Staal Named Captain...

[Solracer]

http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=514280

Interesting I wounder if Rod decided to to this...

[VandyCane]

I just got the tweet. Wow.:crazy: We all knew that Staal would be the next C, but to demote Rod publicly in the middle of the season reflects poorly on the organization. I continue to get frustrated with our team but mostly management.

[Captain Slack]

I did not think this would happen until next season! Wow!! :crazy:

[SoCalcaniac]

Got the tweet too and I'm shaking my head.

What in the hell is going on here?

Why on earth could this not have "waited" until NEXT SEASON? I mean was this so completely urgent that it had to happen now?

I'd be real interested in knowing how this conversation was broached.

After reading that article in the N&O the other day with The Owner being quoted and saying they'd be "sitting down with Rod at the end of the season" I guess the sit down happened sooner. Vandy I agree with you; this reflects badly on the Org and puts heat on Eric IMO, unnecessarily I might add.

[c-girl]

Wow. I just got the tweet, too. Very interesting development. I wonder if retirement will soon follow.

[FinFan]

I'm betting this was a discussion between all the bigs, plus Rod, Eric and Ray. I would be willing to bet that Rod agreed. At least he gets to keep an A. I have a feeling this will help the team a lot.

Except it should've been Ray... 13th Captain... #13. Makes sense, hm? ;)

ETA: I think you may be right, c-girl. Maybe this does mean the Rod the Bod is going to retire after this season.

[sandstorm]

All I can say is "WOW"!

[caneshockeychick]

SERIOUSLY??!!!

WTF is up with this org?

I mean, this not cool IMO.

[Solracer]

Not that I think the ORG is blameless however this very well could have been a discussion brought up by Rod himslef and something he wanted to do.

[Jay]

Hooray. Hopefully we'll see Staal step up similarly to how he did when the organization first gave him an A.

[superdave]

superdave scratches his head, "why now?"

Is this going to save the season? It's a little late for that now.

[Canesluver]

Perhaps this was Rod's idea. I'm OK with it. I don't see the big deal.

And... Could a Mod please go into the thread title and spell CAPTAIN correctly, please? Thanks!

[FinFan]

Rutherford said he talked with Rod Brind'Amour and that Brind'Amourt could have vetoed the decision. No decision made on Brind'Amour returning next season. Will be off-season decision, Rutherford said.

That is from Chip. (misspelling is ALL Chip. I just copied it from his tweet.)

[WillLikeWhoa091]

Personally I think everyone's getting all huffy for no reason. I think it's great.

Two options:

A) Roddy could have brought it up like several are saying. He might have gotten very honest with himself and realized that it's no longer his team necessarily.

B) The organization just showed a little bit of moxie in keeping people accountable. Out of respect to Roddy, they give him an "A".

Either one of those options is a good thing. Atta' Boy Canes!

-rushing off to get a "C" sewn onto my Staal jersey-

[Captain Slack]

Hopefully we'll get some more details later today.

[Solracer]

Perhaps this was Rod's idea. I'm OK with it. I don't see the big deal.

And... Could a Mod please go into the thread title and spell CAPTAIN correctly, please? Thanks!

Doh.... I have been trying so hard with my speeling... doh... :D

[c-girl]

Chip just tweeted that Rutherford said he discussed this with Rod and that Rod could have vetoed it. So obviously, Rod agreed. Don't know if he agreed willingly.

I see him retiring at the end of the season and taking a position with the org such as Conditioning Coach.

ETA: Or what Fin Fan said. :)

[shill22]

obviously I'm in the minority here but about time. I do hope that Rod was a part of this discussion to change the captain bc he has done so much in the past but his numbers lately havent been very good. A leader isn't just one in the locker room, it should be good/better that average numbers on the ice too(imo).

[SoCalcaniac]

It's very UNCOOL CHC, totally agree. Regardless of what has transpired for Rod, I think this shows a complete and utter lack of respect for what he has done for this organization.

I know 4 years ago is a long ass time ago for some people, but in it's totality, Rod has been more than that guy who lifted the Cup in elation. I personally think it's poor form that this organization even approached this with him NOW. If your plan is to usher Rod out, and it's pretty damn clear that's what they're trying to do, at least do it with some friggin DIGNITY. NOBODY deserves this.

I have made it clear that I'm an unabashed Eric Staal fan. Have been, always will be. But this, again, is not the way I would envision what being named Captain would be for him. Never on this earth and certainly not on this day.

ETA: the key to that tweet from Chirp is that it says "Rutherford talked to Rod and he could have vetoed it" well, it kinda sounds like to me, that they went to Rod and said "We're makin' Eric the Captain" ---- Kinda like when a company says "we've re-assigned your duties------- to China". Don't buy that he had a chance to "veto". This is very Dave Andreychuk like. Next tweet you get is that Rod is retiring. I know there are many here that will do a dance and good on you; but seriously. I'd like the team I root for to do things a little less Tampa-ish. Or any of the other orgs who have gone down this path.....

[msgtcody]

I think its something they wanted to discuss doing before the influx of new talent came in and trades started being made. You never know what goes on in those discussions, Rod may be cool with it and going to retire, he may be okay with a trade, but I think the main reason is getting Staal in place before the Rats come up for good and letting him lead the next generation of youth.

[Jay]

I think its something they wanted to discuss doing before the influx of new talent came in and trades started being made. You never know what goes on in those discussions, Rod may be cool with it and going to retire, he may be okay with a trade, but I think the main reason is getting Staal in place before the Rats come up for good and letting him lead the next generation of youth.

This.

I completely agree. The overhaul begins now, not during the off-season. Get the drama over with.

This team is going to start radically changing now. Bye-bye Cullen, maybe bye-bye Whitney (rental).

[WillLikeWhoa091]

I think its something they wanted to discuss doing before the influx of new talent came in and trades started being made. You never know what goes on in those discussions, Rod may be cool with it and going to retire, he may be okay with a trade, but I think the main reason is getting Staal in place before the Rats come up for good and letting him lead the next generation of youth.

Well said.

[caneshockeychick]

I think this could have waited until the off-season...I mean really, what does this do? Do they really think Staal is going to lead us out of the cellar here? I mean, Staal's the guy, we all know that, but why not just wait until the season is over.

This season is finished in all reality so I just don't see this as being necessary.

And now we know, Rod will be gone next year.

[Darkwing]

What a horrible decision.

[nccanes]

I might have been upset if this had happened in November, but at this point it doesn't bother me. Its time to turn the page on the season and I guess this comes with it.

Its obvious from the way his mates talk of him that they all admire and respect Eric - Ray spoke of getting chills when he learned Eric made the olympic team and how proud and happy he was. Staal will make a fine Captain.

[The Rock]

The comments on the Canes' facebook feeds make my head hurt.

[Darkwing]

Maurice->Out
TomRowe/Brind'Amour->HeadCoach/Assistant Coach
Ron Francis->GM.


Look, a solution for the problems!

[IceSaber]

My take is that, even if it wasn't Rod's idea...he was probably thinking it - that's the kind of guy he is. Very humble and always downplaying his individual contribution. He's a team guy through and through - I believe he recognizes his own faults before before anyone has to point them out to him.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I do think this is a good move (provided some more follow it). Let the rebuild begin in earnest.

[c-girl]

Honestly, I think this is the first step in acknowledgment of the death of this season.

[Solracer]

More here..

http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=514291

[caneshockeychick]

Makes it easier to "scratch" Rod now I suppose

[WillLikeWhoa091]

Don't understand how people can't see this as a positive move forward.

[SoCalcaniac]

Don't understand how people can't see this as a positive move forward.


Of course it's a positive move forward, HOWEVER it could have been a "positive move forward" in April when our season ends. There is still something called decorum and natural order in this world. Or maybe not. Those who have been eager to dance on the grave got their wish. It would be my wish that this was done without creating this nonsense.

No matter what this little blog post says, it's still not the way it should have happened.

For those not on Twitter- The GM is on with D. Glenn/99.9 The Fan at 12:15.

[WillLikeWhoa091]

Sidenote: Branecky has some good quotes from Rutherford in his latest blog post. I think it sheds a little light on the situation, and it sounds like this was a long thought out process that made sure to take people's feelings into account.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Should have happened prior to this season or after this season, not during.

Rod did not veto because he is a class act.

F U JR, you handled this very poorly. Your talk is cheap. You and Mo both need to go IMO.

[caneshockeychick]

Don't understand how people can't see this as a positive move forward.

For me, I'll say because I don't think it is...today. Now, before the start of next season or the end of this season, sure. I think we all know that Staal was our future captain and we accepted that.

It's just not a classy move IMO. And I think all that stuff in those articles is bs...blowing smoke up our a$$es...again, JMO.

[Convert]

Sidenote: Branecky has some good quotes from Rutherford in his latest blog post. I think it sheds a little light on the situation, and it sounds like this was a long thought out process that made sure to take people's feelings into account.

Yup, JR's comments make sense to me and while the timing is questionable in some ways, it also makes sense.

Lets see how Staal performs as a captain during tough times both on and off the ice...

[SoCalcaniac]

I read JR's comments before my last post and they don't make "sense" it's him telling people who will ask (like all of us) why now? it's patting us all on our heads and telling us it's going to be just fine so we'll all shut up. The point is it could have WAITED.

CHC & SC, yeah and yeah. Agreed.

[nccanes]

I think the JR interview should make people feel a little better.

[ButtersSaysNo]

I think the JR interview should make people feel a little better.

nope

[nccanes]

I guess we all have to wait to see how the whole Brind'Amour deal will shake out in the long run, but JR has treated his players fairly in the past and I see no reason to believe that has changed. I believe him when he says how much he respects Rod and I was happy that he was emphatic that he'd never play for another team. I also respect Rod and Eric and I believe him when he talked about them being more concerned about the other than themselves.

Maybe this removes a burden off Rod. Maybe it sucked playing so little and so poorly while wearing the "C".

At this point, I'm willing to believe what I'm hearing. If Rod give off another vibe, then I'll reconsider.

[parkwoodcaniac]

Staal should have vetoed it and showed some class himself, this origanization shows no repsect for Brind'Amour... I don't care what Rutherford said about Rod being able to veto the decision, he has more class than that.

[Convert]

I guess we all have to wait to see how the whole Brind'Amour deal will shake out in the long run, but JR has treated his players fairly in the past and I see no reason to believe that has changed. I believe him when he says how much he respects Rod and I was happy that he was emphatic that he'd never play for another team. I also respect Rod and Eric and I believe him when he talked about them being more concerned about the other than themselves.

Maybe this removes a burden off Rod. Maybe it sucked playing so little and so poorly while wearing the "C".

At this point, I'm willing to believe what I'm hearing. If Rod give off another vibe, then I'll reconsider.

There are a lot of times when I feel that JR blows smoke up our b*tts, but this is not one of them. I think there are still too many guys who respect Brindy for it to have gone any other way.

I could be very wrong about this as well, but that is my gut.

Now, since JR seldom tells the truth publicly twice in a row, I hope he reiterates that Mo is still safe in his next public proclamation.

[nccanes]

Staal should have vetoed it and showed some class himself, this origanization shows no repsect for Brind'Amour... I don't care what Rutherford said about Rod being able to veto the decision, he has more class than that.

Unless you've been in every discussion Rod and JR have had (and JR said he's checked in with Rod throughout the season) I fail to see how anyone can know if he feels disrespected or not.

[parkwoodcaniac]

Unless you've been in every discussion Rod and JR have had (and JR said he's checked in with Rod throughout the season) I fail to see how anyone can know if he feels disrespected or not. What do think he's going say? Of course he agrees, what can Rod say.

[KaniacFever]

I think its something they wanted to discuss doing before the influx of new talent came in and trades started being made. You never know what goes on in those discussions, Rod may be cool with it and going to retire, he may be okay with a trade, but I think the main reason is getting Staal in place before the Rats come up for good and letting him lead the next generation of youth.

Bingo.

I'm shocked that they actually did it during the season and not wait until the off season, but this team is changing sooner than later. The young kids look up to Staal, and they are going to be here this year, not next. I actually don't have a problem with the change now.

And unlike some, I do think it was discussed. I know this org has done some crazy poo, but I don't see them treating Rod like Tampa did Andreychuk. I think it was discussed with him and he agreed to it. Everyone on that team knows its Staal's team. You can just tell by the way they talk. Whitney for example last night. Maybe Rod has come to that realization as well. Why put off today what's going to happen tomorrow.

My mom talked to Francis' mother in law who lives at St James Plantation yesterday and she did say that we don't know half of what is going on or will be done. Guess this is the first of many moves to be made.

[nccanes]

What do think he's going say? Of course he agrees, what can Rod say.

But how do we know that he isn't being honest? That's a presumption that he was not okay with the move. The possibility does exist that he was fine with it.

[NCCaniac42]

After reading all the blogs and comments that have been made, this was a decision in the making all season. Taking over the team as Captain in the middle of one of the worst season in recent history will show what kind of leadership the kid has. Remember when Rod was out after his injury two years ago, Eric took the team on his back and we almost made the playoffs. At times it does look like JR doesn't know what he is doing, but I suspect there was a lot more behind the scenes in this decision then the public will or has the right to know. I know I am looking forward to seeing how the team reacts. This is a team that sticks together.. and takes the blame together when times get tough. I suspect that Rod is considering retirement at the end of the season and this was just the first step in making the transition. I also agree with the statement made above, that it is time to get Staal in place before the youngsters join the team next season.

Now if we can just get some team to take Aaron off our hands.. then I will be happy.. one less thing to whine about.

[ButtersSaysNo]

But how do we know that he isn't being honest? That's a presumption that he was not okay with the move. The possibility does exist that he was fine with it.

Doesn't matter if he was fine with it. It should have been done prior to the season or after the season, not during. Sharks handled their situation correctly, we did not. Just my opinion.

[KaniacFever]

Rutherford said that he first pitched the idea to Brind’Amour and Staal several months ago, and that the three have had ongoing dialogue ever since. It was the mutual understanding reached between all three that resulted in the change finally taking place.

“The biggest thing for both of them was taking care of each other,” said Rutherford. “That’s why Rod has been such a great leader for his whole career and a great captain for us, and why Eric is the new captain. They talk things through with each other.”



IDK, I just don't see what JR has to gain in making this up.

[SoCalcaniac]

I think the JR interview should make people feel a little better.

Maybe "slightly" upgraded. Butters is hardcore. I, can often be swayed. ;):lol:

The GM sounded tired, drained, weary not sure which he sounded more like. I'm personally still firmly entrenched in my belief given all this supposed discussion, this could have waited. I really do. It's already prompted what I knew would happen---- Staal getting called out for being classless for accepting the C. The GM took it on himself to do this now. The two people involved are now in the crosshairs because of it.

I have no doubt that Eric looks up to Rod and Rod has always spoken highly of Eric; there is mutual respect between those two guys. I can't imagine they wanted this to be a situation. I could see them both talking this through; Eric's a mature guy and very mindful of what Rod has done for the franchise and I believe he's respectful of that. Chip tweeted that there was some type of group hug that happened after JR announced this to the team; wonder what that whole scene was like.

[nccanes]

One thing this does, leaving the emotion part of it aside, is allow Eric to get used to the "C" and have a feeling out period with his teammates and set the tone young callup guys now, rather than the beginning of next season. Lord knows we all learned that preseason and the first 20 games of the season are critical.

[caneshockeychick]

Always fun to read Old Threads (http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10889)(albeit, this one's only like a month and a half old :lol:)

[KaniacFever]

Now that this has all digested, being the 13th captain, that could be bad. Hopefully this 13 has as much good out of it as the Wizard's 13. :lol:

[nccanes]

I haven't read the old link (though I remember the thread) but that's why my post here said that back in November I probably felt differently, but sitting at the end of January and having seen what's unfolded with the team and Rod, I feel differently now.

I don't look at this as stripping Rod of the "C", though I guess that's just semantics. I'm glad the "transition" (that's my word, lol) seems to have gone pretty smoothly. Guess we wait to hear from Rod to know for sure and see if we get the same vibe we got from Modano. :lol:

[caniac97]

For me, I'll say because I don't think it is...today. Now, before the start of next season or the end of this season, sure. I think we all know that Staal was our future captain and we accepted that.

It's just not a classy move IMO. And I think all that stuff in those articles is bs...blowing smoke up our a$$es...again, JMO.

I agree, more like something to pacify the natives before asking for that season ticket holder reup. He knows we want Moe's head on a platter but they throw us this trinket instead.

[livinthedream]

Caveat... I haven't read what anyone else has posted yet and I haven't read or listened to any of the press. Just wanted to give my undistracted observations and initial reactions first and then I'll loop back after I've absorbed more of the details.

I was at the RecZone today when all this happened. I got there a few minutes early and was surprised to see no one on the ice or even milling about, then started getting the tweets. Needless to say it was very surreal in the building. It seemed like an eternity, in reality it was only about 10-12 minutes, before anyone took the ice. Jorge Alves came out, and Joe Corvo a couple of minutes after him, and Rod was the next guy out, just as you'd expect to see him, business as usual. Players slowly trickled onto the ice, Staal was one of the last to show around 11:25 or so, then finally practice started in earnest around 11:30. Of course by then all of the media and Canes PR were out and about so it was rather distracting though not much of a circus ThankS God. Other than the announcement and some extra folks from the media hanging around, if you didn't know any differently you'd think it was a rather normal practice, nothing or no one out of the ordinary, and they wrapped up around 12:30 and headed off.

My heart has been heavy over Rod's situation for quite some time, and you knew a change was inevitable, and for the record I have zero issue with Staal as the new captain, but I question the timing, perhaps after I hear more the decision behind that will become more apparent. My hope is that everything has been handled with respect and dignity which I assume it has.

[KaniacFever]

I haven't read the old link (though I remember the thread) but that's why my post here said that back in November I probably felt differently, but sitting at the end of January and having seen what's unfolded with the team and Rod, I feel differently now.

I don't look at this as stripping Rod of the "C", though I guess that's just semantics. I'm glad the "transition" (that's my word, lol) seems to have gone pretty smoothly. Guess we wait to hear from Rod to know for sure and see if we get the same vibe we got from Modano. :lol:

Ditto. I know in November I was against it. I also knew in November there was a chance to save the season. And I thought doing it then would do more harm than good. Watching things unfold for the last 2 months, my mind changed.

No disrespect to Rod. I will appreciate everything he has done for this organization. And Staal has big shoes to fill, IMHO, but its time for the changing of the tide. We are going to have a bunch of young kids up here soon, so why not let Staal take the charge now.

[nccanes]

Or maybe it just indicates the level of apathy I've reached...can't work up an objection. :lol:

[c-girl]

I don't look at this as stripping Rod of the "C", though I guess that's just semantics. I'm glad the "transition" (that's my word, lol) seems to have gone pretty smoothly. Guess we wait to hear from Rod to know for sure and see if we get the same vibe we got from Modano. :lol:

I agree. I look at it as a transition too. There's audio up on carolinahurricanes.com from Mo, Eric and Rod. After listening to these, and hearing JR on 99.9 earlier, I'm even more convinced that the parties involved are okay with this.

It seems to me that it's a good opportunity for Eric to test the waters of captaincy while the old captain is still around (because I'll bet the farm Rod retires at the end of the season). Rod flat out states that this change was going to occur at some point anyway. You know, Rod may even be relieved. He said that the Captain has to lead the way ON THE ICE with play in addition to in the room and he alluded to the fact that he wasn't doing it this year.

As for any allegation that Eric is classless for accepting this, well who among us would turn down a promotion that is offered to us? Eric didn't orchestrate a power coup. It appears that it was a joint player/organizational decision.

Anyway, this change is just one of many more to come. Actually, I think I will probably be more upset over certain trades than I am over this.

[SoCalcaniac]

Interesting scene you describe there LTD. Kinda good that it was pretty low key.

I agree, more like something to pacify the natives before asking for that season ticket holder reup.

Based on the discussions going on on the Canes Facebook page, who seem to think we should get rid of #12, is over rated, has certainly never done anything, and certainly should not be naming him captain, I don't see this as a pacifying tool or for that matter a sales tool to get people to renew.

I just heard the Staal audio/media scrum and haven't gotten to the others that they tweeted just yet. I don't hesitate at all in my belief he'll be a fine captain.

[caneshockeychick]

I don't recall anyone on this board saying Eric is "classless." The org, damn right I said that. This is not one of those decisions that gives me the warm fuzzies and I'm not sorry about that.

[nccanes]

I don't recall anyone on this board saying Eric is "classless." The org, damn right I said that. This is not one of those decisions that gives me the warm fuzzies and I'm not sorry about that.

Staal should have vetoed it and showed some class himself, this origanization shows no repsect for Brind'Amour... I don't care what Rutherford said about Rod being able to veto the decision, he has more class than that.


The implication (to me) was that Rod showed class, Eric did not.

Haven't heard Staal yet, but Rod's interview is great.

[caneshockeychick]

^sorry...must have missed that post ;)

[caneshockeychick]

Based on the discussions going on on the Canes Facebook page, who seem to think we should get rid of #12, is over rated, has certainly never done anything, and certainly should not be naming him captain, I don't see this as a pacifying tool or for that matter a sales tool to get people to renew.

I try hard not to read any comments posted on the CH Facebook page. :lol:

[nccanes]

I haven't seen the FB posts because I un-fanned myself last month when the team pissed me off. :lol:

[Solracer]

Or maybe it just indicates the level of apathy I've reached...can't work up an objection. :lol:

Thats kinda where I am at.... I just shrugged when I read the presser...

[livinthedream]

I'm cool with this.

The timing actually seems to make sense.

I probably care too much.

I see absolutely nothing coming from any party that I would deem to be classless (except perhaps for some fan comments, which reminds me to stay off FB for awhile).

[nccanes]

Lesson #1 for Eric. :lol:

Rod called JR "Mr Rutherford" and Eric called him "Jim". ;) :lol:

[caniac97]

Lesson #1 for Eric. :lol:

Rod called JR "Mr Rutherford" and Eric called him "Jim". ;) :lol:

after this season i would call JR worse so I think Staal did better than I would have done! LOL

[c-girl]

From Luke on Canesnow:


Stepping aside for all the right reasons

Submitted by ldecock on 01/20/2010 - 13:45 <!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>var addthis_pub="nando";</SCRIPT>http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-share-en.gif (http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=20)
<SCRIPT src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/200/addthis_widget.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><!-- AddThis Button END --><!-- BEGIN tags -->Tags: Canes Now (http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/home) | Eric Staal (http://blogs.newsobserver.com/category/tags/Eric-Staal) | Rod Brind'Amour (http://blogs.newsobserver.com/category/tags/Rod-BrindAmour)
<!-- END tags --><!-- BEGIN content -->Of everything Rod Brind’Amour has ever done for the Carolina Hurricanes, his willingness to turn the captaincy over to Eric Staal may be the most honorable.

That changing of the guard may have been inevitable, but no one would have held it against Brind’Amour if he wanted to finish out the season and make the transition, quietly, over the summer. Instead, Brind’Amour acknowledged that his generation -- the old guard of 2006 -- is on its way out in Carolina, and better now than later.

Since he arrived in the 2000 trade that sent Keith Primeau to the Philadelphia Flyers, Brind’Amour’s value to the franchise has been immense. Originally uncomfortable here, he grew to embrace the market, and his decision to sign a long-term contract extension with the team in the fall of 2001 sent a message to the world of hockey that perhaps players might enjoy living in North Carolina after all.

When he succeeded Ron Francis as captain after the lockout, his quiet style of leadership held together a team assembled from many separate pieces and proved nothing short of critical in the 2006 playoffs.
At three specific moments -- after falling behind 2-0 to the Montreal Canadiens in the first round and before each of the final two Game 7s -- Brind’Amour chose to speak and set the team on the right course.
Time passes, of course, and it’s always a difficult situation when a captain’s skills no longer legitimize his leadership. By the time the Hurricanes made the decision last month to make him a healthy scratch, it was clear that Brind’Amour’s time as captain had come to an end. It was only a matter of when.

That turned out to be today, when the Hurricanes decided to make Staal captain and Brind’Amour, to his credit, decided not to stand in the way.

[livinthedream]

It's really an honor for me to hand it over to him. Whether it was now or later, it needed to be done. I'm just happy it's him. It will be more than just a letter to him.

Okay I was fine up until now, but that brought tears to my eyes.

[cmw00]

I really don't get the big deal? Rod's tough he'll get over it. Worst case scenario this helps propel us into 9th place :lol:

[c-girl]

Okay I was fine up until now, but that brought tears to my eyes.

Yeah, me too. And Rod also said (paraphrasing somewhat) "Everyone knows what kind of player he is. I know what kind of person he is."

[SoCalcaniac]

I really don't get the big deal? Rod's tough he'll get over it.

Timing.

It's really an honor for me to hand it over to him. Whether it was now or later, it needed to be done. I'm just happy it's him. It will be more than just a letter to him. Okay I was fine up until now, but that brought tears to my eyes.

and the extra stuff he said about how he really cares about Eric as a person, and how he knows that Eric "really cares" did me in.

I probably care too much.

Ironically I had just sent an email last night to a very dear friend telling her I was going to detach myself from the team, they stress me out, blah, blah blah. She of course, sided with my husband as is the norm, said she believed not a word of it. ;):lol:

I forgot E unfriended the Canes page on FB. The Canes org has finally gotten the hang of posting on FB and it's like a shooting gallery with all these posts.

This was exactly how I feel after hearing The Captain speak. (will continue to refer to him this way because he IS)

Of everything Rod Brind’Amour has ever done for the Carolina Hurricanes, his willingness to turn the captaincy over to Eric Staal may be the most honorable.


So I've heard the kid Captain, I've heard The Captain and here's the Coach's link. I'm pondering whether I should listen to him. Ya'll can vote and tell me if it's worth my while. :kiss::lol:

[nccanes]

I guess it goes to show you that regardless of when you make a Captain change, it can be done a right and wrong way. Modano's change was in the summer and it still trickled out that he was unhappy (and his wife complained about it an interview later).

Kudos to all involved for being classy.

[Canesluver]

Agreed.

[livinthedream]

Agreed.

[SoCalcaniac]

Totally agree E.

I got really melancholy a few minutes ago, I got a text from a friend back home in socal (Kings STHer) that said "WOW- No Capt. Brind 'Amour--- it's definitely a new day" and I was reflecting back on that post practice back in 2005 when Lavi named Rod the Captain, and he was leaving the RecZone and nccanes and I were sitting on the bench just outside the RZ soaking in the sun and yakking about the upcoming season and he was walking down to his car in that side parking lot, signed an autograph or two for some fans, and he walked past us we said "Congrats" to him, and he was/is so unassuming and said thank you, but clearly wasn't into making a big fuss over it. I remember that being the first time I really felt reverence for a player and that only grew that season- but what stuck was it was a source of pride to him, but it wasn't all about him. He just wanted to scoot off quietly and do his thing. No fuss required.

Brind 'Amour's value to this franchise and his quiet leadership and class are what made him the Captain. He did sound "relieved" in that interview, but the grace he showed, is a teaching moment for our #12, and I hope for some of the fans who are saying don't let the door hit ya.....

Remember all those times on the post game show that JF talked about Rod? How he chaffed at the idea of even speaking ill towards him/his play? I think I "get it" today.

[nccanes]

And it's fascinating that our little backwoods team changes its Captaincy and none of the TSN tweeters thought it was worth tweeting. Too busy tracking Sykora on waivers I guess. :lol:

[andyt]

I guess it goes to show you that regardless of when you make a Captain change, it can be done a right and wrong way. Modano's change was in the summer and it still trickled out that he was unhappy (and his wife complained about it an interview later).

Kudos to all involved for being classy.

And that was nothing compared to what the Lightning did to Andreychuk. For those who don't remember, they signed him to a 2 year contract coming out of the lockout and waived him in January 2006.

[nccanes]

^Yup! We've all been a bit nervous that we were treading into that territory.

But now I feel like there's 0% chance that Rod will find out in a Philly hallway on a game day from some beat writers that he was being placed on Waivers.

[caneshockeychick]

And it's fascinating that our little backwoods team changes its Captaincy and none of the TSN tweeters thought it was worth tweeting. Too busy tracking Sykora on waivers I guess. :lol:

Yeah, but we are (were?) the big pic on tsn.ca's nhl page ;)

:lol:

[Solracer]

Puck Daddys mentioned it but it seemed know one else really tweatted it..

[LeslieK]

Darren Dreger & Elliote Friedman both tweeted about it.

[nccanes]

Oops, missed the Dreger tweet. That makes me feel better. :)

[SoCalcaniac]

Kevin Allen @ USA Today was the first to tweet it just after the blitz of Canes and Chirp tweets:

Eric Staal has been named Carolina Hurricanes' captain and Rod Brind'Amour is now alternate. It was time. It was past time.

and Darren Dreger was next:

BrindAmour was given veto power on the captaincy change and didn't use it. Classy guy!!

I was listening to NHL Live, Billy Jaffe & Rob Simpson discussed it for a bit.

But yeah, not much hoo-ha for something that would normally be a huge deal.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Brindy is a class act and though I believe his comments are sincere and from the heart, nothing will convince me otherwise that this should have been done prior to this season, not during.

[c-girl]

I think that they probably would have done it prior to the season IF they had known how the season and Rod's play were going to turn out. But they didn't. The thought was that the team was going to be great and Rod was going to return to his old form. I'll bet that the plan was to change either after this (great) season or after Rod's contract expired but all that got thrown out the window. This season is effectively dead so it makes perfect sense to me to do this now and get it over with. And yeah I rip off bandaids instead of easing them off, too.

[ButtersSaysNo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvTNyKIGXiI

:D

[Canesluver]

Mike Sundheim chipped-in:

Guy Behind the Guy: Forever Captain
Wednesday, 01.20.2010 / 3:58 PM / Blog
By Mike Sundheim

Even when things aren’t going our way on the ice, there can be moments that make us proud to be a part of this organization. Today gave us a few more of those moments, mostly provided by the man who is clearly the franchise leader in the category of inspirational moments.

Clearly, this has not been an easy season for Rod Brind’Amour. But every step of the way, he has displayed character and class beyond which I can sometimes even comprehend. His preparation and work habits are well-documented, and have not dropped off one bit during this difficult year. He has remained a positive force in the dressing room, despite any changes in his on-ice role. And today, upon passing his captaincy to our next great leader, his words to his teammates and the media further showed everyone exactly what the man is made of.

“Me handing over the torch to him is really an honor to me because I know what type of person he is,” Brind’Amour said. “As the leader, especially the captain, of a hockey team, you have to be the guy on the ice, out there doing it. That’s what I told him. You lead that way first, and foremost.”

Brind’Amour would always label himself that way, as someone who leads by example. In many ways he is the ultimate leader by example, from his legendary work ethic to the way he always seems to shine when his team needed it most. His overtime goal in Game 4 of the 2001 Conference Quarterfinals against New Jersey in 2001 gave the building now known as the RBC Center its first real playoff life, planting the seed for future successes. He jump-started the 2002 run to the Cup Finals, scoring the first goal in Game 1 against New Jersey. And perhaps no individual effort in the team’s history was more important than his game-tying goal in Game 3 of the 2006 Conference Quarterfinals in Montreal, when he seemingly willed the puck past Cristobal Huet.

That goal came when the Hurricanes were most desperate, down two games to none in the series and 1-0 on the scoreboard. Without that goal, we would probably never have witnessed the pure joy Brind’Amour exuded as he lifted the Stanley Cup above his head in Raleigh almost two months later.

But having watched Rod in a leadership role for nearly a decade with this team, it wouldn’t be telling the whole story to label Brind’Amour as someone who solely leads by example. We’ve seen him greet young players walking into NHL dressing rooms for the first time. We’ve heard him give struggling teammates quiet words of encouragement. And though he certainly would never refer to himself as a rah-rah leader, his speech to his club prior to Game 7 against Buffalo in 2006 has been mentioned as an key moment by many of the men who ended up with their names engraved on the Stanley Cup that summer.

Today was another example of Brind’Amour’s ability to lead in other ways, as he used his own words to bridge any gap that could have existed between his captaincy, and that of Eric Staal.

“I really felt that whether it was now or in a little while, it needed to be done,” said Brind’Amour. “For his sake, too. We want to see him move forward in all capacities, not just playing but in a leadership role too.

“I’m just happy that it is him that I am giving it to. You guys see what kind of hockey player he is. But I know what kind of person he is. It’s not just a letter to him, it means something. We’ve talked about it, we had some good conversations yesterday about it. He takes the role real serious, and that’s something that makes me feel good.”

Our next captain taking lessons in leadership from Brind’Amour is something we can all feel good about. Respect. Work ethic. Determination. Class. Character. They are qualities of the ultimate captain, something Brind’Amour will remain for this franchise forever.

[livinthedream]

I'm getting all misty-eyed again.

[caneshockeychick]

Brindy is a class act and though I believe his comments are sincere and from the heart, nothing will convince me otherwise that this should have been done prior to this season, not during.

/signed

I'm still upset about it. I hear what everyone's saying, reading the stuff but I still don't like it. :(

[Canesluver]

I think if it had been done during the summer, it'd be just like sweeping the change under the rug, to get lost during all the free-agent signings, draft day, etc.

It's kind of nice that Brindy can continue to mentor Staal for the remainder of the season. I hope the arena does a nice video piece of #17's contribution from A-to-C.

I think it's a nice, gentle transition toward his retirement.

[goalie33]

Droschak: First of Many Moves
Wednesday, 01.20.2010 / 4:16 PM / News
By David Droschak

Sitting squarely in last place in the Eastern Conference and clearly out of a playoff position, hockey’s version of March Madness for those who qualify as Carolina Hurricanes’ fans was sure to be a painful and unenviable experience. Almost unavoidable is the exodus of certain players in the final year of their contracts – some of whom raised the Stanley Cup proudly for the Canes in 2006 – who will be flying out of town soon. They’ll be attempting to land their names on hockey’s Holy Grail with a playoff contender in exchange for players or draft picks, or a combination, in GM Jim Rutherford’s grand plan to rebuild what has turned into the rubble of 2009-10.

But the first rebuilding effort for the Canes didn’t involve a jettison out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport. For the lack of a better term, it was an “Inside the Beltline” move in which Rutherford named Eric Staal the team captain, reassigning the slumping Rod Brind’Amour to alternate captain and signaling an new era for a franchise that since landing in the RBC
Center has experienced either postseason feast or famine.

Staal, a 25-year-old rising star and Olympian in a league loaded with great young talent, has been through his own struggles this season, fighting off nagging injuries while expecting to justify his huge contract extension and deal with a major life-altering issue on the home front with the recent death of his sister-in-law from cancer.

Having taken a personal leave of absence from the team for the funeral, it was unclear if Staal would return soon since Rutherford told his star forward to “take his time” and return when he was ready to perform. It would have been easier for Staal to remain in Canada and meet the club in Toronto for a road game, but he spent a full day traveling on connecting flights to get back to Raleigh for a night game against Ottawa. Staal scored in a 4-1 victory. With adjoining lockers, Brind’Amour likely turned to Staal after the victory and uttered the words “you’re ready.”

Being the captain in hockey trumps wearing the “C” in all other team sports, and it’s difficult to know when a player is “ready” to assume the importance and significance of such an honor. On the surface, Staal looks the part. He’s the team’s best player, his best years are ahead of him, his ironman status prior to an injury this season was truly impressive, and despite his meek exterior, he has an underbelly for winning. Only one player in the room may take losing harder than Staal and that’s Brind’Amour.

It appeared the Canes decided to give Brindy 20 games to “turn around” his play from a season ago, and when it didn’t come together, his ice time diminished to a speck of ice shavings from a Zamboni. Leading from the locker room and ice is one thing, leading from the locker room and your fanny is another.

The bench is no place for a captain of a hockey team and all parties involved were man enough to realize a change was necessary, and on many fronts, expected. It still doesn’t make it any easier for Brind’Amour, a 21-year NHL veteran with the work ethic of a race horse and pride of a stallion, or for the loyal fans of No. 17. It has been hard for all of us to watch the stride fade and the touch around the net go awry.

I kept struggling in the locker room to hear any sort of negative comment coming from Brind’Amour, and while my eyesight may be fading some, my hearing remains razor sharp, and there was none forthcoming. Knowing the man on a personal level, it didn’t surprise me one bit.

Rod has always been about character and team first – with individual accomplishments off in the horizon. In fact, I throw in a replay of the Cup-winning game at least once a year to “get that feeling again” and shake my head watching Brind’Amour with Cup in tow, barely taking a few strides before looking to hand it off to teammate Glen Wesley. Nothing typifies Rod more, having been traded from Philly 10 years ago for a player who was more worried about his contract with the Canes than the bottom line of building a winner in this market.

With Brind’Amour blowing away all his teammates in the preseason conditioning drills, there was hope that at 39 years old, a 75-point season was still possible. However, there were more encouraging words of “hang in there” than “congrats” after wins, which have been few and far between, and despite the discomfort of a mid-season move like this, we all can agree it was time.

It’s no accident Staal was placed next to Francis, and then Brind’Amour, squarely in the middle of the Canes locker room, since Carolina drafted him second overall in 2003. Could Staal have possibly learned from two better stewards of the game? Superstition aside, the 13th captain of the franchise is ready, willing and able to lead the recovery from the rubble.

And for No. 17, a recent talk with him about the team’s “Moments of the Decade” revealed that Brind’Amour is at peace with memories of a lifetime produced in a Canes uniform, which should make the passing of the leadership torch less painful and maybe the most tolerable of all the moves forthcoming.

...despite the fact that the RBC Center is clearly OTB.

[SoCalcaniac]

But having watched Rod in a leadership role for nearly a decade with this team, it wouldn’t be telling the whole story to label Brind’Amour as someone who solely leads by example. We’ve seen him greet young players walking into NHL dressing rooms for the first time. We’ve heard him give struggling teammates quiet words of encouragement. And though he certainly would never refer to himself as a rah-rah leader, his speech to his club prior to Game 7 against Buffalo in 2006 has been mentioned as an key moment by many of the men who ended up with their names engraved on the Stanley Cup that summer.Did anyone attend that event that Forslund spoke at in 06 at the Sports Museum downtown after we won the Cup? (late summer) Forslund spoke specifically to that "speech" Rod gave to the players. The way Forslund told the story, and then talked about the decision by PL to stay in EDM on June 17th after we lost game 6, and how they had to try to go to sleep while the EDM people celebrated all night long, made me so curious as to what was said.

Rod's legend is cemented in our history. I'm like CHC, don't like the way this has gone down- but if he is at peace and he's ok, then I have no choice but to accept it.

ETA: LOL @ G33- yeah, even I a clear non-native know the RBCC is OTB. :-

and did I say before how much I hate Droshak's writing style? "Meek exterior"? re: Staal? He may not be a chatty sort, but meek? Horrid choice of descriptive word.

[KaniacFever]

After listening to Brindy and Staal and the way this season has gone, i'm really ready to turn the page and start a new chapter.

Have no doubt in my mind that Staal will be a great leader. He's learned from the two best leaders and will have both of them here for the rest of the season to help get his feet wet.

All these write ups are getting me all teary eyed though.

[superdave]

Just wanted to show off my new avatar and location

[livinthedream]

SoCal, I actually rather like Droschak as a writer, although I'll always say please do not get that man anywhere near a microphone. PLEASE.

And I get what you're saying about the wrong choice of words, Staal's definitely not meek at all although I guess his off-ice demeanor is a little mild-mannered compared to Brindy's steely nature. When Staal tries to look or act bad-ass he certainly doesn't put the fear of God in you like Brindy does LOL.

I didn't get to listen to him on the XM interview but heard him on The Insiders with Mike Maniscalco and Mark Thomas. He laughed about a comment that all the parties are at the Captain's house and said his wife would be thrilled to hear that, and he said that he thought Rod and JR had discussed this over the course of months although he really didn't get into the discussion until the last couple of days. Said that the real leadership will try to come from the play on the ice and that going into Atlanta and going forward, win or lose, he expected that the rest of the season would be all about effort and about out-competing the other team.

Now that I've had a chance to think on this a little more, I really do think that perhaps the timing does make sense after all. I don't think any time was ever going to be "good" timing unless injury had forced the issue with Rod's retirement, and I certainly wouldn't have wished that on him, so this was probably as good time as any. It became obvious early that Rod was struggling on the ice, but at the time Staal was struggling through his injury and the family issues with his sister-in-law. So I understand why it wasn't done sooner. As far as why it wasn't done later? We all know this season is a washout, so why not give Staal a chance to jump into this now with no expectations for a playoff push, with an eye to the future, and with a chance to continue to learn from not one but two of the best leaders out there in the two fellows wearing the 'A's. After all, the sad truth is, and perhaps for different reasons, their time here may be fleeting.

[IceSun]

I've decided for sanity's sake to take this at face value regardless of my own opinion on the timing.

I will however be massively unhappy if CanesVision uses Oh Captain My Captain for any goal scored by Staalsy in the near future.

Now, back to my latest trade idea: Mo and Award for Vasicek

[KaniacFever]

I will however be massively unhappy if CanesVision uses Oh Captain My Captain for any goal scored by Staalsy in the near future.


That I agree with. No need to get rid of "It's Staal good".

[SoCalcaniac]

:lol: @ sundevil on the "trade". I surely to gosh hope the Canesvision braintrust doesn't do any Captain My Captain stuff for #12- that's Rod's tag. PERIOD.

LTD- I used to enjoy Droshak's writing, and then he went on "Face off" with Boomer Gordon, and thought he was some sort of Canes writer big-shot and I was so ticked at how he behaved, I emailed Boomer and told him if he ever had Droshak on again, I'd come up to TO and fuss him out. :laugh: So I think my objectivity when it comes to him is lacking. ;)

I heard both interviews; and Eric sounded like Eric; maybe a little less animated (not that Staal interviews are animated, but I think you get it) than he would be if this happened differently, and I heard the pride in his voice in speaking about Rod.

What really got me was when MM said "and now the Captain of your Carolina Hurricanes"............... You know it's a jolt. Kinda like when a kid calls you m'aam or sir in the grocery store for the first time. Or I can liken it to hub's youngest nephew, now a young teacher up in PIT in his 2nd year. We were up to visit, and took him out to dinner in his first yr, and one of his students came up to our table to say hello "Mr. Socal's Nephew" and I literally dropped my jaw, I was like, who is he talking to?:lol: He'll always be the kid who loved to sit with me and chat about world events, and was wise beyond his years, but seeing a 9/10 yr old come up and call him "Mr" was just a jolt to the system and a sign of old age. Hearing #12 being called "Captain" was a jolt.

Ok, so it's memory lane day- On NHL Network, they're showing Frozen in Time- 2005-06 rookies- they did a piece on then Dallas Star and Rookie, Jussi and his amazing shootouts- and the show just wrapped up with #30 and his special year and all of those great playoff saves. Unreal. I think I need to go watch the SC DVD- get it out of my system.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

So, I just got out of work a bit over an hour ago, read my 23 tweets, cried in the parking garage, thought it through on my way home, and now I've read this thread (and cried some more).

I guess it goes to show you that regardless of when you make a Captain change, it can be done a right and wrong way. Modano's change was in the summer and it still trickled out that he was unhappy (and his wife complained about it an interview later).

Kudos to all involved for being classy.

That's where I am now as well.

I think changing the C mid-season is not a good thing, ever. But the Canes have certainly handled a bad situation very well.

Honestly, hearing what is being said by Brindy and Staal, I wonder if this wouldn't have been done at the start of the season if Staal hadn't been dealing with feeling he needed to justify his contract while playing through a torn groin muscle, and dealing with the pain of watching his sister-in-law, who he grew up with, slowly die. I wonder if Brindy didn't ask for them to wait....to not put SO much on the kid who already carries the weight of the team on his shoulders, whether he wears a C or not.


IMO, they have handled this in a way that allows Brindy to go out as he should.....as a hero.


Good luck Staaly. You've got hella big shoes to fill. And I have every confidnce that you can do it.

[puck_it]

ok, so how long before we see a replay of the rod brind'amour commercial?

[caneshockeychick]

I think I need to go watch the SC DVD- get it out of my system.

I've been thinking about doing this myself

[c-girl]

So, I just got out of work a bit over an hour ago, read my 23 tweets, cried in the parking garage, thought it through on my way home, and now I've read this thread (and cried some more).



That's where I am now as well.

I think changing the C mid-season is not a good thing, ever. But the Canes have certainly handled a bad situation very well.

Honestly, hearing what is being said by Brindy and Staal, I wonder if this wouldn't have been done at the start of the season if Staal hadn't been dealing with feeling he needed to justify his contract while playing through a torn groin muscle, and dealing with the pain of watching his sister-in-law, who he grew up with, slowly die. I wonder if Brindy didn't ask for them to wait....to not put SO much on the kid who already carries the weight of the team on his shoulders, whether he wears a C or not.


IMO, they have handled this in a way that allows Brindy to go out as he should.....as a hero.


Good luck Staaly. You've got hella big shoes to fill. And I have every confidnce that you can do it.

SHC, that's a very good thought. I wouldn't be surprised if that's exactly the way it happened. It makes perfect sense.

[SoCalcaniac]

Poor SHC- what a way to end the day......

Honestly, hearing what is being said by Brindy and Staal, I wonder if this wouldn't have been done at the start of the season if Staal hadn't been dealing with feeling he needed to justify his contract while playing through a torn groin muscle, and dealing with the pain of watching his sister-in-law, who he grew up with, slowly die. I wonder if Brindy didn't ask for them to wait....to not put SO much on the kid who already carries the weight of the team on his shoulders, whether he wears a C or not.



SHC is definitely on to something. The theme in all the conversations/quotes with Rod, JR, and then Eric, there were all these discussions "awhile ago" and "it's been talked about" and in both of Eric's radio interviews, he said "it was talked about earlier" so the conversation was probably brought up early and then the things SHC mentions become what they do; & all that started to take #12 in a completely different direction -- they must have thought it's just not the best idea to heap this on him too; and Rod surely felt that weight for him and maybe asked JR to let's see how it goes. (?)

If in fact that is what came into play- it makes this all the more selfless on the part of #17. Rod has fallen on the sword for alot of things, never complained, never felt wronged (see Chris Osgood whining in the papers today about Jimmy Howard getting to play all these games) and then says we need to do this now- to ease him in, or whatever was said.

For as irked as I am/was with JR on this; I will agree with him on this- There are no words to say exactly what Rod has done for this franchise, no "thank you" big enough for him. It's all so subtle and so understated, if you were a little thick in the head you'd not appreciate it. I certainly do. We all used to joke in the SC year how Rod wore his hair kinda like Superman and Icesaber had all those pics and we'd caption them. That little curl thing he had going on and such- well maybe he really is. :-

[SouthernHockeyChick]

At least that's my chosen delusion, anyway. And I'm sticking to it. :lol:

[nccanes]

In hearing Rod's comments, he mentions that he feels like leading by example on the ice is one of the most important things a Capt can do. It reminded me that that was the same thing he said back in the summer of '05 when he was named the Capt. and was asked about "what kind of Capt will you be?" by the press. Presuming he meant it then, and he means it now - then *I* feel like he accepts and supports the change. If that's his philosophy, then it makes sense.

[WillLikeWhoa091]

Just wanted to show off my new avatar and location

I loled.

[Scottysfistofdeath]

not sure how I feel about this... at first reaction I didn't like it, goodness knows I've been critical of Rod's play this season, but I don't think I'd like for him to go out like this... I'd like at least one more home game for the fan's to recognize him for his service as "The Captain" for a while. The fact is that for so long we looked at him for leadership and in the clutch, it's an odd feeling having Rod not be the captain, but he seems somewhat OK with it, and I'm glad I can still remember him as the warchief of old

I'm a little nervous for Staal, I must admit. I think guys like Ruutu and Gleason could use letters, although certainly lots of Staalsy's struggles this season have been due to injuries. It's going to put a lot more pressure and a lot more frustrated fans who don't really care whether he's injured or not. The way Rod and some are talking about it though, it might bring out the best of him (I remember in the past couple seasons Staal really stepping up and leading the team when Rod went down)

I just hope this all has a happy ending, and I'm pleased I'm able to go nostalgic over Roddy's better days

[x]

Didn't have time to read all of the comments here, but I can say that I strongly disagree with much of what I did read. Yes, Rod Brind'Amour has had a great career and deserves a ton of credit for bringing us our lone Stanley Cup championship in '06. But taking the C away from him should've happened 2 years ago. He has been horrible for the past two seasons (save 1 month last season), and has shown zero leadership this season. He hasn't led on the ice, and he hasn't led in the locker room. It is way, way past time to move on. As for the discussion on whether or not a move like this should be made mid-season, I'd say absolutely, when it's called for. Of course, if this had been done at the proper time, it would've been two off-seasons ago. After reading about how this whole thing went down, I cannot believe there are fans who actually think Rod got a raw deal here. The organization let him stay on as captain two years after it became clear that the team plays better without him, and then gave him input into the decision, as well as the opportunity to reject it. And while all of these "discussions" were taking place behind the scenes over the past couple of months, our season was circling the drain. To me, this is further proof that our organization does not hold anyone accountable, especially in positions of leadership. Players should not be able to make these types of decisions for themselves. Being captain of the Hurricanes should not be like being the pope or a supreme court justice.

As for naming Staal captain, I disagree with that also. Being captain of a hockey team should be earned, not granted. Staal has been a very inconsistent player for most of his career, and I'm not sure what leadership he's shown during this mess of a season. He is definitely the most taleted player on this team, but that alone does not a captain make. I happen to think that Staal will play better and lead better once Brind'Amour is out of the way, but I also think he needs to prove it. With the way this season has gone, I don't think anyone deserves the captaincy. It should've been open competition for as long as necessary until someone stepped up. Instead, Staal has now been given a captaincy he hasn't earned on top of a mammoth contract extension he hasn't earned. That's not the accountability that builds a winning organization.

[caniac369]

I have been thinking about this all day. I'm with CHC. My position, bottom line, is that if Brindy was going to retire at the end of the season he should have been able to retire as captain (which is one of the reasons I'm making the 1 nighter next month for the Buffaslug game is to have the chance to possibly see Brindy play in person one last time).

I have no problem, however, with Eric. Big shoes to fill? He can bet his stanley cup ring he does.

[apolinar]

Man how do I put this.

It's like when I have a patient with cancer and they know they are dying. Many patients will have the perspective that "It's better to know now and live my dying days to the fullest than to find out suddenly and die with no time." As if the cancer is this great blessing they got from God to tell them how much time is left so they can get things in order and tell people they love them.

I view the timing of the C exchange the same way.

Rod and the org have given me the final say that this thing is coming to an end. And I thank them for doing it in the middle of the season so I can watch Brindy a little more closely during the games and in awe of his faceoff skills, conditioning, head for hockey instead of just watching the puck carrier.

Sure he hasn't been the best lately.

But a few more home games with him in uniform will be great for me to see one of my favorite players ever on the ice playing his heart out for the last few times for me.

I've followed him ever since he stepped foot on Philly ice.

I rooted the hardest for him to get the "C".

And Eric Staal best understand the shoes he's filling. I feel more bad for him for a mid-season exchange than Rod.

Thanks JR/Mo/Rod/Erik for giving me the proper time to grieve and say "Goodbye" to Rod by making this switch mid season. It ultimately hurts in my heart, but I knew it was coming. But having the gift of knowing now so I can appreciate Rod's game as it comes to an end for a few more games is a great gift. I love seeing how a divorced dad like me can still kick some ass and it truly has been an inspiration.

[nccanes]

He has been horrible for the past two seasons (save 1 month last season), and has shown zero leadership this season. He hasn't led on the ice, and he hasn't led in the locker room.

You know he hasn't led in the locker room how? You know he's shown zero leadership how? Because of no results?

I won't dispute his on ice performance (who would?) and even he himself said that he feels leading on ice with performance is one of the most important parts of having the C.

BUT - it's pretty easy for us to sit here and opine about what goes on in the locker room .... except we're not in it. After JR was on with David Glenn, David's producer (name escaping me) piped in and talked about the amount of time he'd spent in the locker room this season and how he felt like Rod's attitude and professionalism were part of why this team hadn't totally turned on themselves and started pointing fingers at each other and end up in some big drama laden room. He talked about his time spent with the new guys that come up, etc.

I will admit that I notice how Rod isn't in front of the cameras very often, hasn't really spoke to the disaster of the season publicly, but I also recognize that the needs of the fan don't trump the needs of the locker room.

So anyway - Rod should have given up the C 1 season after winning the Cup and Staal doesn't deserve it....as far as your "open competition" ... how do you know that's not exactly what JR considered during the last season plus?

I am glad we' don't have a Captain-less team, we are not short of candidates so why bother.

[SoCalcaniac]

He has been horrible for the past two seasons (save 1 month last season), and has shown zero leadership this season. He hasn't led on the ice, and he hasn't led in the locker room.

How do you know what has gone on in the LOCKER ROOM? Are you a Hurricane player posting here? How on earth could you speak to that? and if you're not, do you not follow the team closely enough to hear not one, but several people who cover the team, speak to the leadership he has shown with all of these young players (and others) even in the midst of his own horrible season? I think a comment like this is so completely out of line--- Unless you are a player and you know what the heck goes on in the locker room. But to each his own.


Staal has been a very inconsistent player for most of his career,

This is a serious statement? Is this one season where everything that could go wrong for #12 has gone wrong an indictment on his nearly 7 years as a player for this org? That's pretty rich.

Art- well said. I think alot of people have alot of different emotions concerning #17.

[superdave]

I feel a little better hearing what Rod had to say (but we didn't see if there was a gun barrel buried in his back). From what I see on the ice, my choice would have been Gleason. Who among us knows what happens in the locker room?

The timing was the questionable thing to me. I think that it would have been fine for Rod to pass the "C" to Staal at the last home game this season.

[livinthedream]

Dave, it would be a lot easier for me to read your posts if I wasn't laughing at your avatar.

I read x's post last night before I went to bed. Let's just say I'm glad E and SoCal beat me to the board this morning.

x, I'd be real interested in hearing more of your "inside the locker room" insight. You seem to know a lot about what goes on in there, so I'll just assume you have access that the rest of us don't.

[c-girl]

Dave, you have surpassed yourself. I cannot stop laughing at your avatar.

:laugh:

[superdave]

Dave, it would be a lot easier for me to read your posts if I wasn't laughing at your avatar

Dave, you have surpassed yourself. I cannot stop laughing at your avatar.

Glad I can entertain y'all. I'm beginning to do a little better with Microsoft paint (I know, I need Photoshop). You know you have done okay when you make yourself LOL. I even gave myself a little pat on the back and called ms. sd into the room to take a peek.

[KaniacFever]

He has been horrible for the past two seasons (save 1 month last season), and has shown zero leadership this season. He hasn't led on the ice, and he hasn't led in the locker room.

I love how people, who are in no way shape or form affiliate with a team, can say someone hasn't shown any type of leadership. You have no clue what goes on behind doors. But from the way guys like Brindy, Whitney, even Weight and Recchi when they were here, talk about Staal, I think he does just fine in the lockerroom.

Since the lockout:
2005-06: GP 82, G 45, A 55, Pts 100
2006-07: GP 82, G 30, A 40, Pts 70
2007-08: GP 82, G 38, A 44, Pts 82
2008-09: GP 82, G 40, A 35, Pts 75

This year he is 2nd on the team in points with 33, and that's with missing 10 games. I'll bet you he ends up in the 70 point range by the time the year is over.

Realistically, Staal is a 75-85 point guy, based on realistic expectations, he hasn't been inconsistant. If you are expecting him to reach 100 points every single year, your expectations are too high. Everyone OVERACHEIVED in 2005-06. Unfortuntly with the contract he has, most fans are going to expect that from him. The money he is earning, has more to do with just points. He is the franchise, he is the face of the team, that is being included in his paycheck.

[superdave]

This captain...

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/8767/capjack.png

or this captain...

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/786/kirky.jpg

I like Capt. Sparrow the best

[nccanes]

My ears just popped because I had to hold my hand over my mouth and nose as to not bust out laughing. :lol:

[caneshockeychick]

:eek:

I'm glad I had nothing in my mouth upon seeing that. It would not have been pretty :lol:

[livinthedream]

Have y'all seen this? From a Maple Leafs blogger and video guru.

Bloge Salming - Start of a new Era in Carolina (http://www.blogesalming.com/2010/01/start-of-new-era-in-carolina.html)

[ButtersSaysNo]

Seeing your pic LTD on the Atl thread with the 12 jersey with the C, I just don't like it while #17 is still on the ice.

I guess I have a difficult time with this because I was a Brindy fan before the Hurricanes even existed.

However, I do feel very very fortunate though to have seen 3 of my top 5 all time favorite players wear the Canes jersey, though 2 of them were for too short of a time.

Rod
Recchi
Weight

[nccanes]

I saw it was NSFW via Puck Daddy but just put my earbuds in and couldn't make it more than halfway thru. It's too stupid.

[ButtersSaysNo]

Have y'all seen this? From a Maple Leafs blogger and video guru.

Bloge Salming - Start of a new Era in Carolina (http://www.blogesalming.com/2010/01/start-of-new-era-in-carolina.html)

OMG, I was laughing out loud.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

This is a serious statement? Is this one season where everything that could go wrong for #12 has gone wrong an indictment on his nearly 7 years as a player for this org? That's pretty rich.


It's a hat trick every game or he's not good enough.


Lucky for us, he agrees with that statement. THAT'S why/how he's a leader.

[x]

You know he hasn't led in the locker room how? You know he's shown zero leadership how? Because of no results?

Yes, because of no results.


Realistically, Staal is a 75-85 point guy, based on realistic expectations, he hasn't been inconsistant. If you are expecting him to reach 100 points every single year, your expectations are too high. Everyone OVERACHEIVED in 2005-06. Unfortuntly with the contract he has, most fans are going to expect that from him. The money he is earning, has more to do with just points. He is the franchise, he is the face of the team, that is being included in his paycheck.

I agree on your estimation of what we can realistically expect of Staal stat wise. However, what he is being paid means he has got to do better. What he's being paid over the length of his new deal says that he should be a top-5 player in this league. You can say we shouldn't judge him based on that, but his contract (and Cam's) severely limits the talent we can bring in to fill out the rest of the roster. And that's the issue.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

*yawn*


You're going to be one helluva frustrated fan if you continue to have expectations that you admit are unrealistic of a player because you think the GM gave him too much money. Have fun with that.

And Rod Brind'Amour turning over the C without throwing a tantrum is more leadership than you'll probably EVER see again in your lifetime so, take a good look.

[SoCalcaniac]

You know he hasn't led in the locker room how? You know he's shown zero leadership how? Because of no results?


Yes, because of no results.



Oh, thank God, I thought you were really a player for the Canes posting here, and you actually knew what was happening in the locker room. I'm glad to know we're at least clear that you have no friggin clue-- just like the rest of us, and good to know that No results = lack of leadership. It makes so much sense.

Rod Brind'Amour turning over the C without throwing a tantrum is more leadership than you'll probably EVER see again in your lifetime so, take a good look.

YES. Say it again.

[nccanes]

It is nice to know that an ECF appearance just 8 months ago is no results.

But I guess it also means that teams that miss the playoffs finish at the bottom of the standings should rip those "C"s off at the end of the season. It would keep those poor schlubs like Shane Doan away from any leadership roles.

Kinda like moving teams out of cities that have ****ty attendance cuz their teams suck at the moment. :lol:

[livinthedream]

Cam just made a point in his post-game interview about how Staal has always been a vocal leader in the locker room.

32 points in 24 games since coming back from his injury.

[KaniacFever]

Oh, thank God, I thought you were really a player for the Canes posting here, and you actually knew what was happening in the locker room. I'm glad to know we're at least clear that you have no friggin clue-- just like the rest of us, and good to know that No results = lack of leadership. It makes so much sense.


Kovalchuk should be ripped of the 'C' for his lack of leadership tonight. Failed to get his team out of a 3 goal hole, shame on him.

[Darkwing]

Kovalchuk should be ripped of the 'C' for his lack of leadership tonight. Failed to get his team out of a 3 goal hole, shame on him.

For every night Kovalchuk doesn't score 4 hat tricks, he should knock off 1 mil from his salary demands. By the end of the season, he should be down to demanding 9 mil a season.

[nccanes]

32 points in 24 games since coming back from his injury.

Is that all?

[Kahz]

Is that all?Unfortunately, yes. Crosby and Ovechkin both had WAY more points during that timespan, which means that Staal is underachieving.

Also, all of Staal's goals were empty netters and all of his assists were phantom secondary powerplay assists.

And he can't play without Cole!!!

I think that covers it all.

[nccanes]

So - I'm stealing these stats from posters at TSB (thanks!) because they've done the math on Staal's stats:

Staal: 8g-1a-9pts in five games as captain (Canes are 4-1).

But going back further, since coming back from the injury: 15g-22a=37pts in 28 games. That works out to 44 goals and almost 110 points over a full season.


And someone else posted Cam's:

Since coming back on 12/9, the Canes are 11-10-2. Cam's GAA is 2.55 and his Sv % is .921. In his last 3 games, his Sv % is .968.

[nccanes]

Oops, the "someone else" was our own andyt!

[c-girl]

Just saw this tweet from Mike Morreale at nhl.com:

Carolina GM Jim Rutherford just told me that if Eric Staal wasn't 'C' of the team that Tim Gleason would be..thinks of him that highly!

38 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/mike_morreale/status/8380852013)from web

I suppose that means that Timmay will get the "A" as soon as Ray goes.

[livinthedream]

You know, the 'C' isn't permanent until you see it on the bobblehead.

http://cdn.nhl.com/hurricanes/images/upload/2010/01/staalbobble.jpg

[SoCalcaniac]

OK the C looks lovely, but SEROIUSLY, who designed these bobbles? He looks about 50 years old! My LORD, he got the captaincy, not 30 years added on. :crazy: Did they put bags under his eyes? They do realize it's The Coach who has bags under his eyes right?

[Canesluver]

the word is free. F-R-E-E

[puck_it]

like hell is it free. we pay for it.

they can lay off a ticket rep that by all means sounds well liked, or they can spend a ridiculous ammount on bobble heads that will end up in the trash because they're ridiculous

[puck_it]

OK the C looks lovely, but SEROIUSLY, who designed these bobbles? He looks about 50 years old! My LORD, he got the captaincy, not 30 years added on. :crazy: Did they put bags under his eyes? They do realize it's The Coach who has bags under his eyes right?


he kinda looks like billy idol...these days at least

[Canesluver]

like hell is it free. we pay for it.

Don't be so ridiculous. Why do you think they have advertisements on them? The team doesn't pay a cent for those things. Each one of them is paid for by a sponsor so that they can brand them.

Any of the giveaways are paid for by whoever sponsored them.

[Caniac4life]

Looks like the lovechild of Bill Clinton and Ted Koppel to me.

[nccanes]

That's a great description!! :lol:

[caneshockeychick]

I'm not too worried about not getting the Ruutu or Staal bobblehead. Neither one of those look anything like their "models." Chad's is the best representation this year.