The return of Cullen

So it has finally happened and Cullen is on his way back to Raleigh. In exchange we sent Andrew Hutchinson (who never really had a fair shake), prospect Joe Barnes (meh), and a third round pick. We have a bona fide third line center and it makes me wonder what the team has in store for Jeff Hamilton. Will he play on the third line? Will he play fourth line and get power play minutes?

I like the fact that we have some serious threats on the shootout now. Those lost points would have put us in the playoffs last year and I think they'll make a big difference this year too.

Steep price

To Carolina: Anson Carter
To Columbus: 1 bag of pucks

I'm not going to entitle this "Get Carter" as I assume some of my fellow bloggers will. The movie is not worth using in that way. We basically picked up Anson for what amounts to a bag of pucks. A fifth round pick next year. That's it. How many GMs are smacking their foreheads in a Homer Simpsonian manner?

It gives us some scoring depth, hopefully providing our third line with some needed jump. He had 33 goals last year with the Sedin twins in Vancouver, so he definitely has the skill. It's just a matter now of utilizing him in the right way so he can take advantage of it. We'll see tomorrow night in Atlanta how Lavi uses him.

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?

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.