, it's just that most of the time it was not in her seat. I really got to watch some of the first period, the first two goals, but after that I was dealing with her. At the end of one, I was on the concourse and never returned to my seat. I spent the entire second period and second intermission chasing my daughter around. Like I said, she had a blast. I suppose I did too, but I could have chased her around at home. Anyway, David Lee told me I didn't miss much when I ran into him upstairs.

There is an article about Niclas Wallin having to evacuate from the Apex fire zone. Kevin McCarthy and John Forslund (who I knew lived here already) are also Apex residents. Coach Lavi's kids also go to school here.

Team appearances and chemical fires

I was at the NC State/Florida State game last night and the Hurricanes came out between the first and second quarters with the Cup. The crowd gave them a huge ovation. Brind'Amour has sort of adopted the Canes and he's almost always wearing an NC State ballcap when he's out.

On a more serious note, some of you may be aware of the chemical fire raging in Apex. Well, that happened about four miles from my house. I'm outside of the evacuation zone and me and mine are all in good shape.

Let's get it started!

The banner was raised tonight in a short and sweet ceremony before the game. I'm sure many of the other Canes' blogs will regale you with pictures and all sorts of other things, so I'll get on to the important part - the game itself.

This was a coin-flip game between two excellent teams. The Canes came out hot, the Sabres countered, and it went back and forth all night. Both goalies were extremely solid - all four goals could not be reasonably stopped. Both Sabres goals were freaky deflections through traffic, Staal's I think deflected slightly off the heel of a defenseman's skate and Cole's was just nicely placed top shelf on a five on three. In the end, Danny "Frodo" Briere made a nifty move to the backhand in the shootout and the Canes couldn't respond.

Both teams are going to be very good this year. They have the same core group of players, they're very fast, very skilled, are well-coached, and have excellent goaltending. The first thing I noticed, however, was the Buffalo jerseys. I had been half-way keeping an eye on the "Buffaslug" scandal, but this was the first time I have seen the jerseys in person.

They're atrocious. Without even looking at the logo, I think they're kind of ugly. They look like rec-league jerseys, only I've seen better ones. The Buffaslug logo is just the icing on the cake. Whoever designed this jersey should not only be fired, but should be drawn and quartered.

The new players all made an impression. Tim Gleason is wonderful - he really is a solid player and he lead both teams in ice time (26:51) and tied Eric Staal and Chris Drury with seven shots on goal. He is a good, solid all-around player who doesn't appear to do anything poorly. Tanabe is Tanabe and doesn't appear to have changed much, although his off-season injury issues may have caused him to lose a step. Belanger will be really good once he gets into a groove, Letowski wasn't particularly impressive, and Walker was fun to watch - I think he'll be good with this group.

Hedican, for someone who is fighting lots of injury issues right now, played a hell of a game. The top line of Staal, Cole, and Whitney was excellent. When the other lines start producing, this team will start rolling again. The power play looked good, although they only converted 1 of 9 (Cole's 5 on 3 goal). The penalty kill was stellar, going 9 for 9, including several 5 on 3 chances.

The "official" three stars of the game were (I think) Ward (1), Staal (2), and Gleason (3). That Miller didn't get the first star (or any star, for that matter) just goes to show how many members of the media are not too bright. I wonder who they picked? Regardless...

The Penalty Killer three stars are:

1. Ryan Miller (.941, 1.85, 32/34) - It was a toss-up between the goalies and Miller gets the nod because he got the win. Miller played a very solid game and didn't give the Canes many open looks.
   
2. Cam Ward (.938, 1.85, 30/32, 1A) - Played an excellent game and the only goal he had a chance on was Briere's in the shootout and, to be fair, it was a sweet move.
   
3. Ray Whitney (2A, 1PPA, +1) - His pin-point passes made both Canes goals - a beautiful feed from the defensive zone to Staal in stride and the cross ice pass to Cole from the point on the power play.

Promotion and PR

Desdemona asked for a comment or post concerning an article in the N&O concerning the lack of hockey players in ads.

I doubt this is a singular issue outside of Canada. It's something that the NHL, individual teams, and players' agents need to do a better job of. Historically, hockey has not been a sport of self-promoters. The team culture tended to discourage show boating and anyone showing up other players. This would often end with a sound beating to drive the point home. The American market likes that sort of thing - people may despise TO, Chad Johnson, Shaq, Kobe, etc., but they love them at the same time. This sort of behavior is very "not hockey", but a little bit of that could go a long way in making the sport more popular.

I'll tackle it specifically from the 'Canes' perspective now. The guys are very active in the community and are always participating or sponsoring in some event. Kevyn Adams is the most active from that point of view and always seems to be involved in something or another. Erik Cole, Mike Commodore, and Eric Staal have also made the rounds quite regularly. I heard Cam Ward in a commercial today (BCBS free flu shots) and he just became involved with the Special Olympics, something that is important to the Raleigh-area and other current and ex-Canes, like Ron Francis (his brother is a Special Olympian).

I know Eric Staal did a commerical for EA Sports NHL 2007 too, which is a step in the right direction. I think the market here has achieved legitimacy, but it needs now to grow and further develop roots. Among the older and traditional markets, we're still a sapling. The market has grown and prospered, but it's still young. It'll take time and this sort of thing doesn't happen overnight, no matter how many news articles decrying the lack of ads are published.

Opening night roster

As I predicted in my previous post, Bayda is now gone to Albany, leaving 22 healthy players on the active roster (along with two on IR). All twelve forwards will be in the lineup come Wednesday, but that still leaves two defensemen watching from the press box.

From what I've seen combined with my personal opinion, Hedican, Commodore, Wesley, Wallin, and Gleason should be five of them, meaning Tanabe, Hutchinson, and Babchuk are competing for one spot tomorrow night. Hutchinson is the clear loser here, so Babchuk and Tanabe. There is always the off chance that Wallin sits; it's happened enough in the past, but I think he's earned it. I'm guessing it will be Tanabe, but I could be mistaken. I like Babchuk and I want him to progress into a regular NHL defenseman.

Forwards
# Player
11 Justin Williams
12 Eric Staal
13 Ray Whitney
14 Kevyn Adams
16 Andrew Ladd
17 Rod Brind'Amour
18 Ryan Bayda - Albany
19 Trevor Letowski
24 Scott Walker
25 Eric Belanger
26 Erik Cole
27 Craig Adams
59 Chad LaRose
61 Cory Stillman - IR

Defensemen
# Player
2 Glen Wesley
5 Frantisek Kaberle - IR
6 Bret Hedican
7 Niclas Wallin
8 Tim Gleason
22 Mike Commodore
28 Andrew Hutchinson
45 David Tanabe
48 Anton Babchuk

Goalies
# Player
30 Cam Ward
47 John Grahame

Post-Trade Outlook

OK, Oleg is gone and JJ never had an impact on this year's team. We have two new players competing for spots, however. What is everything going to look like?

As of last night's game against Columbus, the lines were approximately this:

Staal (C) - Cole, Whitney
Brind'Amour (C) - Williams, Ladd
Letowski (C) - Walker, C Adams
K Adams (C) - Bayda, LaRose

Commodore - Hutchinson
Wesley - Babchuk
Wallin - Tanabe

The lines changed many times and certain players definitely looked more tuned in than others. Babchuk needs to let loose with his shot from the point more often. Commodore was the best defenseman on our side by far. Walker was everywhere, Hutchinson was horrible, and Bayda was not impressive. So what does this mean off the bat? I think Bayda is the odd man out, first off, and the forward lines can be changed to something resembling this:

Staal (C) - Cole, Whitney
Brind'Amour (C) - Williams, Ladd
Belanger (C) - Walker, Letowski
K Adams (C) - LaRose, C Adams

Like I said, there were a lot of line changes and I wouldn't be shocked if the third wing on the top three lines (Whitney, Ladd, Walker) are shifted around in some order. As for the defense, I think Jason Wooley is gone. He didn't play last night, which was probably a sign of things to come. Hutchinson still isn't doing anything to knock my socks off, which would make two. That puts Wesley, Hedican, Wallin, Commodore, Gleason, Tanabe, and Babchuk as the seven defensemen on the roster until Frankie gets back.

Forwards
# Player
11 Justin Williams
12 Eric Staal
13 Ray Whitney
14 Kevyn Adams
16 Andrew Ladd
17 Rod Brind'Amour
18 Ryan Bayda
19 Trevor Letowski
24 Scott Walker
25 Eric Belanger - Acquired from LA
26 Erik Cole
27 Craig Adams
59 Chad LaRose
61 Cory Stillman - IR

Defensemen
# Player
2 Glen Wesley
5 Frantisek Kaberle - IR
6 Bret Hedican
7 Niclas Wallin
8 Jason Woolley
22 Mike Commodore
28 Andrew Hutchinson
42 Tim Gleason - Acquired from LA
45 David Tanabe
48 Anton Babchuk
70 Oleg Tverdovsky - Traded to LA

Goalies
# Player
30 Cam Ward
47 John Grahame

Moratorium lifted - JJ gone

It looks like I can speak about Jack Johnson again, as he was traded today along with Oleg "I'm the most expensive #7 defenseman in the league" Tverdovsky to Los Angeles in return for Eric Belanger (center) and Tim Gleason (defense).

To say my first impression was "What in the blue hell was JR thinking?!" is a very edited and sanitized understatement. I mean, getting rid of Oleg Tverdovsky is addition by subtraction. But even as a three for one deal, we lose badly. JJ is the best player in this deal unless 23 year old Gleason suddenly blossoms into a legit top pairing defenseman or JJ takes a long walk off a short pier. I'm just not wild about this and, unlike many "sky is falling" critics and fans, I think the Canes could survive with the crop of D we had, even Oleg.

I'll have to see Belanger and Gleason in action to get a final opinion, but this still screams "crap" to me. The only thing that could alter my outlook is the "unknown" factor (there are known unknowns and unknown unknowns, ya see). There is probably something about the whole JJ/JR relationship that we don't know. The closest I've heard was something a teammate of mine told me from a conversation with JR at a lunch he held. Hearsay, I know, but it's a pretty reliable source. The word is that JJ's papa is a little nuts. JR had dinner with JJ up in Michigan a while ago. JJ's dad dropped him off at the restaurant and waited in the car in the parking lot. JR found out at the end of the evening when Jack mentioned it and JR inquired why he didn't come in and have dinner too. Just plain weird. Regardless, I'll hold final judgement for a while - maybe several years when Jack decided he's tired of playing college hockey.

Bayda wins

Another rounds of cuts, answering questions to some tight battles for spots. We have our forward lines and it looks like Bayda won out over Isbister and Willis. Good for him. The forward lines will look something like this:

Staal (C) - Cole, [Walker/Ladd/Bayda]
Brind'Amour (C) - Williams, [Walker/Ladd/Bayda]
Letowski (C) - Whitney, [Walker/Ladd/Bayda]
K Adams (C) - LaRose, C Adams

Since Bayda is the last forward in, it might be easier to plug him up with the big boys until Stillman gets back and let Ladd and Walker gel with their linemates. I'm sure we'll know more on Friday at the next pre-season game against Columbus.

We still have nine defensemen, but with all of the lingering injuries that isn't surprising. Walser was sent down, but he had a good camp. The word is that he's having some groin issues, so I don't know how big of a factor that was in being sent to Albany.

Forwards
# Player
11 Justin Williams
12 Eric Staal
13 Ray Whitney
14 Kevyn Adams
15 Brad Isbister - Albany
16 Andrew Ladd
17 Rod Brind'Amour
18 Ryan Bayda
19 Trevor Letowski
24 Scott Walker
25 Shane Willis - Albany
26 Erik Cole
27 Craig Adams
34 Dave Gove - Albany
36 Jesse Boulerice - Albany
37 Keith Aucoin - Albany
42 Patrick Dwyer - Albany
43 Scott Kelman - Albany
59 Chad LaRose
61 Cory Stillman - IR

Defensemen
# Player
2 Glen Wesley
5 Frantisek Kaberle - IR
6 Bret Hedican
7 Niclas Wallin
8 Jason Woolley
22 Mike Commodore
23 Derrick Walser - Albany; Groin issues
28 Andrew Hutchinson
32 Cale Hulse - Released
38 Tim Conboy - Albany
45 David Tanabe
48 Anton Babchuk
70 Oleg Tverdovsky
71 J.D. Forrest - Albany

Goalies
# Player
30 Cam Ward
47 John Grahame
60 Justin Peters - Albany

The Hulse experiment is over

Cale Hulse was released from his tryout. I can't say I'm surprised - he never did anything to impress me in what I saw of him. I expect some more of the younger players will be sent down in the next day or two.

Making the Cut

Here's an up to date roster along with player eliminations. The last forward spot really looks to be between Isbister and Willis. I wouldn't be shocked if both of them make the team.

On defense, I doubt Hulse sticks; with the injuries on defense several of the other guys could make it, at least for a while. We have quite a logjam there and I'm curious as to how significant the injuries to Hedican and Hutchinson are. Walser and Babchuk are making a case to stay, and it should be interesting the last few pre-season games to see what everyone does.

Peters is still here because he's earned it with his play, but he'll be sent down soon enough too.

Forwards
# Player
11 Justin Williams
12 Eric Staal
13 Ray Whitney
14 Kevyn Adams
15 Brad Isbister
16 Andrew Ladd
17 Rod Brind'Amour
18 Ryan Bayda
19 Trevor Letowski
24 Scott Walker
25 Shane Willis
26 Erik Cole
27 Craig Adams
34 Dave Gove
36 Jesse Boulerice
37 Keith Aucoin
39 Vince Bellissimo - Albany
41 Harrison Reed - Junior
42 Patrick Dwyer
43 Scott Kelman
44 Bobby Hughes - Junior
46 Stephen Peat - Albany
52 Mike Angelidis - Albany
54 Stefan Chaput - Junior
56 Joe Barnes - Albany
57 Kevin Estrada - Albany
59 Chad LaRose
61 Cory Stillman - IR
72 Nicolas Blanchard - Junior



Defensemen
# Player
2 Glen Wesley
5 Frantisek Kaberle - IR
6 Bret Hedican
7 Niclas Wallin
8 Jason Woolley
22 Mike Commodore
23 Derrick Walser
28 Andrew Hutchinson
32 Cale Hulse
33 Brett Carson - Albany
38 Tim Conboy
45 David Tanabe
48 Anton Babchuk
53 Jacob Vojta - Junior
70 Oleg Tverdovsky
71 J.D. Forrest



Goalies
# Player
30 Cam Ward
35 Kevin Nastiuk - Albany
47 John Grahame
50 Craig Kowalski - Albany
60 Justin Peters

Preseason: Nashville v Carolina

I doubt I'll be completely accurate with my report, as I found myself wrestling my two and a half year old daughter most of the time at the game. Still, it was an entertaining one. Several of the vets, along with a few of the new guys, really played well. Whitney, Brind'Amour, Cole, Isbister, Ladd, Babchuk, Commodore, Walker, and Willis all had good games. I wasn't particularly impressed with Hulse and only Reed stood out among the youngsters. Wooley looked pretty good on the power play too.

Ward was a little shaky in the shoot out, but couldn't really do much about those early goals. The final was 5-4, but Nashville scored the first three early in the first period - one was a fluky bank off of Ward, the other two were a combination of traffic, deflections, and defensemen not clearing out the slot. Some guy named Kim Staal (no relation, I think) scored two of the first three for the Preds. After that, the Canes settled down and actually carried play for most of the game.

Insult to injury was Josef WOO By-God Vasicek getting the game winner on a short-handed break with just over a minute left. That and he scored in the shoot out on a silly backhand move that just froze Ward. The other shooter for the Preds was Radulov, Vasicek's line-mate, who put a nasty move of his own on Wardo. The shooters for Carolina were Whitney (save), Reed (nice goal), and Colesy (his signature move was stopped by Mason).

I wasn't particularly worried about anything I saw, although Tverdovsky was a team-low -3, but there is definitely some room for improvement. Not bad for a first pre-season game, especially considering this is Nashville's third. Tomorrow night will be interesting enough.

Dallas Preseason Surprise

I saw this on Kukla's Corner and thought I would comment.

The Stars welcomed their fans back for the first preseason game by having every player not in the game that night act as greeters on the concourse. They welcomed people coming in the door, handed out schedules, signed autographs and generally hung out. What a great idea! According to the video, it was the players' idea. You can't buy positive PR in your market like that.

Training Camp

Sorry I've been a bit out of the loop lately, but things have been pretty hectic. Camp is in full swing now. I keep meaning to go, but I have not yet found the time. You might want to check out LetsGoCanes for the most comprehensive camp reports.

There is a Red & White scrimmage tonight, although since it's at 6:00 I doubt I will make it. My next report should be from the pre-season game this Friday against Nashville.

Despite some news and stirring recently, I am sticking to my guns about my moratorium concerning a defensive prospect of note. No means no.

Holy Monkey!

I was going to write about how the injuries on the Canes are really mounting up, with Kaberle out 4-6 months following shoulder surgery. As I went looking for a link, I immediately went into a non-repeatable litany of curses and exclamations upon seeing this tidbit:

DiPietro signs 15 yr NHL deal

Fifteen years?! Is this what you get when you put your backup goalie in as General Manager? It's too much of a shock right now to analyze exactly what this will mean, but man. That's just obscene.

Fantasy Hockey

I'm opening this up to the public in case anyone wants a very low maintenance league. It's a custom yahoo league with an autodraft - just click here to join and set your pre-draft rankings. When everyone is ready, I'll set the draft to go.

Jack Johnson Moratorium

Everyone seems to be covering the whole Jack Johnson issue, a story that has ebbed and flowed since he was drafted. This is covered in detail on CasonBlog, Red and Black Hockey, and Acid Queen. It's been done to death and I stopped caring a while ago. With that in mind, I'm officially putting an immediate moratorium on all Jack Johnson talk until he signs or is traded. Until then, nothing.

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Last night, I played in my first hockey game in six months. The pain was much less than I anticipated, although I wasn't prepared for the exhaustion this morning. It wasn't even a late game (9:00 start) and I'm really tired. Still, I didn't do bad for someone who was worried he had forgotten how to skate. I scored two power play goals in a 7-3 victory. Our opponents, the White Flash, had 18 skaters compared to our 10. I've never seen a rec league team with a bench that full before; it was a bit odd. I even managed to pick up a two minute minor for slashing (pretty weak call, in my estimation) and played defense for the last ten minutes of the game.

Kevyn Adams at the Library

Kevyn Adams made an appearance at the Southeast Regional Library in Garner today. He read to a group of fifth graders, along with various media outlets, etc. It wasn't hugely publicized, although I understand there were some spots on the local news this morning about it. I only know because my wife is a librarian and, big Hurricane fan that she is, she arranged to cover the event. She has some pictures and video of it that I will get my hands on tonight.

She knows far more about what went on than I and said that Kevyn was very funny and laid back. One of the fifth graders mentioned that Eric Staal visited their school two years ago and Kevyn's response was "Can he read?" Too funny. According to my wife, everyone had a great time. I'll update with pictures and maybe a youtube link at some point this week.

---

OK, I'll copy what my wife posted - her story is a bit more complete than mine:

The Smartest Card - The Coolest Day
Kevyn Adams is the official North Carolina Spokesperson for the Smartest Card campaign this year. Have I lost you? Fair enough. Kevyn Adams = hockey player for the Carolina Hurricanes and all-around great guy. Smartest Card Campaign = American Library Association initiative (annually done in September) to encourage people to sign up for a library card. Better? Cool.

Anyway, the State Library serves as the main point of contact for this event, and each library system in the state liaises (I can make a verb out of anything...) with the State Library to get materials and ideas for their own individual campaigns. In past years, a celebrity serves as the "face" for the campaign all over the country. Last year, for example, it was George Lopez. This year, ALA decided each state should choose their own "local" celeb, and North Carolina asked the Hurricanes if someone wanted to do it. They sent us Kevyn Adams, (Bless them eternally).

Since we are in Raleigh, the State Library asked if we could host the kick-off press conference in one of our libraries, and our liaison (who works at my "old" library and now has my "old" job) said "I know JUST the place!" So she (her name is Brandy) hosted them there. And, since she knows me and likes me, she asked if I would come help out. Okay, really... I DEMANDED that she let me come help, but whatever... details.

So Kevyn showed up at about 11:40 today in his Hummer for an 11:30 press conference. But no one really minded that he was late. He didn't seem at all flustered or nervous, and he did a great job. First he spoke a bit about how his mom felt it was very important that he do things other than hockey, and reading was one of them. He read a book to about ten 5th graders from a local Elementary school. They are all Safety Monitors at school, and this was a little reward for them.


He read The Magic Hockey Stick and filled the kids in on hockey vocabulary ("lumber," "assist," and "hat trick") as he read. I suspect most of the kids in the room knew these terms, but were WAY too shy to speak up in front of their hero. One little girl did give the definition of a "hat trick" and she seemed terrified. But she did great! I was going to post their pictures... but internet safety... blah blah blah... so you'll just have to imagine how cute they were.

After he read, he signed autographs for all the kids, and one young man boasted to Kevyn that he was there when the 'Canes won the cup back in June and how fantastic that was. So Kevyn asked him if he'd be there this season too, to which the young man said, "Well, I'm not really that much of a hockey fan." Laughs all around, and Kevyn followed up with "So you were just on the bandwagon, eh?" Many chuckles from the press and myself.

He signed one young lady's jersey and when he finished, he said, "You'd probably rather have Staal's autograph, but that's what I can do." More laughs, especially from me. (Staal is the young up-and-coming heartthrob of the team for those of you who aren't hockey fans... and need I remind you... you SHOULD be hockey fans.) When he mentioned Staal, one of the teachers there commented that Staal had come to their school a couple of years ago, to which Kevyn replied, "Can that guy read?!" Even more chuckles. A good time.


When the kids were all cleared away from the table, Brandy and I asked if he'd pose with us, which he was more than happy to do. As I stood beside him, I mentioned that I WOULD be there next season, which he laughed about and joked that you can't ask kids questions you don't know the answer to because you never know what they'll say. Too true, Kevyn. Too true.


Finally, Kevyn got his library card. His wife already has one, but he had not yet gotten one for himself. I swear I've never had more fun seeing someone get a library card. What a fantastic guy and what a great thing for North Carolina libraries. If you live in the area, check out the news tonight. We should be covered! 

Back to the rink

My six month hiatus from organized rec hockey ended today when I went to the local stick & puck at the Cary Ice House. I will feel it tonight, I'm sure. The good news is that I haven't forgotten how to skate (completely) and my wrist shot still has some zip. The bad news is that I'm horribly out of shape and the game tomorrow is going to bring some serious pain.

I made it down to Five Hole Sports, finally - it's just down the road from the Ice House. It's a nice facility, although I didn't have enough time to try out the fake ice surface. It looked pretty cool though.

Local Benefit Hockey Game

A local rec hockey player, David Paul, was the victim of a home invasion in July. His apartment was broken into, he was beaten up, his throat was slit, and he was left to die. Luckily, he managed to call 911 and he lived through it. All four men responsible have since been arrested, but he has over $51,000 in medical bills and no insurance.

There is a benefit hockey game this Friday, 9/1 @ 7:45 PM, at the RecZone in Raleigh. I am trying to get more information as to a general fund or account for which donations can be made.

Isbister signed

Two way deal, according to TSN. I'm looking forward to camp - should be a lot of interesting stories there with the amount of depth we now have at many positions.

Late moves

It looks like David Tanabe is back in town. TSN reports Tanabe signed today and it is possible the Canes will be signing Brad Isbister as well because of the injury issues with Cory Stillman.

Even with injuries, this makes certain positions (defense) very full. I'm wondering if they're still not trying to work out a trade, Tverdovsky for draft picks and/or prospects.

Stillman

I'm running behind a bit - I have family in town and the AC has been knocked out on our top floor, so the kids are sleeping downstairs where it's cool. Anyway, news is that Stillman's shoulder wasn't responding to treatment and he had to get it operated on. Unfortunately, the recovery is several months and he'll miss the start of the season.

I'm not really worried about it - we have plenty of guys going into training camp that can make a legit run at grabbing a forward spot. This gives some of them a chance to play at this level before Stillman returns. My initial guess is Walker will be promoted (assuming he's healthy) to play with Colsey and Staal or someone who plays his butt off in training camp gets a chance to see what he can do on the top line.

Team allegiences

I posted this on my other blog, but it seemed relevant so I thought I would copy it over here too. It starts with football, but has some hockey relevance. Are any of you out there cheering for a different team than from when you started watching hockey?

---

Football is starting up again, if you've been asleep. The Panthers won last night and pre-season games are now dominating the airwaves. Before the Panthers came around, I was a Giants fan.

I'm not from New York, but my dad and my older siblings are, so growing up I inherited my teams from them. I grew up in northern Virginia, went to lots of Capitals games as a kid, but cheered for the Islanders. I never liked the Redskins, instead I cheered for the Giants. I never liked the Orioles or Braves, instead I cheered for the Mets.

Time changes many things. Despite cheering for these teams, I never really had any special attachment to New York. It is not my home and never was. I held onto those allegiences for a long time, but it really comes down to this - what place do you consider home? For me, the answer was easy. I grew up in Virginia, but it's not home. North Carolina is home.

I got season tickets to the Hurricanes and my allegiences and feelings for the Islanders and Rangers faded (surprisingly) quick. It took longer for the Giants, as the Panthers are in Charlotte, but I am now a Panthers fan first with a passing interest in the Giants. I still follow the Mets a bit, when I actually pay attention to baseball, mostly because I loathe the Braves.

There are many people in this area from other locales, whether they're out-of-state students or just transplants. Many of them hold onto their old teams because they grew up with that team and they still consider those areas "home". Perhaps I am in a unique situation that my family has since vacated the areas where I would consider home. No one lives at the house in Richmond, or the many places in Warrenton. Dad is gone, mom is in Texas, and my siblings are all over the place (Richmond, Baltimore, Queens, and San Diego).

Spy Game

Evgeni Malkin, the best player in the world not playing in the NHL, reportedly has disappeared during training camp held in Finland. This could be a good old fashioned Cold War style defection. The impact to the Penguins this season could be immense if he makes it here.

Been busy

I've had a lot going on lately and, with the dearth of hockey news, I'll probably be taking a little time off. I may try to get to some practices once camp starts and I'm sure I'll be regaling to everyone my exploits in C League as well come September.

Five Weird Things About Me

(Courtesy of Ingmar Bergman and Cason Blog)

1. I grew up in northern Virginia and my parents were Capitals season-ticket holders. I was an Islanders fan.
   
2. When I met my wife for the first time, she was dressed up like a vampire.
   
3. I learned to play hockey in my mid twenties and my first 6:00AM Learn to Play class was the first time I had stepped on a sheet of ice ever.
   
4. I am often the only person in a crowded room or theater laughing at something that others normally find disturbing or horrifying.
   
5. I don't like condiments - I won't put catsup, mustard, mayonnaise, or any other sauce on my food. I don't like steak sauce or other toppings. I believe that if a steak has no red, it has been ruined and that people who order anything "well done" are hopelessly uncivilized. The only sauces I accept are non-creamy salad dressing (on salad or cold subs) and tzatziki.

I now tag:

• Ashley (The Life and Times of a Caniac)
• Ted (Ted's Hockey Emporium)
• Pat (Black Dog Hates Skunks)
• TJ (Canes Hockey Fan)
• Drew (End of the Bench) *been tagged already

Hurricanes sign Boulerice

Two-way contract, $450,000/$75,000, according to TSN. He doesn't deserve a roster spot unless he has somewhere in the time between when he was traded to St. Louis and now developed the ability to do anything other than pummel someone with his fists. I'm not adding him to the Roster Update.

"Jesse has been working hard to prepare himself for the upcoming season," said Karmanos. "We know what he is capable of, and he understands his role in our organization."

Translation: He knows his ass will be in the AHL or, if there are injuries and we feel the need to beat someone's ass, on the bench except for a riveting 10 seconds of ice time where said beating will take place.

Jersey-gate

Not the Devils, anyway. I'm sure many of you remember The Jack-ass (aka Davis Jones) who cut down the Hurricanes jerseys on statues during our playoff run because they disrespected the honored individuals, etc.

"I considered it not only a responsibility, but a duty to go down there and take those jerseys off."

Well, the Hurricanes decided not to press charges on the guy, despite him being a raging idiot, because that would only make Mr. The Jack-ass a martyr in his own mind and that of like-minded individuals. Canes spokesman Howard Sadel told the N&O that they probably would not adorn statues with jerseys in the future.

"For me, the bigger concern is someone on state property wielding a box cutter with an obvious hairline temper," Sadel said.

Heh.

I don't mind him standing up for what he believes in, but there is a right way and wrong way to go about it. Cutting down the jerseys with a box cutter = not the right way. Mr. The Jack-ass remains unapologetic, which is also his right. Just like I remain unapologetic for dubbing him The Jack-ass. It goes both ways Mr. The Jack-ass, see? Freedom of expression, she is a bitch.

Mostly, I'm angry because Mr. The Jack-ass and like-minded individuals only reinforce negative stereotypes about our suitability as a hockey market. The NHL is still fighting for its survival, and things like this only serve to add fuel to the fire for some idiot's anti-hockey-in-the-south rant. There are fans here and many journalists are lazy, taking the easy pot shots instead of actually doing legitimate research into their stories.

Back in the game

Looks like I'll be starting up my rec hockey again after a considerable (8 month) layoff. I'm rusty and out of shape - the perfect condition to try and injure myself on the ice. The season starts in September and I'll update everyone who cares (just me, most likely) on my progress. This way everyone can share in my pain.

Journalistic Integrity

Great post at AbelToYzerman, via a basketball site called Truehoop.

The jist of the article and AtY's follow-up is that you never see the mainstream media citing sources in other media outlets, whereas bloggers cite sources without a thought for several reasons - one, it's just plain courtesy; two, it gives the reader the ability to verify sources and weight them in judging the article/post's worth. The example he gives is a great one:

For instance, if I were to post this and attribute it to Spector’s, you’d most likely give it some serious consideration.

Two more sources confirmed that the Red Wings are seriously considering Hasek as their number 1, but one source believes the team may be doing so “out of frustration.” That source went on to say, “If Anson Carter does land in Toronto in the next day or so, the Wings will not be able to pick up the top 6 forward they need to feel comfortable moving a top 6 guy for Biron or Giguere.”

But when I tell you that it actually came from the child-like imagination of Dwayne Klessel (aka Eklund), your natural—and correct—reaction is to laugh it off.

I'm not going to post it verbatim. Check it out and make your own conclusions.

[Local] Labatt Blue Classic

For you local hockey players out there:

LaBatt Blue and USA Hockey will be holding their Classic adult hockey tournament at The Factory Ice House in Wake Forest, NC. The tournament will be Friday, September 22nd – Sunday, September 24th and the fee is $775. There will be skill divisions for men, women and coed from advanced to beginner. In addition, there is a three (3) game guarantee with every participant receiving a hat, awards for division champions and post-game refreshments compliments of Labatt’s. If you wish to learn more about the LaBatt Blue USA Hockey Adult Classic or register your team, visit www.usahockey.com/adult; or contact Scott Aldrich at (719) 538-1174 and scotta@usahockey.org.

Ron Burgundy on ESPN

Tip of the hat to Stormbringer for finding this. This is hilarious.

A devilish plan

EJ Hradek was a guest on Adam Gold's show today (850 the Buzz) and he brought up some interesting points about the situation in New Jersey. The scenario he says to look out for is this - Alex Mogilny reports to camp and injures himself somewhere around October 3rd. He'll probably need season-ending surgery. Since he was injured in a hockey context (as opposed to if he was injured or killed now as not part of the team) his salary does not count against the cap.

It's definitely dirty pool, but it's clever and it would be difficult to prove that it wasn't legit. He probably does need some sort of surgery.

Contract Madness

There seems to be a major disconnect between reality and many general managers without even bringing the Islanders into the discussion. Lets take a look at the Hurricanes high salary contracts and relative production compared to some contracts throughout the rest of the league. Here are four of the five top scorers on the Canes, each signing a new contract this off-season after winning the Cup.

Hurricanes

• Eric Staal - 4 million next year, averaging 4.5 million over 3 years.
  45-55-100. 9-19-28 playoffs. Interesting stat: For someone who doesn't see a lot of PK time, he has 4 short handed goals.
• Rod Brind'Amour - 4 million next year, averaging 3.6 over 5 years.
  31-39-70. 12-6-18 playoffs. Interesting stat: Won the most faceoffs in the league.
• Erik Cole - 4 million next year, averaging 4 over 3 years.
  30-29-59 (60 games). 2 playoff games. Interesting stat: Team high +19.
• Justin Williams - 3.5 million averaging 3.5 over 5 years.
  31-45-76. 7-11-18 playoffs. Interesting stat: Led the team in short handed points.

OK, let's examine some of the other contracts:

• Martin Havlat (Chicago) - 3 years, 6 million per. That's a lot of money for someone who only played 18 games last year and has never scored more than 68 points in a season. He gets more than Joe Sakic?
  
• Jay McKee (St. Louis) - 4 years, 4 million per. A defensive defenseman who played for a high scoring Buffalo team, yet was even on plus-minus?
  
• Marian Gaborik (Minnesota) - 3 years, 6.33 million per. I realize he's their "franchise player", but get real - he basically had Erik Cole numbers (a few more games, a few more points).
  
• Patrik Elias (New Jersey) - 7 years, 7.5 per. Both the length and value are mind boggling, especially for a team with serious cap problems. The guy has ability, I'm not denying that, but this is still somewhat ridiculous.
  
• Zdeno Chara (Boston) - 5 years, 7.5 million per. I realize he's huge, but he hasn't actually done anything worthy of this money. He's never been the guy - he's always been able to split the major responsibility with Wade Redden in Ottawa. Now it's his show and we get to see how he handles it.
  
• Pavel Kubina (Toronto) - 4 years, 5 million per. How does Pavel Kubina make more than Tomas Kaberle? How does he make more than Frank Kaberle?
  
• Brad Richards (Tampa) - He had a career high 91 points last year, 9 less than Staal, yet makes 3.5 million more per season? Wow, that's impressive.

My math may be a bit rusty, but there is some serious overpayment going on. Either Rutherford is just that much better of a negotiator than the majority of the league, or there are a lot of really clueless GMs out there. It would be interesting to adjust salaries by cost of living in the respective cities to see who really makes the most - because that may actually be something in the favor of some smaller markets that they could play up.

Rutherford was on 850 the Buzz the other day and was mentioning that he didn't agree with Aaron Ward's decision to go to New York. He offered Ward between 2 and 2.2 million per year and Ward accepted 2.5 million with the Rangers. If you calculate the considerable cost of living difference between New York and Raleigh, I think Aaron is actually coming out on the raw end of that deal. He'll be taking home less at the end of the day. Whatever floats his boat, though. It's not like he doesn't like the area - he's keeping his house here and selling the one he has in Michigan. I just think he needs a better agent.

Three mile island

The fallout continues... Senior advisor Pat LaFontaine is leaving the island now too, stepping down out of the huge mess that has developed today. I think my "Islanders trying to leave Long Island" theory is looking better and better by the minute.

Related: Neil Smith voted off the Island?

Vasicek to preds; Willis signed

Scott Walker, my favorite Predator. As long as Walker remains healthy, this is a great trade - he plays in all situations, has some speed, hits, and can score. It's all about his health - and to be fair, Vasicek has some injury issues too. I like this trade a lot. This may push Ladd to third line duty and relieve him of any pressure to perform on the top two lines.

Shane Willis, never quite the same since Scott Stevens cleaned his clock, but my has his jersey in the closet, so I'm sure she'll be happy to get it out of storage. I doubt it will replace the Cole one she has signed though. Still, if Shane can regain his scoring touch, he'll be a nice addition. I know he married a local girl, so I'm sure that has something to do with him wanting to come back. It's a two-way contract, so it shouldn't be a huge deal one way or another.

Source: TSN
Roster Update

Neil Smith voted off the Island?

Smith is out as GM for the Islanders. Rumors have been everywhere as to the cause and the Isles have yet to release an official reason.

Here are the top theories:

• Power struggle with Millbury (likely ding ding ding)
  
• Power struggle with Nolan (less likely, but possible)
  
• A "Major League" situation where Wang is trying to move the team elsewhere so he doesn't have to compete with the Rangers and the Devils. (out of my butt)
  

So there you have it. We'll see when we get more info on the situation.

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Replaced by Garth Snow? This has officially gone from bizarre to surreal.

Opening night

The Stanley Cup Championship banner will be raised on October 4th in a game against Buffalo. Buffalo's last game of the regular season and in the playoffs was at the RBC. It's an interesting note for both teams to start the season on.

An interesting thing to keep in mind too - where was Carolina's first game last season? Tampa, to see the Lightning raise their championship banner. Food for thought.

NHLPA Executive Committee

With the resignation of Trevor Linden, there will be some new blood in the NHL Player's Association. They have formed an interim executive committee until things have been sorted out. On that committee is the Hurricanes' own Kevyn Adams. He has been the 'Canes player representative for quite a while in addition to being assistant captain. During the lockout he went out of his way to meet with fans and keep them up to date with what was going on. He's a great guy and he deserves it.

Nicknames

I know d-lee calls Justin Williams Viva (and I'm not sure why). AQ and others call Brindy Warchief. I don't know if the folks in Columbus have a nickname for Trevor Letowski, but it seems quite obvious that it should be The Dude. You know, that or, uh, His Dudeness, or uh, Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing.

It just seems right.

Pre-season schedule announced

Friday Sept. 22 Nashville @ Carolina 7:00 PM
Saturday Sept. 23 Carolina @ Nashville 8:00 PM
Sunday Sept. 24 Carolina @ Columbus TBA
Friday Sept. 29 Columbus @ Carolina 7:00 PM
Sunday Oct. 1 Carolina @ Washington 1:00 PM

I just got back from Columbus and my friend Brant lives there. I might have to plan a trip back, especially since it's a Sunday game.

Away Games

To my two and a half readers, at which NHL arenas have you seen games? My wife and I plan, eventually, to see them all. So far I have been to the following arenas:

• RBC Center (obviously) - Carolina
  
• Greensboro (pre-move) - Carolina
  
• Cap Center (I've not been to MCI yet) - Washington
  
• Continental - New Jersey
  
• Nassau - New York Islanders
  
• Arrowhead (Duck) Pond - Anaheim
  
• Staples Center - Los Angeles
  
• HP Pavilion (Shark Tank) - San Jose

Georges Laraque and the disappearing goon

I was in a discussion on fanhome concerning how the goon is disappearing from the game. I read an article in the National Post via Kukla's Corner and it seemed pretty accurate as to the state of the modern day hockey goon. They're disappearing.

Anyway, I bring this up on the Hurricanes forum when some, well, uninformed person suggested that we resign Jesse Boulerice as a free agent. After laughing for a while, I responded that Jesse was a nice guy and all, but I doubt he'll ever play in the pros again. I mentioned some of the other goons who are having trouble getting signed (Simon, Domi, etc.)

I mentioned Laraque's trouble getting resigned in Edmonton and another posted said Laraque is a bad example because he signed with Phoenix.

OK, in what universe is Phoenix signing Laraque for two years, 2.4 million rational? He is big and strong, great, but he has broken 20 points once in his career and got a whopping 12 in the wide open NHL last season. MacTavish gave him little to no ice time in the Finals except when he was trying to kill people at the end of game 2.

Yet Phoenix signs him for 1.2 million, the same amount they signed Roenick for. He makes more than Kevyn Adams, Trevor Letowski, Craig Adams, Chad LaRose, and makes the same amount as Mike Commodore and Glen Wesley. Goons that can't contribute in some other ways (I don't recall him being on the power play when it mattered or the penalty kill ever) shouldn't make significantly more than the league minimum. I mean, what in the hell are they paying him for?

I guess that Phoenix signing Laraque, to me, represents a huge reality disconnect on their part. It just seems funny. I wonder if, at next season's end, they'll be happy with that contract.

Canes sign Patrick Dwyer

Two-way contract for two years. At the NHL level, it will be for $925,000, but I doubt it will come to that. Our forward depth in Albany is pretty bare. He's 23, fast, and looks like he can score. Whether than translates to the NHL remains to be seen. He is a bit smallish (5'11", 170 lbs.).

Source: Hurricanes

I'm not updating the roster post with this.

Canes sign Trevor Letowski

Letowski for 2 years, 1.6 million.

Source: TSN

This is a bit out of left field. 28 points last season and he lead the Blue Jackets in short handed points, so obviously he has some acumen on the PK. Pretty cheap though.

Roster Update

Wesley signs

One year, 1.2 million

Source: Sportsnet

Roster Status

That leaves the team around 3 million to sign a UFA forward. Otherwise, the roster is set (barring trades).

Up Shit Creek

The contracts being signed this offseason, for the most part, range from silly to downright idiotic. Several teams have painted themselves into serious corners and I am curious to see how it will work out. The teams that have managed to stay relatively clear of stupid contracts have been patient and quiet so far in the offseason and I think they will benefit greatly from it.

So far, only a handful of teams are currently spending at a rate that would bring them under the salary cap: Pittsburgh, Dallas, St. Louis, Carolina, Edmonton, Atlanta, Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Buffalo. That's twelve out of thirty. The rest of the teams have done some funky math that may lead them into trouble. Specifically, they may end up trading valuable assets at way below market valuable just to clear cap room.

The worst offenders are New Jersey, Vancouver, Tampa, Ottawa, and Boston. Each of those teams have less than a million dollars available per player to complete their roster. If they have prospects ready to make the leap, that will help, but several have RFAs that need signing and it ain't happening. New Jersey's case is just bizarre - they will have to trade or just choose not to sign very good players because they can't afford it. Between the Mogilny and Malakhov salaries and RFAs such as Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta, they are between a rock and a hard place.

Vancouver has just under 34 million dollars tied up in 11 players. Tampa and Ottawa aren't in that different spots, and I can't fathom how Boston thinks they could afford Zdeno Chara and Mark Savard for a total of 12.5 million, over a quarter of their available cap space.

Anyway, I wouldn't be surprised to see some of the more fiscally responsible teams outright steal some players before the season starts. I mean, it could get ugly. I think New Jersey in particular could be walking funny by the time opening night arrives. It's just a matter of who gives Lou an offer that causes him to vomit the least.

Update: Vancouver managed to get rid of 2.55 million in Cloutier for a second round pick. Not a bad deal for them. I'm updating my information now with recent moves and I'll take another look at it.

Hot damn!

Cole signs a three year, 12 million dollar deal.
Source: Sportsnet

The multi-year contract makes me happy. I'm glad Colesy will be wearing the sightless eye for another three years.

Roster Update

Game 7 Pics

Sorry for the delay - things have been crazy. Here are some pics from someone in my section.

Aaron Ward to Rangers

Source: SLAM!

Roster Update

Rosie signs

LaRose signs a two year deal - $950,000 (450K, 500K)
Weight signs with St. Louis

Roster

Free Agent Season opens

Canes sign John Grahame for 2 years, 1.4 million.
Matt Cullen leaves, signs with the Rangers for 4 years, 11.5 million.
Staal signs 3 years, 13.5 million.
Commodore signs 2 years, 2.5 million.
Martin Gerber leaves, signs with Ottawa for over 3 million per season.

I'm catching up still, but I got this from the News & Observer.
I'll update the Roster as soon as possible.

More signings

Roster Update
Justin Williams - 5 year, 17.5 million.
Craig Adams - 3 year, 1.8 million.
Andrew Hutchinson - 2 year, 950,000.
Niclas Wallin - 4 year, 6.9 million.

Source: Sportsnet

Game: NHL Ice Breaker

I'm in Columbus right now at the Origins convention. While I was there I met two guys from Ottawa (Fabio and his brother Paolo) who own and operate CSE Games. Anyway, I'm wearing my Stanley Cup Champion hat and I sit down to check out this NHL licensed board game. We talk hockey for a bit and finally demo the game.

It's simple and very cool - I'll probably buy it before I leave. Fabio told me the game will probably be in most team stores by later this year or sometime next year. They got the license through a Toronto-based company called Sport Fx.

Anyway, if you get a chance check them out and check out the game. For the record, it was Ottawa 2 Carolina 2 after two periods when I lit him up for a three goal outburst in the third in typical Hurricane fashion. We both had a good time chatting about our respective teams and the league in general. As I was playing, a guy wearing a Pittsburgh jersey came up to play. During the day I also saw someone wearing a Columbus jersey and someone wearing a Montreal jersey.

On the road again

My updates will be intermittant - I'll be out of town for a few days. I'll try to update the roster status as people are signed. Note: Comment moderation will also be slow because of this. I apologize for the delay.

Roster Status

Blue text indicates an update. Updates listed below roster.
Green text indicates a new acquisition.
Red text indicates a player signed with another team.
Orange text indicates a restricted free agent (RFA).

• Craig Adams (W) - Signed three year deal through '08-'09 ($1,800,000 - .6/.6/.6)
  
• Kevyn Adams (C) - Under contract through '06-'07 ($725,000)
  
• Anton Babchuk (D) - Under entry contract through '06-'07 ($900,600)
• Rod Brind'Amour (C) - Signed extension through '10-'11 ($18,000,000 - 4/4/4/3/3); Cap: $3,600,000
  
• Erik Cole (W) - Signed three year deal through '08-'09 season ($12,000,000 - 4/4/4)
  
• Mike Commodore (D) - Signed two year deal through '07-'08 season ($2,500,000 - 1.2/1.3)
  
• Matt Cullen (C) - Signed with the Rangers for four years.
  
• Martin Gerber (G) - Signed with the Senators.
  
• John Grahame (G) - Signed a two year deal through '07-'08 ($2,800,000 - 1.4/1.4)
  
• Bret Hedican (D) - Under contract through '07-'08 ($4,864,600 - 2.432/2.432)
  
• Andrew Hutchinson (D) - Signed two year deal through '07-'08 ($950,000 - .45/.5)
  
• Frantisek Kaberle (D) - Signed four year deal through the '09-'10 season ($8,800,000 - 2.2/2.2/2.2/2.2)
  
• Andrew Ladd (W) - Under entry contract through '06-'07 ($984,200)
  
• Chad LaRose (W) - Signed two year deal through '07-'08 ($950,000 - .45/.5)
  
• Trevor Letowski (W) - Signed two year deal through '07-'08 ($1,600,000 - .8/.8)
  
• Eric Staal (C) - Signed three year deal through '08-'09 ($13,500,000 - 4/4.5/5)
  
• Cory Stillman (W) - Under contract through '06-'07 ($1,750,000)
  
• Oleg Tverdovsky (D) - Under contract through '07-'08 ($5,000,000 - 2.5/2.5)
  
• Josef Vasicek (C) - Traded to Nashville for Scott Walker
  
• Scott Walker (W) - Acquired from Nashville for Josef Vasicek ($1,520,000 - unclear on length of contract).
  
• Niclas Wallin (D) - Signed four year deal through '09-'10 ($6,900,000 - 1.725/1.725/1.725/1.725)
  
• Aaron Ward (D) - Signed with the Rangers.
  
• Cam Ward (G) - Under entry contract through '06-'07 ($684,000)
  
• Doug Weight (C) - Signed with St. Louis.
  
• Glen Wesley (D) - Signed one year deal through '06-'07 ($1,200,000).
  
• Ray Whitney (W) - Under contract through '06-'07 ($1,500,000)
  
• Justin Williams (W) - Signed five year deal through '10-'11 ($17,500,000 - 3.5/3.5/3.5/3.5/3.5)
  
• Shane Willis (W) - Signed one year, two-way contract through '06-'07 ($450,000/$115,000).
  

Estimated 2006-2007 Salary: $38,970,800
Estimated 2006-2007 Cap Value: $38,823,600

Update: 6/23/06 - Brind'Amour signs 5-year, $18 million contract extension.
Update: 6/27/06 - Qualifying offers tendered to RFAs: Cole, Commodore, LaRose, Staal, Williams
Update: 6/27/06 - Kaberle signs a 4 year, 8.8 million deal.
Update: 6/30/06 - Williams, CAds, Wallin, Hutchinson signed to multi-year deals.
Update: 7/1/06 - Staal, Commodore re-sign; Cullen (NYR) and Gerber (OTT) leave; Grahame signs.
Update: 7/2/06 - LaRose re-signs; Weight leaves for St. Louis.
Update: 7/3/06 - Aaron Ward leaves for NYR.
Update: 7/5/06 - Cole re-signs.
Update: 7/6/06 - Wesley re-signs.
Update: 7/6/06 - Letowski signs.
Update: 7/18/06 - Vasicek to Nashville for Walker; Willis signs.

Kaberle signs

4 years, 8.8 million.

Source: TSN

I'm very happy about this. I can't remember us having a defenseman who could effectively move the puck and play defense at the same time (at least, not at the point of their career when they played for us). We've had some who could move the puck (Tanabe, Ozolinsh) and plenty who could play defense, but doing them at the same time seems to be an ability in short supply. If he would learn to hit people, he could add a million or two onto his annual salary, but I'm not going to complain at this point - two out of three ain't bad.

Alexander Ovechkin

Here's a little blurb from Scott Burnside of ESPN about Ovechkin at the draft.

Great idea for Washington to include rookie of the year Alexander Ovechkin in the proceedings as he announced the Caps' first (Swedish forward Nicklas Backstrom) and second (Semen Varlamov) picks of the day.


Although the Caps were prepared to send Ovechkin home after the annual awards ceremony Thursday, Ovechkin said he wanted to stay and meet the new draftees. Throughout the day, Ovechkin could be seen hanging out with the new players and signing autographs and providing interviews to the media.


So much time is spent wondering how best to market the new NHL -- here was a living example of how it should be done.

He was great at the Award ceremony, his speech for winning the Calder was memorable, and he wanted to be involved at the draft. He had the opportunity at the beginning of his rookie campaign to room with a fellow Russian, but he declined because he wanted to improve his English. What's the over-under on when he becomes the captain of that team? He's only 20 years old!

Draft Breakdown

I get back in from a late night and discover that... not much happened for the Canes yesterday. We needed forward depth in the system, which it appears we got. Here is an article from the local paper about the JR did yesterday - mostly contract stuff from the sound of it. Staal and Kaberle were in contract negotiations and talks opened with Matt Cullen and Aaron Ward. Raleigh's Kai Kantola went undrafted - it would be interesting to see if he gets a tryout at camp.

1. No first round pick
   


2. Jamie McBain - 63rd overall. U.S. Under-18 Team. D, 6-1, 190. Born Feb. 25, 1988, in Edina, Minn.
   
   NHL Central Scouting Service comments (ranked 81st among North American skaters): "Average skater but has good agility and balance. ... An adequate backward skater who has shown improvement over the course of the season. ... Is primarily a defensive player. ... Plays a sound positional game. ... Used in all game situations. ... Battles hard in front of the net and in the corners. ... Delivers solid body checks."
   What a great name. The Simpsons-style video clips for him would be worth it alone. Skating can be learned and improved, so I'm hoping he can sharpen up that part of his game.
   


3. Harrison Reed - 93rd overall. Sarnia (Ontario Hockey League). RW, 6-0, 178. Born Jan. 18, 1988 in Newmarket, Ontario.
   
   NHL Central Scouting Service comments (ranked 71st among North American skaters): "Good skater -- has deceptive speed once in full stride. ... His quick release and his good touch around the net add to his effectiveness on the power play. ... Passing skills and playmaking ability are good. ... Does not play a physical game. ... Shows aggressiveness in getting to the puck and well as the willingness to take a hit and quickly get back into the play. ... Plays a good transition game."
   


4. Bobby Hughes - 123rd overall. Kingston (OHL). C, 5-10, 170. Born Nov. 11, 1997 in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
   
   NHL Central Scouting Service comments (ranked 123rd among North American skaters): "A skilled forward with creative playmaking ability. ... Very good skater combining speed, agility and balance. ... Can be a gritty competitor and has shown the ability to fight through checks. ... Will finish his checks and despite his size can hit hard. ... Missed several weeks throughout the season with various injuries."
   Other teams stayed away because of injuries, but the Canes seemed to think he would be fine. Could be a steal.
   


5. Stefan Chaput - 153rd overall. Lewiston (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League). C, 6-2, 190. Born March 11, 1988 in Montreal, Quebec.
   
   Ranked 113th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting Service. Chaput is full of energy on the ice, willing to hit regularly. He is a strong skater with a good nose for the net, and is willing to work hard in the trenches to create plays. A tenacious fore-checker as well as a responsible back-checker, Chaput is also a valuable defensive forward, giving fits to the opposition’s top players, and playing hard on the Lewiston penalty kill.
   


6. Nick Dodge - 183rd overall. Clarkson University. RW, 5-10, 175. Born May 1, 1986 in Oakville, Ontario.
   
   This season Dodge blossomed into a more complete and confident player. His confidence has allowed him to be more creative, assertive and make better decisions at both ends of the ice. Dodge is a smart, tireless worker who has the ability to make those around him better. He skates with good speed and possesses good quickness. Dodge is outstanding on draws and has become one of Clarkson’s faceoff specialists. He is very good around the net and along the boards. As good as Dodge is offensively, he is equally good defensively.
   
   Clarkson head coach George Roll’s comments on Dodge: “Nick has ability but what makes him so special is that he combines that ability with a great work ethic and competitiveness. He reminds me of a lot of Steve Dubinsky, who played here when I was an assistant. Nick is a special kid on and off the ice. He is an exceptional student and approaches everything else the same way that he approaches hockey. He’s one of those guys that’s a true student-athlete.”
   


7. Justin Krueger - 213th overall. Penticton (BCHL). D, 6-2, 205. Born October 6, 1986 in Switzerland Winnepeg, Manitoba.

Looks like he is going to Cornell. He also played on a German junior team? Also looks like he's trying to sell a 1992 Jeep Cherokee. You can email him or call his cell phone to get the details. *sigh* The things you find on the Internet. Update: He's the son of the coach of the Swiss national team, who is also a Hurricanes scout.

NHL Draft

I would liveblog this if not for the fact that I won't be able to watch it live (wife's birthday celebration). I'm recording it so I'll comment on it when I get a chance.

Other than the obvious fun with trades, I'm curious to see if the Canes try to get homegrown talent Kai Kantola.

Well, it looks like I'll get to see the Blues draft Erik Johnson. Bettman is talking but I haven't really listened that closely. If he hurries up I can see what the Penguins do with #2, which is where all of the speculation lies.

Finally the Blues GM shut up and they picked Johnson. Took 'em long enough. Bettman announced a trade but it had nothing to do with the #2! Damn it. I have to go. Oh well, I'll listen on the radio and write later.

Laviolette signed

5 year deal, believed to be at $1,000,000 per season.

Source: Sportsnet

I'm glad it's done so we don't have to deal with the endless speculation of the Bruins or some other team in desperate need of a coach luring him away.

Luongo-Bertuzzi

Looks like big Todd will be in Florida and we won't have to see the Greek Witch anymore.

To Vancouver: Roberto Luongo (G), Lukas Krajicek (D)
To Florida: Todd Bertuzzi (F), Bryan Allen (D), Alex Auld (G)

Link: TSN

I'm actually a Bertuzzi fan, even with the "incident". I think he was a great player and could be again if he could regain his focus. With the emergence of Olli Jokinen, the Panthers get a nasty first line.

Vancouver finally gets the goaltender they have coveted for years. That should make them happy.

Brind'Amour signs extension

5 years, 18 million.

Source: Sportsnet

The pros outweigh the cons here. Brind'Amour is in peak physical condition. He is the Captain and his signing sends a message to the other players that he will remain the pillar of the team for years to come. It also reduces his salary's impact on the cap to 3.6 million per year, which frees up some space to sign some of the other guys. The "risk" is that, as an older player, he will break down or retire before the end of the contract, thus leaving the Canes with a cap penalty for the remainder. It's a risk worth taking.

NHL Awards

Well, my predictions in April were pretty good, all things considered (although I only went 5/8 in the first round of the playoffs).

I knew there was a crack in the bowl of the Cup, but I didn't realize Wally Tatomir was the culprit. Funny. The stage time with the boys was fun. Staalsy still looks a little gangly. Brind'Amour looks like he could hulk out and shred that suit apart with a twitch of his eyebrow. His hair has muscles.

Good to see Ted Nolan back. Congrats to Lindy Ruff on winning the Jack Adams trophy. He's gone through a lot and I sincerely hope his daughter continues her successful recovery. I can't even begin to comprehend something like that happening to my little girl. ESPN says the voting was very close. Ruff 155, Laviolette 154. Wow.

Kolzig was funny with his "I'm a goalie, I'm used to it" and "As much as it pains me" lines, but his speech overall was very heartfelt - it made me sad. North Carolina, Raleigh in particular, has one of the largest support networks for autistic families in America. OK, I'm getting depressed now between brain masses and autism. Here is a link to Athletes Against Autism.

Yay for Brindy winning the Selke! "Chance or great skill". heh. Lavi was a little choked up by his speech.

Between the NHL video games and watching the Canucks on Center Ice, I just love listening to Jim Hughson. I wish OLN and NBC got him to call the playoff games. No surprise - Lidstrom gets the Norris. He continues to amaze me. That guy is just a phenomenal player, year in and year out. The smile and nod to Ken Holland concerning the contract was pretty funny. Scouts project defensive prospects in the draft into different "molds" - Scott Stevens is one you hear a lot. You rarely (if ever) hear of someone being in the mold of Niclas Lidstrom, and for good reason.

My wife worked tonight, so I recorded it for her. The first thing she said as she was watching was "Wow, I see why people think Sidney Crosby is an asshole. He's good-looking, like illegally good-looking. And he's a great hockey player - it's a double whammy."

Ah, perspective.

Free agent updates

The N&O Hurricanes Blog had some interesting things to say today.

• Doug Weight hasn't ruled out a return to the Canes, nor has he agreed 100% to return to St. Louis. To stay in Carolina, he would have to take a pay cut, but it's not out of the realm of possibility. I think Vasicek would have to go in order to make this viable.
  
• Frank Kaberle must be still on the Stanley Cup high, so the Canes need to jump fast - he said he would like to act quickly and sign with the Canes, presumably before July 1st. Getting him re-signed would be great news.
  

They also talk about the four big RFAs (Staal, Williams, Cole, and Commodore) and the problems encountered there with the new CBA. The penalties for poaching RFAs are considerably less steep than before.

Game 7 video

Here is a clip of Justin Williams' Cup clinching goal on the CBC feed. I post it here because I saw myself in it - about thirty seconds into the clip. The guys in the main screen cheering are my friend Kevin (right) and his dad (center). To the left there is a woman in a Cole jersey with her back to the camera (my wife) and me. You can see us all in the still image.

And now for something completely different

The Onion had its own article on the Hurricanes. It's pretty funny and the photoshop of Bret Hedican is priceless. I hear that one of the Onion writers used to be a beat writer for the N&O (hence the good level of detail).

Also, check out Hockey BBQ Buzz - the best hockey and BBQ rumor site on the Internet.

Offseason - Goalies

If there is one position that the Hurricanes are absolutely stocked in, this is it. Cam Ward won the Conn Smythe, Martin Gerber won the most games in franchise history, and there are three solid prospects waiting in the wings.

• Martin Gerber - Made $1,064,000 last season and is a UFA. Unfortunately, the flu at the beginning of the Montreal series cost him his starting role. Many teams are in need of solid goaltending and the Canes are unlikely to pay him $2,000,000 to be a backup goalie. Projection: Gone
  
• Cam Ward - Still has another year on his entry contract ($684,000). Next season he'll get the big raise as an RFA, but he's solid in the fold now. Projection: Stays
  
• Prospects - Daniel Manzato, Kevin Nastiuk, and Justin Peters are all solid goaltending prospects with two-way deals. One of them may step up as the backup or the Canes may pick up a cheap UFA goalie somewhere. Projection: Would not surprise me to see one of them gone on Draft Day

Offseason - Forwards

On to the forwards. The Hurricanes are very deep at center. Six of the players on the playoff roster are natural centers, even if they didn't always play there. Granted, some won't be back, but it is a position of strength. The weak point has always been left wing, but that is starting to change now. The accomplishments of the young RFAs are going to cost this team a lot - Staal (22), Cole (27), and Williams (24) are RFAs and absolutely essential to this team's present and future.

Centers

• Matt Cullen - Made $668,000 (!) last season and is a UFA. Not bad for a guy who put up 25 goals in the regular season. He will be a wanted commodity on the market on one hand, but he really likes it here on the other. I think it is possible to get him back with a home team discount and I would love to see him wearing the sightless eye next season. Projection: Unsure, might be a casualty of the big three forwards
  
• Eric Staal - Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. That's the sound of the armored car backing up to Eric's place and dumping a crap load of money down. He made $942,000 last season and he's an RFA. The team has a little leverage, but we could be looking at somewhere between 5 and 63.5 million dollars a year here. Projection: $$$$
  
• Kevyn Adams - Made $725,000 last season and will make the same this upcoming on in the last year of his contract. Kevyn is loved by this community - he always has time for fans, even during the lockout. Projection: Here for a long time
  
• Rod Brind'Amour - Made $5,320,000 this season, scheduled to make $2,850,000 next season and there is a team/player option the year after that. Projection: He's the Captain
  
• Doug Weight - Made $5,700,000 last season (partial from St. Louis) and all accounts have him heading back there to finish his career. Projection: Gone
  
• Josef Vasicek - Made $1,000,000 last season and is scheduled to make $1,300,000 next season before becoming an RFA. There has been some talk about his lack of production will cause him to be traded. Upper management has expressed faith in him though, especially since knee injuries take a while. We'll see. Projection: Draft Day trade?
  
• Vince Bellisimo - A prospect on a two-way contract, he's scheduled to make $450,000 next year (same as this year) should he make the club. With the strength at center, that's not a given. Projection: In the organization, but probably in the minors

Wings

• Justin Williams - He's a RFA and only 24 years old, making $1,225,000 last season. He's a solid two-way player, puts up points, and is part of the young core of the team. He'll get a nice raise (double at least) and probably a three to four year contract. Projection: Stays
  
• Ray Whitney - He has one more year on his contract at $1,500,000 before he becomes a UFA. Projection: Stays
  
• Andrew Ladd - One more year on his entry level contract ($689,000) before he becomes an RFA. Stays
  
• Mark Recchi - A team option at $2,280,000 that will most likely not be picked up, especially for a 38 year old forward whose best days are behind him. Projection: Gone
  
• Erik Cole - Another part of the young core of the team, he's 27 and a favorite of everyone from upper managerment through the fan base. He is an RFA this season after making $1,140,000 last season. That will be doubled (tripled?) at least and hopefully will result in a long multi-year deal to stave off impending unrestricted free agency. Projection: Stays
  
• Craig Adams - One of a group of players who play better with the Hurricanes than with other teams (see: Hill, Sean). He likes it here and has undeniable chemistry with Kevyn Adams. He made $465,000 last season and is a UFA. I expect he'll be resigned with a slight raise. Projection: Stays
  
• Chad LaRose - Rosie was undrafted and is an RFA after making $450,000. We'll sign him with a raise, maybe $500,000 or a little higher. Projection: Stays
  
• Cory Stillman - He has a year left on his contract, making $1,750,000 and worth every penny. Projection: Stays

It is important to retain the young forwards on the squad because the cupboard is barren. We need to get some young forwards in the system, maybe trading some of our various goalie prospects for some good young talented blue chippers.