Cullen to Ottawa

[LeslieK]

TSNBobMcKenzie

Cullen to ott for picard and a 2nd. Done.

Details on Picard by those more in the know then me?

[caneshockeychick]

Another young defenseman...and a 2nd...not too bad I'd say. I'll miss Cully. He's been on fire recently.


Alexandre R. Picard #45 - D

http://pics.forecaster.ca/nhl-player/3496.gif
Ottawa
DOB: Jul 05, 1985
Age: 24
Place of Birth: Gatineau, Que., Canada
HT: 6-2 WT: 210
Shoots: L
NHL Seasons: 4
Drafted by Philadelphia in 2003 (3/85).

[msgtcody]

Great freaking deal to get a 2nd and Picard

[andyt]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=309934

[KaniacFever]

Thank You for Cullen for helping bring the Cup to Carolina. You will be missed. Do great in Ottawa just don't do great on March 4th when you come home ;)

So call me lam-o but I know nothing about Picard except he's young and a defensemen. Anyone got the scouting report on him?

[Solracer]

Man this sucks.... sad to see cullen gone... however he did bring a nice return, anyone know Picard's contract status?

[caniac97]

This can't be official, Eklund didn't report it and give it an E5!!!:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[KaniacFever]

Man this sucks.... sad to see cullen gone... however he did bring a nice return, anyone know Picard's contract status?

According to NHL numbers he has a cap hit of $800K and is a RFA after this year

[aldamon]

No TOOTTAWA in the title? Perfect chance.

[caneshockeychick]

JR on the Trade (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=517357&navid=DL|CAR|home)

[caniac97]

Now it is official, Eklund reported it!:laugh::laugh:

[FinFan]

What's the official pronunciation of Picard? I want to pronounce it like Jean-Luc Picard, but I don't think that's how I've heard it.

[DeWaltGirl]

While I'll miss Matty, this is an excellent return on the trade. I was expecting a pick only. Picard has bounced around quite a bit, but we all know it takes dmen a while to develop. I do remember my friends in Philly not being happy with trading him to Tampa when it happened. They (and I mean my friends not Philly fans collectively) really believed he would develop into a strong blueliner.

[toastmasterbone]

I see that he's not a hitter, and definitely not a fighter (Aaron Ward beat him up once when Picard and Pitkanin were in Philly and Ward was a Blue Shirt).

Here's a nice tidbit: he had 5 assists in one game against NJ during his rookie year. Apparently, from AHL history, he can man the point on the PP.

His brother, Jean-Luc flies planes or something.


ETA: Aw, man... FF beat me to the joke. But he's French Canadian, so I'm guessing the pronunciation is pee-CAR [the new hybrid!]

[andyt]

I see that he's not a hitter, and definitely not a fighter (Aaron Ward beat him up once when Picard and Pitkanin were in Philly and Ward was a Blue Shirt).

Here's a nice tidbit: he had 5 assists in one game against NJ during his rookie year. Apparently, from AHL history, he can man the point on the PP.

His brother, Jean-Luc flies planes or something.

And his other brother, Alexandre plays for the Blue Jackets. :D

[MoBigRed]

Damned good return! I'd have been happy with just Picard or just the pick, but both - JR pulled off a good one here. I'd call Picard a bit of an Alberts-type. He'll never be the second coming of Lidstrom, but a 3rd-pairer (maybe even 2nd) with a good number of years in him, absolutely. And as an RFA, if he goes over the summer, Canes still get bonus prizes in return.

Love it.

[nccanes]

I'm leery of anyone that was both acquired by AND traded by the Lightning under their cowboy ownership, lol. But yeah, on paper, it looks like a nice deal.

[toastmasterbone]

^^^ Oh, crap. That right! There are two of 'em! One winger, one D-guy.
And one who makes ovens (http://www.picardovens.com/commercial-ovens/index.aspx).

[Convert]

I'm leery of anyone that was both acquired by AND traded by the Lightning under their cowboy ownership, lol. But yeah, on paper, it looks like a nice deal.

Wary...like in Jussi? :) I'll take that any day of the week.

But seriously a decent trade and I think this increases the possibilities of a Cullen return. I would love him to come back, particularly if Brindy retires. He just fits here and always works and does so many things.

I'd view bringing him back as a little more valuable than bringing back Whitney.

[Darkwing]

this bodes well.


interesting background on Picard:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHt2bERHfV4&feature=related

[toastmasterbone]

^ That's the OTHER Alex Picard. :lol: Our doesn't fight.

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmGLlPlcU5M) one is ours.

[andyt]

I'm leery of anyone that was both acquired by AND traded by the Lightning under their cowboy ownership, lol. But yeah, on paper, it looks like a nice deal.

Well, Tampa picked him up from the Flyers in a rental deal for Vinny Prospal. And they traded him to the Sens for Andrej Meszaros. So this is his second rental deal.

[Darkwing]

^ That's the OTHER Alex Picard. :lol: Our doesn't fight.

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmGLlPlcU5M) one is ours.

ew. I think i liked the other one better :(

[Scottysfistofdeath]

sad to see cully gone in a flash, but seems like its a decent return to get, I had aspirations of a first rounder for him or someting like Cam Barker for Chicago... Chicago would've been a great fit for him but this return might be better for the team (a pick from Ottawa will be lower than chi probably)

[caniac97]

i am happy with it, was thinking a second rounder or a player. we got both so go JR!

[ontheboards]

I'm leary of anyone who is this young (25) and is now on his fourth team--Carolina, Ottawa, Tampa and Philly. We don't necessarily need someone this soft as much as we need someone mobile and physcial.

[caneshockeychick]

From the posts of those "sounding off" on TSN's website, a lot of Sens fans are glad to see Picard go, regardless of getting Cullen.

:crazy:

[nccanes]

Wary...like in Jussi? :) I'll take that any day of the week.



I was probably leery of that too, but we didn't give up much for him and got rid of some wasted salary.

I'll be happy if he's a Jussi like story for sure.

[KaniacFever]

I'm leary of anyone who is this young (25) and is now on his fourth team--Carolina, Ottawa, Tampa and Philly. We don't necessarily need someone this soft as much as we need someone mobile and physcial.

Apparently he was the main piece Sens wanted back in the Meszaros deal. He's having an off year for sure, but you know how we like to resurrect players who have off years.

From the posts of those "sounding off" on TSN's website, a lot of Sens fans are glad to see Picard go, regardless of getting Cullen.

:crazy:

Well they were happy when Corvo got traded to us and now they want him back. So I wouldn't hold what they say to mean much :)

[IceSun]

Well, last night was the 2nd time I saw Cullen's last game as a Cane.

I'm hoping the third is when he retires as one...

Cullen's played his heart out this season - even during the darkest days of it - and will be sorely missed.

At least it seems like a good return on the trade.

[KaniacFever]

He might just be back...

“This is a hard day for me, for the organization and for Matt, but like I’ve said before, every goodbye doesn’t have to be the last one,” he said.

And sounds like another defensemen is on his way out by Mar. 3rd

“When you look at our defense, other than the young guy in Carson, I get calls all the time about every one of them,” said Rutherford.


Branecky has a full write up here:
http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=517383

[Fernando da Silva]

If it works:
http://biobreak.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/captain-picard-full-of-win-500x381.jpg

If not:
http://dragis.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/picard-facepalm.jpg

My reaction:

http://mob6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/InnanatenchiAlien/Icons%20and%20Signatures/CaptainPicard-Shat.jpg?t=1241842623

[livinthedream]

I am going to miss the awesomeness that is Matt Cullen.

[SoCalcaniac]

ME TOO LTD. Matt Cullen is a special player. As an outsider who could only observe him as a fan, he also appeared to be a great guy/team mate. I missed him the minute he signed with NYR and I miss him already.

Cullen was on NHL Live! just after 12Noon- he was "packing" you could hear a little guy in the background, and he was getting ready to go to OTT. He sounded sad, but then excited to be wanted and to be going to the once-again, high flying Sens.

I've had this feel of dread for days, and then yesterday going to the game, I was just ill and this morning, Twitterific kept beeping, and I shut it off til I got McKenzie's tweet to my phone: This is happening; and now this has HAPPENED.

Picard is a good young D. Philly likely regrets giving him up to Tampa for the Prospal experiment; he did little when he went to PHI. I don't know if he was right in TB or OTT, but I do know PHI was HIGH on him when they drafted him. I'm willing to give benefit of the doubt, although I would have loved to have Cam Barker or Patrick Sharp, or my guy Kris Versteeg. ;)

Thank you Matt Cullen. Ottawa better use you properly- and I think they will; Hope we see you in Raleigh again and not just as a visitor.

[livinthedream]

Not sure if this was previously reported, but looks like Picard will wear #45.

[aldamon]

When I think of Cullen, I think of one word and it's consistent. I also wonder how amazing his '07 - '08 season would have been without the concussion. I hope we re-sign him. He just fits.

[livinthedream]

A tribute from Droschak:

A Tough Day at the RBC Center (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=517420&navid=DL|CAR|home)

http://cdn.nhl.com/hurricanes/images/upload/2010/02/cullen021210_2_thumb.jpg

Droschak: A Tough Day at the RBC Center
Friday, 02.12.2010 / 4:03 PM / News
By David Droschak

The NHL is a cold business – the ice notwithstanding.

Players come and go more than ever in the fastest sport on earth, but watching a forward with the talent, skating ability and character of a Matt Cullen pack his bags and head out of town is a bit sobering, especially on the heels of seeing another one of the franchise’s “good guys” in Niclas Wallin get traded to the Left Coast at the start of the week.

Nos. 7 and 8 are now gone, could unlucky 13 be next up?

We all collectively (players, fans and media) knew the fire sale of soon-to-be unrestricted free agents was coming, considering a Christmas break record that left the Canes eyeing the bottom of the standings rather than a repeat trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, and maybe beyond. Still, deal day hits all involved like a splash of ice cold water, including neighbor and good friend – captain Eric Staal.

“I walked in today and his bag was packed so I figured there was something going on,” Staal said. “This whole situation is kind of hard because we’re playing the type of hockey we should have been playing at the beginning of the year and we didn’t. It’s tough to lose a guy like Matt because he meant so much to this team and this organization over the years. He fits anywhere on the team.

“For us, this is no fun,” added Staal. “We wanted to be in a position to be adding players this time of year and looking forward to the push at the end and now it seems it’s the other way around.”

The departures of Cullen and Wallin also signal a shrinking number of players who wear the 2006 Stanley Cup ring in the Canes locker room -- never a good thing. That exclusive list includes just Staal, Cam Ward, Rod Brind’Amour, Aaron Ward, Chad LaRose and Ray Whitney – who now has the “desired” target on his back and a ticking clock toward the March 3 trade deadline.

Whether Whitney, also an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, gets dealt will depend on whether general manager Jim Rutherford can get a first-round draft pick, and maybe more, for the offensive wizard. As the deadline approaches, the stakes get higher for teams battling for playoff spots, as does the asking price. Rutherford made that point crystal clear today, saying the market has been established high by deals like Cullen, and that he’s in a supreme selling position.

“The market always gets crazy at this time of the year,” Rutherford said. “There is a premium to be paid for players. I would expect the price to be pretty high for the buyers March 2 and March 3.”

Coach Paul Maurice tried to soften the blow of Cullen’s exit by saying injured players Cole, LaRose and Scott Walker could be back sooner than later. Fair enough, but Cullen’s play this season would justify many MVP votes in the Carolina room and with the media. His willingness to move around in the lineup when key injuries hit and perform at a high level, log key power play minutes and kill penalties made the 33-year-old a supreme commodity and one the Ottawa Senators paid dearly for with a second-round draft pick and young defenseman Alexandre Picard.

The four most productive years of Cullen’s 12 seasons in the NHL took place at the RBC Center, where he registered 40 or more points each season with a high of 49. Sitting at 40 points when traded, Cullen would have likely surpassed his career high-water mark after the Olympics. That in itself and his likely salary demands (Cullen makes $2.8 million this year) following such a season would have put Rutherford and the Canes on the spot, or would it?

Cullen left once after the Cup season for richer pastures in New York, and went on record as saying he regretted it. At his age, Cullen would have been slotted behind Staal and emerging star Brandon Sutter as the team’s No. 3 center, and a potential “hometown discount” for a player who on the open mark could garner more. Cole took such a deal this season to stay in a place he likes to suit up – Raleigh.

Cullen’s return may still happen once the playoffs end and the free agent market opens July 1. Let’s hope so, since the Carolina power play never seems to click without him, and his seven shorthanded goals over the last four seasons prove he’s even dangerous killing penalties.

“Matt really fits into the new style of play here since the work stoppage,” Rutherford said. “He played a big role when we won the Stanley Cup. I never take any comfort in making trades, but I can say that this one is as tough as they come because of what a person Matt is and what he does for us.”

Picard wears No. 45, the same number once worn by former Carolina defenseman David Tanabe. Let’s hope Picard’s stay in Raleigh is more fruitful than Tanabe’s shortened career on defense.

At $800,000 a year and a restricted free agent after the season, the former third round draft pick fits nicely into Carolina’s cost-cutting measures and the certain restructuring yet again of a blue line corps that let the team down in the early going this season.

“I wouldn’t say we had Picard targeted, but he’s a guy we always liked; we liked him in his draft year and we liked how he has played in the pros,” Rutherford said. “He’s not a guy who is going to jump out at you, but when you watch him he’s a pretty consistent player. You know what you’re going to get.”

What Ottawa got today was a fast skater who will make an immediate impact on the playoff race, and a solid citizen on the streets. Canes fans? Well, we’ll have a ton of Matt Memories to fall back on and a horizon of hope for 2010-11.

“When you have two young centers like Staal and Sutter, what can you pay another center iceman to fit into your pay structure?” Rutherford asked. “It just becomes part of our business, and it’s not the fun part of our business. Come July 1 we’ll see who is out there and if Matt is out there I’ll always keep the door open. This parting is not a bitter one.”

For all the Caniacs with Matt Cullen jerseys – and that number is large – keep them clean and close by.

[rosey12]

Yeah, I don't think I'll ever take a Sens fan's opinion as the gospel :lol: We all know what they said about Joe.

I'm sad to see Matty go, but could feel it coming - especially last night. I wish him well and certainly would love to see him back here if it fits with the team. He's definately one of the good guys.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

:cry:


Well, last night was the 2nd time I saw Cullen's last game as a Cane.

I'm hoping the third is when he retires as one...



Well said.


I'm crying right now but, we got a good deal. :cry:

Just wish it could have been Chicago or Boston.

[Alicia]

:cry:




Well said.


I'm crying right now but, we got a good deal. :cry:

Just wish it could have been Chicago or Boston.
Girl, I feel for ya. *hugs*

[WillLikeWhoa091]

Matt Cullen has always been one of the most consistent and hard working players for the organization. He's never been able to hit "superstar" status, but I'll be damned if his effort night in and night out wasn't noticed.

Best Matt memory: How he played in Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Finals. Dude left everything he had and then some on the ice.

Door's always open Matt. Let's say July 1st?

But WOW what a great return JR got here. If Picard works out, GREAT. If not, no big deal! I definitely wasn't expecting a pretty-much-roster-player AND a pick. Good deal!

[KaniacFever]

After reading Branecky's blog :cry:

JR and Cullen have that wink wink agreement and he's back July 1st. Dudes on XM don't think Ottawa will re-sign and think he's a true rental to them. So that's my story to get through this trade.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

My favorite Matt Cullen memory is the second I knew he was my new favorite. It was that week we ended Ottawa's win-streak and played Boston and Philly...all in the same week. Cully scored the most awesome freaking goal. Nick Boynton had himself basically draped all over Matt as he came in on goal with the puck. Matt got one arm free and sorta flicked at the puck...right up and over the goalie's shoulder. It was amazing.

His skating was a total spark-plug for that 05-06 team. Especially on the PP.

[caveman]

Nothing I can be but bummed. We've won 8 of 10 and we're losing one of the big reasons why I found reasons to keep watching this team during a suck-ass first half the season.

[superdave]

Sucks to lose Cully, but the "big picture" dictates this. Cullen was one of the few players on the Canes roster that I've never had a WTF moment with. Early this season, I felt bad that he had to be associated with the team the way things were going. He was one of a couple of players that were giving a solid effort every night.

As far as the Picard, J.R. and Mo get 20 games to try him out. He will be a RFA this summer so he'll be a reasonable contract which whould play right into the leaner and meaner roster next year. Even if he doesn't turn out to be a keeper, we still have the 2nd rounder. I'm pretty happy with the return. I didn't want to take on any projects but there doesn't seem to be a ton of downside on this one. If he doesn't pan out, out he goes. J.R. probably wants to know if he can be the Joe Corvo of the future.

[puck_it]

i think that's a pretty good way to put it, dave.

and if you look at the history of what picard has been traded for, I'm not too concerned that he's been on four teams before age 25. Prospal, Mezaros... i think we might be the lowest return since he was packaged with a 2nd for cullen. But, who knows who else was actually bidding on him and driving the price up.

we'll see how he turns out, and knowing JR, we'll see where Cullen ends up. I wouldnt mind seeing him back again, we have that god awful rangers experiment in our favor.

[cmw00]

Nothing I can be but bummed. We've won 8 of 10 and we're losing one of the big reasons why I found reasons to keep watching this team during a suck-ass first half the season.

Its a necessary evil unfortunately. Yes the team is playing great right now for the most part, but look at it this way: we need to go 20-2 over the last 22 games to get into the playoff hunt.

Just have to think of these type moves whats best for the future.

Also with the way Cullen has played this season. If he goes to the Sens and plays as well as he has here, I'd be suprised to see him back with the Canes. Atleast at the start of the season :lol: I think other teams will be ready to offer way more than JR.

[ontheboards]

Cullen played for Murray in Anaheim (Cullen was drafted by Anaheim when Murray was there--I had forgotten about that). Murray knows quite well what he was getting when he went after him. I also think that it's pretty fortunate that Cullen is going to the Sens. They are looking like the real deal entering the playoffs and for some reason, I'd rather see Cullen in Ottawa than in Montreal, NJ, or some place else.

I just hope Picard isn't what JR thinks will salvage our defensive issues-- he makes Corvo look physical...

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Its a necessary evil unfortunately. Yes the team is playing great right now for the most part, but look at it this way: we need to go 20-2 over the last 22 games to get into the playoff hunt.

Enh, I think 17-5 would do it.

Either way, ain't happening now.

[caveman]

I think 17-5 with the schedule we have in front of us was achievable considering (1) the way we've been playing (2) the team's history of being able to get on these insane late rolls snowballing the confidence up and up (3) Corvo recently and Ruutu just now getting back (4) Cole coming back soon (5) assuming Cam is able to come back healthy after the Olympic break.

[caniac97]

I keep hearing the words "cam" and "back surgery" used together so I don't know if i would count on cam.

[ontheboards]

My suspicion- Cam saw the specialist who sent him home for two weeks to take steroids to reduce swelling and inflamation. It's bound to be a disc issue and he'll need surgery.

[superdave]

I think that even IF J.R. was harboring any hopes of a miracle on ice and a playoff run, Cam's injury was the straw that broke the camel's (or goalie's) back.

[cmw00]

17 wins only gives us 87 points unless I'm not factoring something else in?

[KaniacFever]

I just spent the day at my sisters, and the oldest nephew, 10, is going through his first real trade. As soon as I walked in the door he ran up to me gave me a hug and says "I think its stupid that we traded Cullen and he better come back." :(

I had to explain to him the business side of hockey and this is what happens when your team is sitting at the bottom. I had to go ahead and prepare him for Whitney leaving.

[OswegoExpress]

This is great. We steal all that from Ottawa for a 2 month lease. Cullen will be back, Rutherford learned his lesson the last time we let Cullen go.

NOW, if JR can get a prospect and a 1st round pick for Whitney....we'll be golden going into next year 'cause there's no doubt Whitney will sign in the offseason to stay in Raleigh.

[caveman]

What the heck. I'll hope Peters and Legace keep manning the pipes and we keep finding ways to win anyway. I didn't know Cam was headed for surgery, that makes me forgive JR a little bit more. But not all the way.

[caveman]

17 wins only gives us 87 points unless I'm not factoring something else in?

http://zorak.best.vwh.net/nhl/

See: projected final standings

87 points could (all else being equal-ish) qualify for the playoffs in the East.

[ontheboards]

What the heck. I'll hope Peters and Legace keep manning the pipes and we keep finding ways to win anyway. I didn't know Cam was headed for surgery, that makes me forgive JR a little bit more. But not all the way.
It hasn't been said or determined to the best of my knowledge-- I just have my suspicions that he'll end up on a surgeon's table.

[puck_it]

caveman, i like you, you're good people... but give it a rest. it's not happening. I hate to break the news to you, i really do, but... lets be reasonable.

i'd love to eat my words, so feel free to book mark this or something. but i wont be.

at least plead no contest or something. the evidence is overwhelming, and i dont think you can introduce reasonable doubt.

[Deke]

This is great. We steal all that from Ottawa for a 2 month lease. Cullen will be back, Rutherford learned his lesson the last time we let Cullen go.

NOW, if JR can get a prospect and a 1st round pick for Whitney....we'll be golden going into next year 'cause there's no doubt Whitney will sign in the offseason to stay in Raleigh.

Really? No doubt? Then why was a trade nixed all because he wanted an extension with the team that wanted to trade for him?

[SouthernHockeyChick]

17 wins only gives us 87 points unless I'm not factoring something else in?

And most people are saying 87 would be enough in the East.

Really? No doubt? Then why was a trade nixed all because he wanted an extension with the team that wanted to trade for him?
There's some conflicting reports on whether that's true or not. Which pretty much means there is plenty of doubt in either opinion.

[cmw00]

http://zorak.best.vwh.net/nhl/

See: projected final standings

87 points could (all else being equal-ish) qualify for the playoffs in the East.

What? The chart that projects us to finnish with 74 points?

You have to go back to 02/03 before a team in the East made the playoffs with less than 91 points.

[puck_it]

and thats before the 2 points guaranteed to someone after regulation

[cmw00]

So the Canes have to win 17 games, Montreal only has to win 11.5, Boston 11, Philadelphia 10, Tampa Bay 12, Atlanta 12.5, Rangers 13, all approximate depending on OTL's, to hit the new magic number of 87 points.

But heck, the Canes aren't mathematically eliminated, so anything is possible!

[cmw00]

and thats before the 2 points guaranteed to someone after regulation

And in the era of guranteed 2pts, nobody has made the playoffs with less than 91pts in either conference, and 91 pts has only happened twice from what I can see.

Looks like that could happen this year though, but I would have made a very uneducated guess that this season will still take 90+ points. However looks very possible that it could take 87.

[c-girl]

We could, you know, just let them play the games and see how many points they do get. It doesn't hurt anything to be optimistic about it or to just enjoy the recent good hockey.

[caveman]

Heh, sorry guys. I am a complete math geek and so wherever there is a number to crunch I can't help but crunch it. I can't count how many times this year I have said "well that's it this team is done" but you know... they keep playing their butts off as if they believe, or at least feel that it's worth trying, and who am I to argue with that, eh?

[caniac97]

Heh, sorry guys. I am a complete math geek and so wherever there is a number to crunch I can't help but crunch it. I can't count how many times this year I have said "well that's it this team is done" but you know... they keep playing their butts off as if they believe, or at least feel that it's worth trying, and who am I to argue with that, eh?

Yep but two things you need to factor in your number crunching. We have to do the unthinkable and put together a 20 game win streak AND several teams have to really choke and lose a bunch. if it was only one team or two then yeah maybe but at last count I think it is like six. Even Vegas won't take those odds.

[StormChaserBH]

The problem is all those teams between us and 8 will play each other quite a few times too, so considering someone has to win those games, they all basically end up having to lose about every game they play to any other team not in that mix. (And then half of those games will go to OT).

Hey, it's good to enjoy the games though the last month or so.

[cmw00]

And the Olympic Hockey should be very good!

[nickgregory]

This is great. We steal all that from Ottawa for a 2 month lease. Cullen will be back, Rutherford learned his lesson the last time we let Cullen go.

NOW, if JR can get a prospect and a 1st round pick for Whitney....we'll be golden going into next year 'cause there's no doubt Whitney will sign in the offseason to stay in Raleigh.

I wouldnt count on either of them being back...JR already said something to the effect of wholesale changes going into next year...you don't accomplish that by putting the band back together ever year...

[superdave]

I wouldnt count on either of them being back...JR already said something to the effect of wholesale changes going into next year...you don't accomplish that by putting the band back together ever year...

I'm with you on this one. I don't think Ray is back period. My thoughts would be that the reason Ray is working on the contract with a potential trade partner is that he knows what's up. He's got some left in the tank and would probably like to go another couple of years, but it probably isn't here. I think that there's a possibility that Cully may find his way back since we'll be needing a center for the third line.

You don't get younger and cheaper by bringing everybody back.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I'm with you on this one. I don't think Ray is back period. My thoughts would be that the reason Ray is working on the contract with a potential trade partner is that he knows what's up. He's got some left in the tank and would probably like to go another couple of years, but it probably isn't here. I think that there's a possibility that Cully may find his way back since we'll be needing a center for the third line.

You don't get younger and cheaper by bringing everybody back.

Agree with this 100%

The only way I would bring Whitney (and Cullen) back is if the $$$ is right. They would provide excellent mentors for the youth. If they want money, or want to win another cup next year (if we do go into a full rebuild mode, I'm writing off this year and next for any hope of making the playoffs), then perhaps we are not the right place.

[SoCalcaniac]

I'm writing off this year and next for any hope of making the playoffs

I'm glad I'm not.

Whatever happens with Ray will happen. It's out of our hands and only he knows what he wants to do. JR talked about wanting to find a way to bring him back (awhile back) like Forslund mentioned in last night's post game, I wonder if something has since changed as far as Whitney is concerned if he's going for this stipulation of an extension with the trading team. Just kinda concerning. But if that's the case, maybe we do end up moving on.

[caniac97]

I'm with you on this one. I don't think Ray is back period. My thoughts would be that the reason Ray is working on the contract with a potential trade partner is that he knows what's up. He's got some left in the tank and would probably like to go another couple of years, but it probably isn't here. I think that there's a possibility that Cully may find his way back since we'll be needing a center for the third line.

You don't get younger and cheaper by bringing everybody back.

I don't see him bringing everybody back, I think Wallin will return to Sweden and play a few years there. Whitney and Cullen might depend on what they do about Brindy, if they buy him out or he retires then I see them back otherwise one or the two (preferably Cullen). The X factor will be what other teams will offer to retain their services, if there is a half mill difference then I see them back but if someone is crazy enough to double their salary then they are gone. I would like to see Ray given what Wesley had, one year deals as long as he wants/can play with a NTC. Cullen a two year deal. I think Walker and Corvo are pretty much gone though I have always liked Walker, when he is on the ice you always know you are gonna get 110%. But given his history of injuries it seems he is out more than in.

[superdave]

I don't see him bringing everybody back, I think Wallin will return to Sweden and play a few years there. Whitney and Cullen might depend on what they do about Brindy, if they buy him out or he retires then I see them back otherwise one or the two (preferably Cullen). The X factor will be what other teams will offer to retain their services, if there is a half mill difference then I see them back but if someone is crazy enough to double their salary then they are gone. I would like to see Ray given what Wesley had, one year deals as long as he wants/can play with a NTC. Cullen a two year deal. I think Walker and Corvo are pretty much gone though I have always liked Walker, when he is on the ice you always know you are gonna get 110%. But given his history of injuries it seems he is out more than in.

I think Brindy will be gone via a buyout or a retirement and move to an "organizational" job. Walker won't be back. If you consider Brindy gone, that would leave 8 forwards under contract for next season. Factor in Tlusty and Boychuk as probable for next year and then you would have 10. Of those 10, there really aren't any that you would say would be 4th liners. Let's consider that our long anticipated "top winger" that we'd like to see paired with Staal could be signed. Really to make room for the top 9 that we'd like to see on the ice next season, J.R. would probably need to move out another forward even after Cullen and Whitney are gone. I wouldn't mind seeing Yelle back on the 4th line especially since he's a quality PKer. I could see Cullen at the right price point. I just don't see how Whitney fits into next season unless the home town discount is huge and I'm not counting on that.

On defense, Wallin is obviously gone and not to return. We have 3 d-men signed next year (Gleason, Joni, and Alberts). Carson is RFA and will be back as a cheap body. That's going to leave 2 slots. Corvo could be back but my gut tells me no. Picard will probably be signed as a 6th/7th d-man since he's a RFA. That will leave room for one. McBain?

Oh yeah, we are going to have probably 5 picks in the first 2 rounds. Maybe one of those will be ready for prime time.

[KaniacFever]

I'm glad I'm not.

Whatever happens with Ray will happen. It's out of our hands and only he knows what he wants to do. JR talked about wanting to find a way to bring him back (awhile back) like Forslund mentioned in last night's post game, I wonder if something has since changed as far as Whitney is concerned if he's going for this stipulation of an extension with the trading team. Just kinda concerning. But if that's the case, maybe we do end up moving on.

I thought what Forslund said was interesting too. Then I remember what Whitney said in training camp how Boychuk is his replacement. Maybe with Boychuk getting better and better with each call up, Whitney is thinking he may not have a place on this team come July 1st if he leaves. He does have a family and he isn't ready to quit, so the rumors of him possibly wanting an extension makes total sense. He wants security with whatever team he goes to and I can't fault him for that. I know his heart is in Carolina though ;)

As for the other free agents coming back. I could see Cullen and Corvo, but that's it. Cullen cause we need a 3rd line centerman and I think we finally found a winger for Staal and his name is Jussi. McBain isn't ready for top 4 duty IMHO and neither is Rodney that's why I think Corvo could be back. Plus he did just build a million dollar home, which is kind of crazy for a soon to be free agent. He might re-sign for a home town discount which I think JR would take.

[nccanes]

If Whitney isn't back....then I guess we'll see how Staal does with a new winger. The two of them have been so good together for so long. No offense to Boychuk, but I suspect he needs a few more years before he can think to 'replace' Ray.

[KaniacFever]

If Whitney isn't back....then I guess we'll see how Staal does with a new winger. The two of them have been so good together for so long. No offense to Boychuk, but I suspect he needs a few more years before he can think to 'replace' Ray.

I wasn't implying that Boychuk would take Whitney's spot alongside Staal perse. Just that if the org wants Boychuk on the team next year, he has to take someone's spot, and Whitney said in training camp that Boychuk is his replacement (as in his roster spot). Remember Cole is signed through next year and he's always slotted on Staal's line no matter how good or bad he plays.

[nccanes]

Oh I know - I worded it poorly.

I was just thinking at the end of the Devils game (and I can still LMAO thinking about Marty taking the skate of shame to the locker room so often here) that it will suck to not have Whitney/Staal working together.

[andyt]

I wasn't implying that Boychuk would take Whitney's spot alongside Staal perse. Just that if the org wants Boychuk on the team next year, he has to take someone's spot, and Whitney said in training camp that Boychuk is his replacement (as in his roster spot). Remember Cole is signed through next year and he's always slotted on Staal's line no matter how good or bad he plays.

I could very easily see Boychuk on Staal's wing. And, until I see him on the ice in a game, I'm not convinced Cole is healthy.

[Darkwing]

I could very easily see Boychuk on Staal's wing. And, until I see him on the ice in a game, I'm not convinced Cole is healthy.

even when you do he'll be out in 3 games hurt again.

[andyt]

even when you do he'll be out in 3 games hurt again.

That too.