The Look of the 2003-2004 Team

[Jeff O Rocks]

Since we were introduced to so many "Baby Canes" this year and we know what some of them are capable of, what are your thoughts on who will make the team and who won't????

I think training camp will be a battleground...for everyone...newbies and veterans... :roll:

[Turbulence]

It will be a battleground. You'll see alot of our forewards in Lowell even though they're more than ready for the NHL.
Of course, the dynamics of this prediction will be greatly changed when (and I hope it's when and not if) we get a good d-man or LW thru trade/free agency, but I see the roster/lines of next year shaping up like this:
Vrbata-Francis-O'Neill
Bayda-Brind'Amour-Cole
DeFauw-Zigomanis-Heerema
Hlavac-Adams-Adams
With Kurka and Daniels as the extras...

That leaves players like Svoboda, Brendl, and Vasicek in Lowell when they can and should be playing in the NHL. Boulerice isn't there because Tomas Malec provides a pseudo-enforcer role. We don't need the Bull taking a spot from one of our young, talented forewards when we already have a 'fighter.'
I really don't know how the roster'll look. There are just too many variables...the addition of someone and camp performance being 2. The most contested spot will be the third line center. It could be Ziggy, Vasicek, or KAdams...it all depends on how much energy they can bring to the ice.
Defense is a whole other conversation...I don't think we can set our d-men in stone until after camp.
This will be an extremely fun camp to watch...the way I see it, competition only means we have that many good players. I forsee a good year in our future.

[nccanes]

Vrbata-Francis-O'Neill
Bayda-Brind'Amour-Cole
DeFauw-Zigomanis-Heerema
Hlavac-Adams-Adams
With Kurka and Daniels as the extras...

That leaves players like Svoboda, Brendl, and Vasicek in Lowell when they can and should be playing in the NHL. Boulerice isn't there because Tomas Malec provides a pseudo-enforcer role. We don't need the Bull taking a spot from one of our young, talented forewards when we already have a 'fighter.'
I really don't know how the roster'll look. There are just too many variables...the addition of someone and camp performance being 2. The most contested spot will be the third line center. It could be Ziggy, Vasicek, or KAdams...it all depends on how much energy they can bring to the ice.
Defense is a whole other conversation...I don't think we can set our d-men in stone until after camp.
This will be an extremely fun camp to watch...the way I see it, competition only means we have that many good players. I forsee a good year in our future.

I gotta disagree about those Czechs in Lowell. I think Ziggy will spend some time in Lowell. I would think that they would play around with a Czech line, putting Vrbata with Vasicek and one of the other Czechs before putting him up there with Ronnie and O.

I also think that while Malec is a great physical d-man, I don't know about him becoming the enforcer. Of course, Boulerice may not be our enforcer anyway - his recovery and the effect of it on his game is yet to be known.

[Stormbringer]

Vrbata-Francis-O'Neill
Bayda-Brind'Amour-Cole
DeFauw-Zigomanis-Heerema
Hlavac-Adams-Adams
With Kurka and Daniels as the extras...

Actually, the lines I envision are...

O'Neill-Francis-Bayda
Vrbata-Brindy-Cole
Adams-Adams-Daniels/Hlavac/Boulerice
DeFauw-Ziggy-Heerema

The upcoming training camp shall be veeeeery interesting...I'm actually not sure about the last two lines, but I'd love to see the first two lines happen. And I obviously would love to see Bayda remain with Ronnie and O...they and the Adams line were among the only lines truly clicking in the later part of last season.

[talkingcanes]

If Brendl is in good physical shape coming into camp, I'd be surprised to see him in Lowell.

[nccanes]

Vrbata-Francis-O'Neill
Bayda-Brind'Amour-Cole
DeFauw-Zigomanis-Heerema
Hlavac-Adams-Adams
With Kurka and Daniels as the extras...

Actually, the lines I envision are...

O'Neill-Francis-Bayda
Vrbata-Brindy-Cole
Adams-Adams-Daniels/Hlavac/Boulerice
DeFauw-Ziggy-Heerema



Wow. Another lineup sans Vasicek.

[talkingcanes]

Vrbata-Francis-O'Neill
Bayda-Brind'Amour-Cole
DeFauw-Zigomanis-Heerema
Hlavac-Adams-Adams
With Kurka and Daniels as the extras...

Actually, the lines I envision are...

O'Neill-Francis-Bayda
Vrbata-Brindy-Cole
Adams-Adams-Daniels/Hlavac/Boulerice
DeFauw-Ziggy-Heerema



Wow. Another lineup sans Vasicek.


I think Joe has a lot to prove coming into this season.

[Stormbringer]

Vrbata-Francis-O'Neill
Bayda-Brind'Amour-Cole
DeFauw-Zigomanis-Heerema
Hlavac-Adams-Adams
With Kurka and Daniels as the extras...

Actually, the lines I envision are...

O'Neill-Francis-Bayda
Vrbata-Brindy-Cole
Adams-Adams-Daniels/Hlavac/Boulerice
DeFauw-Ziggy-Heerema



Wow. Another lineup sans Vasicek.

Well, if Big Joe is to return, I would expect him to be on the fourth line, with either DeFauw or Ziggy being Lowell-bound.

[Turbulence]

DeFauw...being Lowell-bound.

I think we have to have Brad in the lineup next year. We need him to be the physical 3rd line grinder (that can score on the 2nd when needed) that Bates was for the majority of his time here. JR said the reason they made the Battaglia trade was partly because of DeFauw's emergence as this type of player...without him on the 3rd line our checking line isn't what it needs to be.

[Stormbringer]

DeFauw...being Lowell-bound.

I think we have to have Brad in the lineup next year. We need him to be the physical 3rd line grinder (that can score on the 2nd when needed) that Bates was for the majority of his time here. JR said the reason they made the Battaglia trade was partly because of DeFauw's emergence as this type of player...without him on the 3rd line our checking line isn't what it needs to be.

Hmmmm...how about this?

Adams-Adams-DeFauw
Daniels-Hlavac/Vasicek-Boulerice

As much as I like Ziggy, I think he is the most likely to be Lowell-bound...but we'll just have to wait and see.

[Turbulence]

Beautiful....beautiful...
Isn't DeFauw a LW though? :p

[Stormbringer]

Alright...

DeFauw-Adams-Adams

There, happy Turby? :roll: ;)

[Shell]

Wow. Another lineup sans Vasicek.

well, I have to say that my feelings wouldn't be too hurt if he wasn't in the line-up. I was very curious as to how he would do when asked to step up in Brindy's place. He started off gangbusters but then just died for wayyyyy too many games after that. Sure, it could have been recurring injuries but if that's the case, will it ever get better? I was really hoping he would step up and stay up but he disappointed me.

[Jeff O Rocks]

Wow. Another lineup sans Vasicek.

well, I have to say that my feelings wouldn't be too hurt if he wasn't in the line-up. I was very curious as to how he would do when asked to step up in Brindy's place. He started off gangbusters but then just died for wayyyyy too many games after that. Sure, it could have been recurring injuries but if that's the case, will it ever get better? I was really hoping he would step up and stay up but he disappointed me.

Towards the end of the season, Joe seamed pretty non-existent..not sure if the back spasms just kind of took the wind out of his sails..he seemed to be on Coach Mo's shi* list by season's end, so we will see...If it comes down between Jaro and Joe, I look for Jaro to be here...It seemed like he really stepped up his play after his "visit" to Lowell.

[Cool Hand Luke]

I agree that the pre-season next year will be VERY interesting indeed. There are many spots wide open on this team and even somebody like Tomas Kurka, who isn't on anybody's projection list could play his way into the lineup with an outstanding traning camp. It's also interesting knowing that Coach Mo will be under the microscope and the team must perform well, immediately. All the top performers in camp will need to make the team, there won't really be an opportunity for anyone to play their way out of a slump, up here.

I also agree with what someone said earlier about Boulerice. While I don't think Malec is mature enough to be our bonifide "enforcer", it would not shock me if the Bull was shuffled aside to make room for one of the many prospects who could use more grooming on the big club. I don't necessarily think this would best for the team next year, but it wouldn't shock me to see it happen. Especially now that Jesse's head is a question mark.

I wouldn't be so quick to give up on Vasicek as I see many of you have. I agree that he had a disappointing year last year, and I also agree that I would like to see him play with more vigor and desire. But, even with his disappointing and injury shortened year last year, he still outscored Kevin Adams, who had a career year. Joe had 10 goals 10 assists in 57 games, Kevin had 9 and 9 in 77 games. I think if we surround Joe with his Checkmates, he can be very productive on the 3rd line. I also think we must give Brendl a legitimate shot when he's healthy. As for Ziggy, I admit he has great desire, but I'm not sure he has the skills or the body for the NHL, yet. 3 points in 14 games isn't setting the world on fire. He might make a good 4rth line center and PK man at some point, but I think he has to go back to Lowell for now.

My lines for what they are worth...and that ain't much!

Vrbata-Francis-O'Neill (Vrbata is just too good to leave off the first line. All the experts are projecting 20-30 goals++ a year for this guy)

Cole-Brindy-Heerema (Heerema loves to hang around the net and clean up the garbage. Cole and Brindy create lots of chances, this could be good for all concerned)

Hlavac-Vasicek-Brendl (this could really be a sleeper line that scores a ton of points for us next year. Also, it could be a line that lasts one disappointing game..*L*)

Adams, Adams, Defauw/Bayda/Boulerice

Ii will be interesting to see if Bayda can generate any offense without Francis setting him up. He does bring a lot of energy which would match the intensity of the Adams family.

Of course everything could change because of our number one draft pick, or trades. One thing that won't change...it will be VERY interesting to see what happens. I'll be attending more practices next year than I did this year, if I possibly can.

[tommy]

These are my opinions:

Agree with Vrbata - Francis - O'neill as the first line.
second line: Cole - Brind'Amour - Bayda
Line Three: Hlavac - Heerema - Vasicek
Line Four: Adams - Adams - Daniels

and then the extras...

Cool Hand Luke's got it right on the money.. it would not be smart to give up on Big Joe now.

[Stormbringer]

Agree with Vrbata - Francis - O'neill as the first line.
second line: Cole - Brind'Amour - Bayda

In all honesty, you really can't go wrong with Vrbata on the first and Bayda on the second or vice-versa. For some odd reason, I seem to recall Vrbata not doing as well with Francis and O'Neill as Bayda. But, an interesting pre-season experiment will be to see how both Vrbata and Bayda fare with the returning Brindy and hopefully Cole...afterall, there is still the matter of Erik needing to be re-signed.

[tommy]

That may be true, but Vrbata has 2 more seasons of experience, and I'm not sure if Bayda is a top liner yet. Yeah, he had 14 points in 25 games, but Vrbata is a potential 25-30 goal scorer, and Bayda has yet to play a full season.

[Jeff O Rocks]

That may be true, but Vrbata has 2 more seasons of experience, and I'm not sure if Bayda is a top liner yet. Yeah, he had 14 points in 25 games, but Vrbata is a potential 25-30 goal scorer, and Bayda has yet to play a full season.

We are lucky that poor little Ryan could produce at all...can you imagine how he felt coming here and first thing he is on the top line with Ronnie and O?? Must have been hard for him to settle the nerves. :crazy:

I look for good things from Ryan and Hereema...I know we all kind of forgot about Jeff after his injury, but he has a lot of offer...very unfortunate for him and us that he got hurt! :roll:

...and where does Bruno fit in all this???

[SouthernHockeyChick]

That may be true, but Vrbata has 2 more seasons of experience, and I'm not sure if Bayda is a top liner yet. Yeah, he had 14 points in 25 games, but Vrbata is a potential 25-30 goal scorer, and Bayda has yet to play a full season.

Vrbata also has yet to fulfill on that potential 25-30 goals too.

01-02 COL GP 56 G 18
02-03 COL GP 66 G 11
02-03 CAR GP 10 G 5

I'm not saying I disagree with you, tommy, I'm just saying potential is something we're heard a lot about around these parts but haven't seen it pan out much. I'm not ready to go putting the weight of the team on Vrbata's shoulders at all...or on Bayda's. They BOTH cooled off significantly after being here a while.

[Turbulence]

Bruno, The Mallet, and Tanabe's futures are dependant on whether or not we pick up someone thru free agency or thru a trade. They're on my bubble...(though I think Tanabe is safe to Coach Mo.)
I'm hoping we pick up one good veteran somehow...that happening I see Bruno going to Lowell and or defense looking as follows.
Free Agent-Hedican
Ward-Tanabe
Malec-Wallin

I don't like the way that looks..but I don't forsee us getting anything more than one new d-man. :sick:

[Turbulence]

I'm not saying I disagree with you, tommy, I'm just saying potential is something we're heard a lot about around these parts but haven't seen it pan out much. I'm not ready to go putting the weight of the team on Vrbata's shoulders at all...or on Bayda's. They BOTH cooled off significantly after being here a while.

Keep in mind that Vrbata amassed those numbers playing with the 3rd and 4th lines of Colorado...doing that after occasionally being a healthy scratch. Playing with scorers like Francis, O'Neill, Brindy, or Cole I see him being one of our top goal-scorers.
But then again, you're right. Potential is nothing unless it is capitalized on.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I'm hoping we pick up one good veteran somehow...that happening I see Bruno going to Lowell and or defense looking as follows.
Free Agent-Hedican
Ward-Tanabe
Malec-Wallin

I don't like the way that looks..but I don't forsee us getting anything more than one new d-man. :sick:

You are ditching Hill?

I'd much rather see us dump Tanabe than send Bruno, Malec or Hill packing or to Lowell.

[Turbulence]

Knew I forgot someone... :beatup:
Hill-Hedican
FA-Ward
Wallin-Nobber

They look so highly on Tanabe that I don't think they'll kick him out of the lineup for the Mallet, even with his horrible performace last year taken into account.

'Course, those pairings are only valid if the management decides it's worth the money to get someone else...

[Stormbringer]

I'm hoping we pick up one good veteran somehow...that happening I see Bruno going to Lowell and or defense looking as follows.
Free Agent-Hedican
Ward-Tanabe
Malec-Wallin

I don't like the way that looks..but I don't forsee us getting anything more than one new d-man. :sick:

You are ditching Hill?

I'd much rather see us dump Tanabe than send Bruno, Malec or Hill packing or to Lowell.

DEFINITELY don't want Hilly to go! Yes, he can amass quite a few penalty minutes as he has shown this past season, but is a great d-man none-the-less. I much rather see Tanabe go, but doubt it will happen myself...

[Turbulence]

Hill is the heart and soul of our defensive corps...he does take stupid penalties but he has one of the hardest shots on the team and he's a great leader...definately don't want to rid ourselves of him.

[tommy]

That may be true, but Vrbata has 2 more seasons of experience, and I'm not sure if Bayda is a top liner yet. Yeah, he had 14 points in 25 games, but Vrbata is a potential 25-30 goal scorer, and Bayda has yet to play a full season.

Vrbata also has yet to fulfill on that potential 25-30 goals too.

01-02 COL GP 56 G 18
02-03 COL GP 66 G 11
02-03 CAR GP 10 G 5

I'm not saying I disagree with you, tommy, I'm just saying potential is something we're heard a lot about around these parts but haven't seen it pan out much. I'm not ready to go putting the weight of the team on Vrbata's shoulders at all...or on Bayda's. They BOTH cooled off significantly after being here a while.

18 in his rookie year, 16 last year... he's had barely any time to make an impact in the league, and yet he's putting up those numbers, as Turby said, on Colorado's 3rd and 4th lines.

Not putting down Bayda, but I'd rather have Vrbata skating on line one than Bayda, at least for now.

[talkingcanes]

Knew I forgot someone... :beatup:
Hill-Hedican
FA-Ward
Wallin-Nobber

They look so highly on Tanabe that I don't think they'll kick him out of the lineup for the Mallet, even with his horrible performace last year taken into account.

'Course, those pairings are only valid if the management decides it's worth the money to get someone else...

IMO, if they find a way to trade Tanabe, he won't be a Cane next year. I really think the bloom is off that rose, particularly with the "I'm worth more money than you're offering start to the season". I think he'd do well in Edmonton on that ice. Any D-man they might be willing to trade that we'd want?

[Captain Slack]

I'm hoping we pick up one good veteran somehow...that happening I see Bruno going to Lowell and or defense looking as follows.
Free Agent-Hedican
Ward-Tanabe
Malec-Wallin

I don't like the way that looks..but I don't forsee us getting anything more than one new d-man. :sick:

You are ditching Hill?

I'd much rather see us dump Tanabe than send Bruno, Malec or Hill packing or to Lowell.

DEFINITELY don't want Hilly to go! Yes, he can amass quite a few penalty minutes as he has shown this past season, but is a great d-man none-the-less. I much rather see Tanabe go, but doubt it will happen myself...

Don't forget the possibility of Glen Wesley coming back into the fold! :cool:

Honestly, I have to agree with whoever said it earlier: our defensive lines won't be set til training camp. There are just too many possibilities there.

[Stormbringer]

Don't forget the possibility of Glen Wesley coming back into the fold! :cool:

Can't believe that somebody didn't beat you to that, Captain Slack. Glad to know I'm not the only one who hasn't given up hope for Wesley's return. The articles where he supposedly has said that he wanted to stay with Toronto have made me a little worried, but not too...especially after the letter he and his wife wrote to the N&O thanking us Caniacs sometime ago. :spin:

[Lady J]

Man, I'd really hate to see Jesse go :( he was so much fun to watch. I hope that head of his is sturdier than it's looking at the present.

I'd like for Bruno to stay ~ you could see the liveliness in him while he was playing, and it did a lot for our team's morale. Shoot, it made ME feel better. I think JR should give him a chance next season.

Big Joe doesn't impress me. Sorry. :P

When our formerly disabled vets take the ice again, everything will be better. lol

[nccanes]

Don't forget the possibility of Glen Wesley coming back into the fold! :cool:

Can't believe that somebody didn't beat you to that, Captain Slack. Glad to know I'm not the only one who hasn't given up hope for Wesley's return. The articles where he supposedly has said that he wanted to stay with Toronto have made me a little worried, but not too...especially after the letter he and his wife wrote to the N&O thanking us Caniacs sometime ago. :spin:

Well, I have to disagree, you and Captain Slack are not the only people who haven't given up hope. We all know that Wesley will be a free agent on July 1 (if Toronto doesn't sign him), but he's NOT a Cane anymore than Anson Carter is a Cane, or Derian Hatcher is a Cane.

And personally, it would be nice to think that Barb Wesley would write a nice letter to the N&O because she wanted to - w/no hidden agenda.

Sorry if this sounds harsh. :)

[Stormbringer]

Well, I have to disagree, you and Captain Slack are not the only people who haven't given up hope.

I know...but it's just you don't hear many talk about the possibility of Wesley returning. Captain Slack's bringing it up is the last time in almost a month, if not a month since I've last heard or seen anyone talk about Wesley.

[nccanes]

Well, I have to disagree, you and Captain Slack are not the only people who haven't given up hope.

I know...but it's just you don't hear many talk about the possibility of Wesley returning. Captain Slack's bringing it up is the last time in almost a month, if not a month since I've last heard or seen anyone talk about Wesley.

Well I frequently check news.google and specifically search for Glen Wesley, trying to see if there is any more news in the Canadian (or US) papers. There hasn't been. So there really is no more news or hints about what he might do.

I'm praying that we get a vet d-man, and it would be great for it to be Wesley, but you were suggesting that everyone else had given up hope...

[Shell]

For what it's worth, I work with someone who goes to church with the Wesley's. They are very active in their church, as is this guy. He has said that they are not leaving the church which would lead me to believe that he'll be back. At the very least, I don't think his family will be moving which means he doesn't plan to be gone long.

[nccanes]

For what it's worth, I work with someone who goes to church with the Wesley's. They are very active in their church, as is this guy. He has said that they are not leaving the church which would lead me to believe that he'll be back. At the very least, I don't think his family will be moving which means he doesn't plan to be gone long.

That's good news. One of the articles I read about Wesley made me think that if he's only got a few years left in him, that his family might stay here anyway. If they love their church and they have a beach house in NC and Glen only has a few playing years left (maybe just 1 if there's a lockout) - why bother to uproot the family even if he signed elsewhere?

[Jeff O Rocks]

For what it's worth, I work with someone who goes to church with the Wesley's. They are very active in their church, as is this guy. He has said that they are not leaving the church which would lead me to believe that he'll be back. At the very least, I don't think his family will be moving which means he doesn't plan to be gone long.

That's good news. One of the articles I read about Wesley made me think that if he's only got a few years left in him, that his family might stay here anyway. If they love their church and they have a beach house in NC and Glen only has a few playing years left (maybe just 1 if there's a lockout) - why bother to uproot the family even if he signed elsewhere?

Good point Eileen.....I have heard that Irbe's family is still here too!! :roll:

[nccanes]

Good point Eileen.....I have heard that Irbe's family is still here too!! :roll:

The last day of school was today, so I imagine the families with kids are gonna be gone pretty soon.

[Jeff O Rocks]

Wasn't sure where to post this..but I saw Coach Mo (still has bags under his eyes even with a tan) and JR on the 6:00 news...they were talking about what a disappointing year it was but how the fans supported them through it all ...they did mention that they hope to sign Weeksey to a year contract very soon...no mention of Irbe or anyone else...JR said that there was more pressure on him and the team to improve this coming year more than ever before....don't know if those words are Karmanos' or not! :roll:

[nccanes]

I saw that too Mona.

There is also this article in the N&O today that is very frank about their plans. Yay - JR is putting a priority on the defense!

Lots of good stuff in here. C-Mac (and his mini van) will have to find somewhere else to play. He's worried about Jesse's recovery. And he admits the Malik/Langdon trade was a mistake.

Canes consider their options
Rutherford might pursue a free agent to upgrade defense

By LUKE DECOCK, Staff Writer

CARY -- Frustrated by the trade market for defensemen, Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday he may ask owner Peter Karmanos for money to sign a free agent.
With a potential work stoppage looming in September 2004, the Canes have been leery about signing contracts that go beyond the next season.
But with little available from other teams, Rutherford may have no choice but to break the Canes' budget of $32.5 million to correct serious deficiencies on defense.

"Right now, it's not in our budget to do any free agents, but as we get closer to that date we'll see how our payroll is shaping up," Rutherford said. "I can sit down with Mr. Karmanos and ask him for more money."

With enough money and the willingness to sign a long-term deal, the Canes could bring back franchise stalwart Glen Wesley -- dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs as a playoff rent-a-player in March -- or pursue a player who may be available like Greg DeVries of the Colorado Avalanche.

Upgrading the Canes' defense has been Rutherford's avowed No. 1 priority this offseason. Tuesday, he was openly critical of Aaron Ward, David Tanabe and Niclas Wallin, lending credence to speculation that all three are being offered on the open market.

"We may do it through free agency, we may do it through trades," Rutherford said. "Based on my talks at this point, there's the possibility of at least one trade and the possibility of one free agent.

"I like our forwards. It all falls back to defense. We have three or four guys we can build around, but we have to move a couple guys."

Carolina coach Paul Maurice defended his defensemen, pointing out that for most of the second half of the season, they were left out to dry by young forwards not ready for the NHL.

"We were not a good defensive team from a forward perspective all year," Maurice said, "but especially in the second half."

In other comments at the Canes' offseason golf outing Tuesday, Rutherford:

* Said a half-dozen teams who want to draft talented goalie Marc-Andre Fleury have called about Carolina's No. 2 pick, but that he expects serious interest only after Florida decides what do do with the No. 1 pick.

Rutherford also said he has three players in mind for the Canes' pick, and that he won't make a final decision until the night before the June 22-23 draft.

* Defended his handling of the Arturs Irbe situation. Irbe, the winningest goalie in franchise history, has been told he will not be invited to camp in the fall and could start the season in the low minors.

"Let's be clear about something: Arturs Irbe has been a real good player for the Carolina Hurricanes," Rutherford said. "We need to remember that. He did have an off year, and he wasn't the only one. But for him to get his career back on track with us at his age, it doesn't make any sense."

* Said the Canes don't plan to re-sign forward Craig MacDonald, an unrestricted free agent.

* Shared his concerns over the slow recovery of Jesse Boulerice from a season-ending concussion. Rutherford said he expects the Canes' other wounded players to return to camp healthy.

* Admitted the November trade that sent defenseman Marek Malik and forward Darren Langdon to Vancouver for forwards Jan Hlavac and Harold Druken was a mistake.

"That's a trade I would like to have back," Rutherford said.


Staff writer Luke DeCock can be reached at 829-8947 or ldecock@newsobserver.com

[tommy]

* Said the Canes don't plan to re-sign forward Craig MacDonald, an unrestricted free agent.

Well then who's gonna collapse at practice now???


* Admitted the November trade that sent defenseman Marek Malik and forward Darren Langdon to Vancouver for forwards Jan Hlavac and Harold Druken was a mistake.

"That's a trade I would like to have back," Rutherford said.

Nawww, really?


Good article though... We'll see what happens with our D-men and our draft pick.

P.S. They brought up the possibility of someone like DeVries. I think that would be a nice addition.

[Jeff O Rocks]

Awww...poor C-Mac!! I think he had some bright spots here.. In my opinion of the Malik/Langdon trade....they never gave Druken a chance..and Jan...I think he is a good player..he got hurt and his potential was not completely revealed...the hat trick against Detroit was something I will NEVER forget!! :spin: But I know that one game was not the whole season....with the season that our guys had, there are lots of areas to point the "blame" finger at....I hope they don't do anything drastic in the D-Man area...like trade Aaron or Nicky....I think they just had an off year like everyone else..and there is lots of potential there...Nicky is a tough guy and his aggressiveness is a plus..he takes care of business without getting a lot of PMs...Tanabe in my opinion, sucks..and if he goes today..I don't mind!! :roll:

[Turbulence]

As I said in the other thread...Hallelujah! They see the need for improvement and are willing to pay for it.
But other than Hatcher, Wes, and DeVries who else is a FA? If we can get someone younger than Wes we'd be doing ourselves a favor...

And I guess every bit of alleviated payroll helps during times like these but I really felt CMac brought alot of leadership to Lowell and had the ability to come here and play on an energetic 4th line with the Adamses...would have liked to seen him resigned.

[nccanes]

Nicky is a tough guy and his aggressiveness is a plus..he takes care of business without getting a lot of PMs...Tanabe in my opinion, sucks..and if he goes today..I don't mind!! :roll:

Well, I hate to see Ward of Wallin go, but maybe JR is just being honest about who would be available for the right deal.

"I like our forwards. It all falls back to defense. We have three or four guys we can build around, but we have to move a couple guys."



If he could sign a FA (Wes or someone equal) and then bundle Tanabe plus someone??? That would give us:

Hedican
Hill
Wallin or Ward
Whoever we got for the Tanabe +1
Wes (or equal)
Malec or St. Jacques

Not bad...

Or maybe he's just lighting a little fire under them before training camp?

[nccanes]

And I guess every bit of alleviated payroll helps during times like these but I really felt CMac brought alot of leadership to Lowell and had the ability to come here and play on an energetic 4th line with the Adamses...would have liked to seen him resigned.

Perhaps having so many baby Canes gain NHL experience this season made C-Mac's leadership less valuable.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

And I guess every bit of alleviated payroll helps during times like these but I really felt CMac brought alot of leadership to Lowell and had the ability to come here and play on an energetic 4th line with the Adamses...would have liked to seen him resigned.

Perhaps having so many baby Canes gain NHL experience this season made C-Mac's leadership less valuable.

I'm thinking they've known for a while now that C-Mac was not NHL material and now that they are sharing Lowell they just don't have room for a career AHLer taking a space from their prospects. Poor guy. Although, this doesn't mean Lowell can't sign him (if they are still doing that now that we're sharing)....it just means we won't...right?

I still don't like the idea of getting rid of Ward.

[Turbulence]

Ward can be a very steady d-man for us...he's easily our 3rd best d-man right now, and he still has some potential...however if we have to trade him to get a standout player in return, I'm all for it. Wallin is another guy who has the opportunity to be a steady 3rd pairing d-man...but if we have to let him go for someone bigger then we should go for it.
The ideal situation is certainly for someone to take Tanabe and a pick for a good d-man...while keeping Ward, Wallin, Hill, Hedi, and St Jaques/Malec. That could shape up to be a consistantly good, though not flashy, defense...and it'd be even better with Wes back.

[Alicia]

From reading some of the Colorado boards, I don't think some of their fans would be too happy about losing DeVries. But he appears to have a lot of potential and might be a nice addition here.

[Tatfever]

I'm thinking they've known for a while now that C-Mac was not NHL material and now that they are sharing Lowell they just don't have room for a career AHLer taking a space from their prospects. Poor guy. Although, this doesn't mean Lowell can't sign him (if they are still doing that now that we're sharing)....it just means we won't...right?

I will say one thing, I will miss him. He was definitely a leader up here in Lowell. We were a whole different team with him not in the lineup. When he was here the team had a jump to them, when he was in Carolina the team was much flatter.
One thing I will say though. With Druken and Daw now in Toronto, and many trying to guess which Baby Canes will be where. If my memory serves me correctly, our forwards Daw and Druken were the last two Canes up here last year. The rest were ECHL'ers. If most or all of them were to make the Canes, as of right now this team would be stripped down to nothing!
My two cents would say Defauw, Kurka and Zigomanis starting up here. With Ziggy getting the first call up.
Also SHC, I do not think Lowell can sign their own players now. That was a deal Lowell had with Carolina. Now with Calgary here, that option is gone.

[nccanes]

One thing I will say though. With Druken and Daw now in Toronto, and many trying to guess which Baby Canes will be where. If my memory serves me correctly, our forwards Daw and Druken were the last two Canes up here last year. The rest were ECHL'ers. If most or all of them were to make the Canes, as of right now this team would be stripped down to nothing!
My two cents would say Defauw, Kurka and Zigomanis starting up here. With Ziggy getting the first call up.
Also SHC, I do not think Lowell can sign their own players now. That was a deal Lowell had with Carolina. Now with Calgary here, that option is gone.

There is just not enough room for all the baby canes to be here. Remember, we had Cole, Brind'Amour, Hlavac, Svoboda, Hereema, Brendl, Boulerice - and who else? - all injured with none returning before the end of the season.

Looking back on this thread, I think most people are thinking that Bayda plus 1 or 2 have shot. Some think Defauw may have a shot, since JR specifically mentioned him after the Battaglia trade and that this may be his first season w/o injury of family concerns.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Also SHC, I do not think Lowell can sign their own players now. That was a deal Lowell had with Carolina. Now with Calgary here, that option is gone.

:sad: Well, then that makes two great Lowell guys (Daw and C-Mac) they've dumped. I feel for you guys up there! I guess you won't really have much of a team anymore....it will be even more of a stop-over point for prospects with NO Lowell regulars. I'm pretty skeptical about this whole sharing thing but I hope it works out!

[StormShaman]

Ummm... I think that an AHL team can still sign its own guys, regardless of any commitments they have with any NHL teams.

[Shell]

http://wemissjerry.org/smiles/cry.gif

Wesley's agent prepares Leaf proposal
Jun. 5, 2003. 01:00 AM
Defender wants to return to Toronto
Tough bargaining likely lies ahead
Ken Campbell
SPORTS REPORTER
CP

Glen Wesley becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
The Maple Leafs will find out by tomorrow what it will take to keep defenceman Glen Wesley and it's a proposal the Leafs are accepting with equal amounts of anticipation and anxiety.

Wesley's agent, Rick Curran, said yesterday that earlier this week his client gave him the go-ahead to begin negotiations with the Leafs on a new contract and that Wesley and his family are fully prepared to move to Toronto. Curran said the Leafs will receive a contract proposal from him by the end of this week and the Leafs will have all next week to consider it while both he and Wesley are out of town.

That will give the Leafs about two weeks to exclusively deal with Wesley before he qualifies to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Although the Leafs need him back after the retirement of Robert Svehla, a deal won't necessarily be an easy one. Wesley will be 35 by the time next season starts and the Leafs will almost certainly be looking to offer Wesley a two-year deal.

That's because, like most NHL teams, the Leafs want to commit as little as possible to players given the fact that labour strife awaits in 2004-05 and that teams are unsure what the financial constraints will be on them as the result of the new collective bargaining agreement. For his part, Wesley will almost certainly be looking for a three- or four-year deal with a salary at about the $4 million (U.S.) the Leafs were prepared to pay Svehla.

"We're waiting to hear from his agent and when that time comes, we'll address it," said Leafs executive Bill Watters. "I'm neither optimistic nor pessimistic."

The Wesley scenario puts the Leafs in a difficult spot. If they hold to the two-year term, there's very little chance Wesley will sign with them and if they lose him, it will be a massive blow to a defence corps that was suspect even with Wesley and Svehla in the lineup.

And the precedence for a long-term deal was already established when Los Angeles Kings' defenceman Aaron Miller signed a four-year deal worth $15 million (U.S.) late last season. Wesley made $2.5 million in the last year of a five-year deal last season, but Curran said Wesley also had a "significant" personal bonus package. The Leafs offer only team bonuses.

Meanwhile, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president Richard Peddie said yesterday that ticket prices will be announced shortly. It has been speculated the Leafs will opt for the 10 per-cent across-the-board increase they have implemented the past three years. Peddie also said the new board is working with GM-coach Pat Quinn on the budget for player salaries for next season.

The Leafs already have about $50.4 million committed to players for next season without restricted free agents Bryan McCabe, Nik Antropov, Wade Belak, Paul Healey and Ric Jackman under contract. It's expected Jonas Hoglund will not receive a qualifying offer and will become an unrestricted free agent.

Aside from Wesley, the Leafs have to decide whether they want to sign unrestricted free agent Doug Gilmour. They will not re-sign unrestricted free agent defenceman Phil Housley, who was picked up at the trade deadline.

"The board has to approve (the budget) and I would expect that would be done by the end of the month," Peddie said.

[Stormbringer]

What else can I say but ca-rap... http://216.40.249.192/s/contrib/edoom/sad2.gif

[nccanes]

Wow, 4 million. Interesting that they mentioned "significant personal bonuses" - perhaps Wesley made much more than the 2.5 here.

If anything in this article is remotely accurate, I think the chance of the Canes resigning him are close to nil. Re-signing here has some advantages (not uprooting the family, etc), but I can't imagine that adds up to much in the way of money/contract length at the bargaining table.

Thanks for the article Shell!!

[Turbulence]

If they hold to the two-year term, there's very little chance Wesley will sign with them

And if they do that he's gone...great. But how willing are they to compromise and give a 4 yr contract? I guess the ball is in the Leafs' hands. Nothing new, I guess.
Either way I don't think we will get him, just because of price. I think we'd be better dropping that 3 or 4 mil on a younger d-man than a wiley ol' vet like Wes.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

If they hold to the two-year term, there's very little chance Wesley will sign with them

And if they do that he's gone...great. But how willing are they to compromise and give a 4 yr contract? I guess the ball is in the Leafs' hands. Nothing new, I guess.
Either way I don't think we will get him, just because of price. I think we'd be better dropping that 3 or 4 mil on a younger d-man than a wiley ol' vet like Wes.

Agreed. I love the guy but at his age I'm just not sure he's worth it. And....if the Leafs aren't willing to go longer than 2 years I really doubt JR will.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I don't think JR will want to put all that money into Glen either....it seems like with the "youth movement" that started this past season...I just don't see it... :roll:

I wish Glen and his family the best...wherever he ends up! :)

[nccanes]

A little more info about Wesley/Leafs from today's N&O:

Wesley seeks 3-year Leafs deal
Former Hurricanes defenseman becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1

By LUKE DECOCK, Staff Writer


Glen Wesley has moved a step closer to re-signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, submitting a proposal for a three-year contract to the Leafs.
The former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman, who was traded to the Leafs in March, will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Leafs have exclusive negotiating rights until then.

"I sat down with my family and made a decision to start some informal negotiations and see where both sides stood," Wesley said Thursday.

Wesley and his family will take a vacation next week, and he expects a response from the Leafs when they return.

Wesley made $2.5 million last season. The team is thought to be prepared to spend $3 million to $4 million per season on him but was looking for a two-year contract.

Wesley, 35, is second all-time in games played for the Carolina franchise. In his NHL career, has made three trips to the Stanley Cup finals and played in 1,317 regular-season and playoff games without winning the Cup. He was hoping to get that chance with Toronto this season, but the Leafs lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round.

The news that Wesley has opened negotiations with the Leafs comes days after Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford said the Canes may have to increase their budget to obtain badly needed help on defense on the free-agent market.

Rutherford is prohibited from talking about Wesley as long as his rights belong to another team, but he never has closed the door to a Wesley return.

Wesley, though, said that his family was prepared to move from the Triangle to Toronto if the Leafs accepted his proposal.

"It's a tough thing," Wesley said. "Obviously, we're negotiating and seeing right now what's going to happen. We really can't do anything until July 1 anyway, and that may be too late. I don't know. We'll see where Toronto is coming from."


Staff writer Luke DeCock can be reached at 829-8947 or ldecock@newsobserver.com

[Turbulence]

Do the Leafs want him bad enough to give him a longer contract than they want to? I think so...

Regardless he won't be wearing the sightless eye ever again...and I'm fine with that. Wes served us well while he was here, but we need to spend our money on someone younger.

I just hope we actually spend money on someone younger instead of just talking about it...

[nccanes]

Another article from the media round of golf. This from the Durham Herald-Sun:

Dascenzo: Canes GM right man for the job
By FRANK DASCENZO : The Herald-Sun
fdascenzo@heraldsun.com
Jun 4, 2003 : 12:04 am ET

CARY -- A year ago, Jim Rutherford was swaggering through groups of NHL executives and steering his silver Jaguar around the streets of this upscale community chock full of yuppies and coffee shops cluttered with everything from the New York Times to Vanity Fair.

As president and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, Rutherford was watching a story too good to be true. The 2002 Canes won 35 of 82 regular-season games, and when they skated deeper into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, strange people showed up acting like hockey experts. Rutherford knew better.

"We were good, but we weren’t a great team," Rutherford said on Tuesday at Prestonwood Country Club after a round of golf with the media where he and Canes coach Paul Maurice tried to explain the 2003 fast fall from near first to worst in the NHL. The Canes didn’t smell the playoffs this spring, won only 22 games, allowed 240 goals — fourth-worst among all teams in the ice business — and had a league-low 61 points.

Here’s how bad the fall was. The New York Islanders were the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and finished with 83 points, 22 more than the Canes.

Rutherford is a crafty former goaltender whose wisdom and vision had greatly assisted in four consecutive winning seasons before the sky fell on those red and black uniforms. Few know the profession and its demands as well as Rutherford, and don’t for a minute think CEO Peter Karmanos doesn’t know it. But when there is a bad season in the NHL, GMs tend to get nervous and anxious, and scrutiny over every defensman’s move — or lack of— becomes larger than usual.

Now the Hurricanes need Rutherford more than ever.

He will head to Nashville, Tenn., later this month owning the No. 2 pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Rutherford’s mission is to repair the damage of the 2003 season, one in which the Canes couldn’t overcome injuries to invaluable Rod Brind’Amour and Erik Cole and couldn’t overcome the troubled Arturs Irbe, who has since departed and given way to Kevin Weekes. Gone are popular players, Sami Kapanen to the Flyers and Bates Battaglia to the Avalanche. No, Rutherford doesn’t regret the trades.

"We have to fix pieces of the team, but I think we have the nucleus to do it," Rutherford said.

Fixing means trying to find defensemen as good as Sean Hill and Bret Hedican. It’s like trying to secure high-quality cornerbacks in the NFL. They’re out there, but the good ones are cemented with their teams, usually locked into contracts.

"Yes," Rutherford said, "it’s really hard to trade for defensemen. With 30 teams, the NHL just doesn’t have depth at that position. And it is a vital position. A defenseman tightens things up, helps the goalie, and there’s a lot of responsibility in the position."

The Rutherford wish list, aside from keeping Brind’Amour, a 15-year veteran, and Cole, a solid rookie who missed most of 2003 with a broken foot, healthy is to tighten up a defense, which will be easier said than done. To do that, he needs a breakout season for Cole, a player Rutherford figures can emerge in superstar style, and he needs Weekes to remain solid in goal.

The challenge for Rutherford is to right the wrong and do it quickly. The Canes might be skating in one of the finest facilities in the league, but they don’t want to lose the love affair the team had with the fans in the spring of 2002.

"We were very fortunate in that our crowd was first-class last season," Rutherford said.

When told some pockets of Canes fans actually were booing the team’s performances, Rutherford’s response was pure business.

"The way we were playing, it should have been the whole building booing," he said. "But put things into perspective. Our corporate sales are better than ever, and I certainly like our fan base. Number one, I don’t expect another bad year. Number two, if we did have a bad year, I don’t expect our fan base to change."

Rutherford is a standup guy and won’t back off a challenge. But this might be his biggest test yet if for no other reason than the once-weakest Southeast Division in the NHL is on the rise.

"Yeah, I think I’m more challenged now. You expect to be around the level of making the playoffs. Last season was a very bad one for us. One thing about the NHL is when you’re bad, you can start getting better, and the draft plays a big part in this," Rutherford said. "Tampa Bay is better, so is Atlanta, and there’s always Washington. I don’t see anybody running away with it, and all the teams are competitive."

Rutherford will be the first to tell you that he expects the Carolina Hurricanes to be among those competitive teams getting into the playoffs in 2004. If not, who knows what next spring’s golf day with the media could look like?

[nccanes]

From today's N&O:

LINE SWITCHES: Faced with a surplus of centers at the NHL level, the Carolina Hurricanes are considering moving Ron Francis or Josef Vasicek to left wing this fall.

That would solve two problems: the Canes' perpetual lack of a top-line left wing and the desire to move Kevyn Adams onto the top three lines.

"We think that Kevyn Adams deserves the opportunity to play in the top nine going into training camp," Carolina general manager Jim Rutherford said. "If he continues to play the way he did last year, I would think he would be there. Vasicek or Ronnie, whichever one's more suited, could go to the wing."

Of course, it's far from the best option. While Francis has occasionally ceded center duties to Jeff O'Neill and can't fight off the effects of his 40 years forever, he's still the Canes' best offensive center. But whether this line of thinking about shifting Francis will continue once training camp opens remains to be seen.

And Vasicek's development has been shaky enough that a move out of position could deprive the Canes of their one, true long-term hope down the middle. Vasicek's production has gone from 21 points as a rookie in 2000-01 to 31 in 2001-02 and then to 21 in a disappointing 2002-03 that saw him miss 25 games with a back injury.

Rutherford said, though, he wouldn't use Vasicek as a bargaining chip in the Canes' search for help on defense.

"I doubt it," Rutherford said. "We have to be careful of our age at that position and where we're going with it."

[AbNormal27]

From today's N&O:

LINE SWITCHES: Faced with a surplus of centers at the NHL level, the Carolina Hurricanes are considering moving Ron Francis or Josef Vasicek to left wing this fall...........Rutherford said, "We have to be careful of our age at that position and where we're going with it."

It sounds to me like they are trying to make room at Centre to draft Eric Staal (wishing). The nice thing about the decision to see who would fit better at wing is that they are doing it from within and not from subtraction (ie: trading someone away). Adams already plays a bit of time in the top 9, so I think that using his name to justify what they are doing is just a smokescreen, JMHO.

Aaryn

[nccanes]

From today's N&O:
Adams already plays a bit of time in the top 9, so I think that using his name to justify what they are doing is just a smokescreen, JMHO.
Aaryn

But wasn't that only because Rod Brind'Amour was out injured? I think KAdams would have remained on the 4th line if Rod had been healthy.

I don't pretend to understand everything, but are you talking about Staal down the road or now? Wouldn't they want him playing somewhere rather than getting 4th line ice time?

[AbNormal27]

... are you talking about Staal down the road or now? Wouldn't they want him playing somewhere rather than getting 4th line ice time?

See: Joe Thornton.

Aaryn

[Jeff O Rocks]

Kevyn deserves anything good that comes his way...the only thing would be I would miss seeing him and Craig together!! :roll: Great chemistry with those two....

I just have a feeling that the final roster will surprise quite a few people, including myself!! ...Bruno, Ziggy and Co. got a taste of the big time, and I think they will fight like hell to get more!! :spin:

[Captain Slack]

Kevyn deserves anything good that comes his way...the only thing would be I would miss seeing him and Craig together!! :roll: Great chemistry with those two....

I think it's pretty safe to say that where Kevyn goes, Craig will be right there with him. Those two play off each other so well, you can't break them up.

[Cool Hand Luke]

[quote=AbNormal27]From today's N&O:
Adams already plays a bit of time in the top 9, so I think that using his name to justify what they are doing is just a smokescreen, JMHO.
Aaryn

I hope you're right Aaron. As much as I like Kevyn Adams and his hustle, I just don't think he can provide the consistent offense we need from a 3rd line center. His play is more of a helter-skelter fast skating 4rth liner, than a consistent sturdy setup man. He and Craig are perfect 4rth liners, but to expect anything more of either them is a recipe for another losing season, in my opinion.

Is JR off his rocker by saying we might switch around Ronnie Franchise to LW? Our best and most consistent setup guy? and I don't picture Vasicek as a LW either. I just can't see either of them being the first ones down the ice, checking the D-man into the boards and trying to get the puck while following through on our famous "dump and chase" offensive scheme. Maybe they have gotten much faster over the off season. :eek:

Oh well, this will be an interesting pre-season. We'll see what happens.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

...As much as I like Kevyn Adams and his hustle, I just don't think he can provide the consistent offense we need from a 3rd line center. His play is more of a helter-skelter fast skating 4rth liner, than a consistent sturdy setup man. He and Craig are perfect 4rth liners, but to expect anything more of either them is a recipe for another losing season, in my opinion.

Is JR off his rocker by saying we might switch around Ronnie Franchise to LW? Our best and most consistent setup guy? and I don't picture Vasicek as a LW either. I just can't see either of them being the first ones down the ice, checking the D-man into the boards and trying to get the puck while following through on our famous "dump and chase" offensive scheme....

I agree completely. While I love Adams (both of them) and would like to see them rewarded for their hard work the fact is (IMO) they are not more that 4th liners. Hard work is great but we have to have some offense on this team and neither of them will be providing much.

I'd actually be more comfortable with Ronnie on LW than Vasicek. But the whole thing sounds suspect to me.

Vasicek's production has gone from 21 points as a rookie in 2000-01 to 31 in 2001-02 and then to 21 in a disappointing 2002-03 that saw him miss 25 games with a back injury.


Explain to me how this is disappointing...other than that it took him so long to come back from the injury. He played 25 less games and racked up only 10 less points. That seems like a good indication to me. Maybe if he can make it all of next season without injury his points will increase again. I'm just not too sure why they feel the need to mess with it yet...other than that we need a new whipping post and guy with whom's head we can mess now that Bates is gone. :roll:

[Jeff O Rocks]

other than that we need a new whipping post and guy with whom's head we can mess now that Bates is gone. :roll:

My thoughts exactly.....Mo had started to "peck" on Joe at the end of the season, so we will see what happens!! :roll:

and 21 points I guess is not too bad considering all the ice time that he missed. The point total could have been 0... :roll:

[Cool Hand Luke]

I was just reading another board and someone made a good point. When we switched Jeff O'Neill from center to winger, it really opened up his game and he scored many more goals. Maybe the same thing can happen to Vasicek. He does seem like more of a goal scorer than an assist man. He just seems a bit slow to me to be a winger, but it might work. Team speed really isn't our forte' anymore anyway, now that Sami is gone. IMO.

[1Irbegirlforever]

I kind of figured we were never going to get Glen Wesley back again. He seemed to be pretty happy there in Toronto and it looked like he would never come back here to Carolina. Oh well, SHC is right though. It would be better for us to get a younger d man than to invest unnecessary funds on a veteran player like wesley who will probably retire soon anyway.

Oh well, best wishes Glen! :)

[olivia1299]

Quote
"I hope you're right Aaron. As much as I like Kevyn Adams and his hustle, I just don't think he can provide the consistent offense we need from a 3rd line center. His play is more of a helter-skelter fast skating 4rth liner, than a consistent sturdy setup man. He and Craig are perfect 4rth liners, but to expect anything more of either them is a recipe for another losing season, in my opinion."


I agree with this whole heartedly, the Adams are perfect 4th liners. Moving Francis or Vasicek to the wing could make room for Staal or Horton, but I think it more than likely makes room to trade a young winger or two for defense.


What would the first line look like?
Francis -- Brindy -- O'Neil :cool:

[moonstomper]

I agree with this whole heartedly, the Adams are perfect 4th liners. Moving Francis or Vasicek to the wing could make room for Staal or Horton, but I think it more than likely makes room to trade a young winger or two for defense.


What would the first line look like?
Francis -- Brindy -- O'Neil :cool:

talk about putting all you eggs in one basket...... thats a good point, who would center the 1st line if Ronnie is moved? Whod center the second?

Frannie Brindy O
Cole Vasi Vrbata
Hlavac Adams Brendl
Defauw Ziggy Adams

hell of a first line, but a bit thin after that..... if vasi is moved

Cole Frannie O
Vasi Brindy Vrbata
Hlavac Adams Brendl
Defauw Ziggy Adams

more rounded, but Im still concerned with Adams playing with two skill guys

[AbNormal27]

talk about putting all you eggs in one basket...... thats a good point, who would center the 1st line if Ronnie is moved? Whod center the second?

Frannie Brindy O
Cole Vasi Vrbata
Hlavac Adams Brendl
Defauw Ziggy Adams

hell of a first line, but a bit thin after that..... if vasi is moved

Cole Frannie O
Vasi Brindy Vrbata
Hlavac Adams Brendl
Defauw Ziggy Adams

What about Bayda? He's definitely deserved of a spot.

Aaryn

[moonstomper]

What about Bayda? He's definitely deserved of a spot.

Aaryn

*face palm*

[AbNormal27]

What about Bayda? He's definitely deserved of a spot.

Aaryn

*face palm*

??? I hope that isn't a reference to the Classic Domi move to tick off an opponent, but rather an "I'm ashamed of myself for overlooking" the guy who worked very hard and was rewarded by playing mostly on a line with Ron and O.

Aaryn

[moonstomper]

what do you think? *face palms Aaryn again, this time even harder**

just kidding! lighten up!

[olivia1299]

I don't know if Bayda was rewarded with playing on the 1st line, he was just kinda stuck there as soon as he came up. Being on that line anyone is going to get some points but i have to admit he did work very hard. I worry that he is too small and not fast enough to play in the big time. He's a 3rd line winger at best and kinda reminds me of Marty Gelinas only not as physical or with as much speed. JR did say he had earned a roster spot for next year at the end of the season. :cool:

[AbNormal27]

JR did say he had earned a roster spot for next year at the end of the season. :cool:

Thank you.

Aaryn

[StormShaman]

what do you think? *face palms Aaryn again, this time even harder**

just kidding! lighten up!

*facepalm*

(the act of burying your face in your palm, not giving somebody a facewash. ;))

[AbNormal27]

*facepalm*

(the act of burying your face in your palm, not giving somebody a facewash. ;))

That's what I figured, but I just wanted to be clear before I am forced to drop the Coopers.

Aaryn

[moonstomper]

*facepalm*

(the act of burying your face in your palm, not giving somebody a facewash. ;))

That's what I figured, but I just wanted to be clear before I am forced to drop the Coopers.

Aaryn

why the bad vibes dude? why would you just assume Im insulting you?

[moonstomper]

JR did say he had earned a roster spot for next year at the end of the season. :cool:

Thank you.

Aaryn

see this is what I was reffering too, did I ever say Bayda sucked? Did I ever say he doesnt deserve a spot on the team? no. I simply forgot him out while recalling players, sheesh

[AbNormal27]

*facepalm*

(the act of burying your face in your palm, not giving somebody a facewash. ;))

That's what I figured, but I just wanted to be clear before I am forced to drop the Coopers.

Aaryn

why the bad vibes dude? why would you just assume Im insulting you?

2 facepalms, the second one being harder, and I'm NOT supposed to assume you were insulting me? I've dropped the matter, takes too much energy to stay angry and carry a grudge. I'd rather get back on topic and concentrate on the team.

Aaryn

[StormShaman]

Mnrh?

I thought a facepalm was when you smacked your face with your palm as a way of saying "Ay caramba...."

:confused:

[moonstomper]

Aaryn, a face palm is exactly what shaman said, a facewash is what Domi does

lets play it out the "other way"

Aaryn "You seemed to have left out Ryan Bayda"

Me "ILL KILL YOU!!! **lunges at Aaryn and rubs a stinky hockey glove all over his face**

why would I do that, Im not so proud to admit I made a mistake, and I thought I did just that with a facepalm

Im quite surprised you would assume I was insulting you, but whatever.....

[AbNormal27]

Aaryn, a face palm is exactly what shaman said, a facewash is what Domi does

lets play it out the "other way"

Aaryn "You seemed to have left out Ryan Bayda"

Me "ILL KILL YOU!!! **lunges at Aaryn and rubs a stinky hockey glove all over his face**

why would I do that, Im not so proud to admit I made a mistake, and I thought I did just that with a facepalm

Im quite surprised you would assume I was insulting you, but whatever.....

OK, let's review since you can't seem to let this go. If a "facepalm" as Shaman put it "when YOU smacked YOUR face with your palm as a way of saying "Ay caramba...." , then why would you be "facepalming" me? By the definitions you have given, then you DID give me a Domi facewash, to which I inquired.........

I hope that isn't a reference to the Classic Domi move to tick off an opponent, but rather an "I'm ashamed of myself for overlooking" the guy who worked very hard and was rewarded by playing mostly on a line with Ron and O.

Not exactly a harsh inquiry on my part, was it?

You then said....

what do you think? *face palms Aaryn again, this time even harder**

Neither time you responded did you actually answer me. Shaman tried to play mediator, and to their credit, did a very good job.......

(the act of burying your face in your palm, not giving somebody a facewash. )

I then made the lighthearted comment.....

That's what I figured, but I just wanted to be clear before I am forced to drop the Coopers.

Instead of making this into something like we see on ch.com, I said that I had dropped the matter, as it is just an innocent misunderstanding, yet you insist on bringing it back up. WHY? I was just asking for a little clarity on what you meant, now I have it. SO DROP IT! If you wish to pursue this further (again, I would ask, WHY?), feel free to PM me. K?

Aaryn

[1Irbegirlforever]

Hey! Ch.com isn't THAT bad....the good people try to chase off most of the bad ones to no avail, right SHC? ;)

[moonstomper]

i was trying to drop it see above when i wrote "whatever........" but this is fun

OK, let's review since you can't seem to let this go. If a "facepalm" as Shaman put it "when YOU smacked YOUR face with your palm as a way of saying "Ay caramba...." , then why would you be "facepalming" me? By the definitions you have given, then you DID give me a Domi facewash, to which I inquired.........

i was kidding I was taking advantage of the fact that you didnt know the difference between the two

I hope that isn't a reference to the Classic Domi move to tick off an opponent, but rather an "I'm ashamed of myself for overlooking" the guy who worked very hard and was rewarded by playing mostly on a line with Ron and O.

Not exactly a harsh inquiry on my part, was it?

you could have worded it better, like instead of the snotty "the guy who worked very hard and was rewarded.........." just say Bayda, I know who he is and what he did this season

You then said....

what do you think? *face palms Aaryn again, this time even harder**

i also said "Just kidding. Lighten up!" did you see that part?


I then made the lighthearted comment.....That's what I figured, but I just wanted to be clear before I am forced to drop the Coopers.

lighthearted indeed

but you ask why bring it back up? first of all you did. After I got my final words in, I said "whatever........." as in I dont want to talk about this anymore.

But since your big enough to admit you made a mistake (i think you did somewhere there) are you big enough to let me have the last word?

[crazy4canes]

*facepalm* <---to self

*slap*<---AbNormal and moonie

Snap out of it you two and drop all the hostility. :mad:

Sheesh....ya go away for a week or two..... :roll:

[Guyute]

watchout kids.... the mean lady is back.

:kiss: WB crazy :D

[moonstomper]

Its okay! we resolved the matter peacefully through PM, were buds again!

I admitt I took things a bit too far, but purely for shock value, try to shake things up a bit...Ill be good now :angel:

[Cool Hand Luke]

Well, just to start things up again, if Bayda stinks it up during the preseason, he should find his way back to Lowell for some seasoning, IMO. What credits does he bring with him? A couple of good years in college and half a year being average in Lowell? Then he comes up here when everyone is injured, and I'll admit, looks half way decent, but he's playing with our number one line. There's another guy who's paid his dues in Lowell leading the team in scoring 2 consecutive years, was a past number 1 draft pick, and played well last year too before he got hurt. I don't see any guaranteed spots for him next year and he didn't have the luxury of playing with Ronnie and Jeff O, 20 minutes a game when he played. I'm talking about Jeff Heerema. I'd rather see him with a some decent playing time next year.

(no face palming here though..*L*)