Fact or Fiction? Tanabe Signs with Canes

[ontheboards]

It's been mentioned on another bulletin board that Tanabe has just signed a two year deal with the Hurricanes.

[cmw00]

It wouldn't suprise me since Forslund was talking about somebody being called up possibly....

[LostTexan]

yea it was posted by a fairly veteran poster over there but without a link and I've searched and can't find anything about it on the web.

And I must ask why we would need him with 7 NHL D-men and 3 fairly decent prospects, especially since it looks like we're only dressing 6 D-men this season.

[ontheboards]

I've not found anything either. At the conclusion of last season, there was some speculation that Tanabe was in the team's plans, but when they discovered Hedican had picked up his option, that changed the landscape and they could not sign him. When Wesley and Seidenberg are your two best defensemen in the past two games, your goaltender is facing 30+ shots, Hedican is out with the flu, and Commodore at less than 80%-- Tanabe starts looking like a very viable option.

[ontheboards]

The rumour fraud is now saying Tanabe for 2 years with Carolina-- but that's the only other place I've seen the info.

[LostTexan]

Here's the link to TSB in case anybody wanted to see it: http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/carolina-hurricanes/45973-tanabe-signs-carolina.html


I was about to go to sleep happy that we got a nice win tonight but now I'm going to go to bed nervous/anxious about the Tanabe situation.



Well if Eklund is reporting it then it cant be true link (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=9966)

[evan]

The shot total is concerning and I thought Tanabe earned a contract last year. I hope we can fit him in this season, it's too bad the injury bug is biting and the we're not even 3 games into the season!

[nccanes]

Love the thread title! :lol:

I can't honestly say how I feel about this (if it's fact) really. I will acknowledge that Tanabe seemed fine with sitting in the press box and waiting until he was needed and then made the most of it last year. If he's willing to do the same, then okay I guess.

[cmw00]

I'd rather have Tannabe for short term fill ins than jerking a prospect around for a game or two here and there.

[Turbulence]

But if you're going to do it, why commit to a full 2 years with him?

[livinthedream]

Here's Johnny. And I think the key is....TWO WAY contract. If that's indeed the case, this makes sense to me.

http://www.wral.com/sports/blogpost/1900303/


Guess who...
The Canes are likely to add a defenseman today. The word is that it will not be a player from the system (Bret Carson or Casey Borer) instead the Canes have had discussions with David Tanabe who failed to make the St. Louis Blues on a try out. Tanabe is likely to sign a two way contract later today.

See ya !

[Deke]

But if you're going to do it, why commit to a full 2 years with him?

Because next year is when he would get more playing time when/if Glen and Bret hang up the skates.

[wardo30]

It's now a fact. David has returned.

http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=339348

[wheels76]

i think it is a great move by JR....Lavi seems to really like this guy or I'm sure that JR would have gone a different route.
injuries are a part of the game, and franky and bret are coming off surgeries, we def need some depth there and david knows the system and team.

[bonniebroad]

I think Tanabe looked very good at the end of the season last year. I'm for it! :)

[LostTexan]

. The deal will pay Tanabe $600,000 at the NHL level and $100,000 at the minor league level in 2007-08, and $900,000 at the NHL level in 2008-09.

Am I reading this wrong or does it sound like he's getting a guaranteed NHL contract next year?

[gocanes0506]

sounds like hes is getting a NHL contract next year. Which is fine with wesley and hedi leaving. Means JR only has to sign one FA next season.

[cmw00]

What took'em so long to do this? Tannabe should have been here all along. They couldn't have took the cushions off the couch and dug out $600,000 sooner? Now when he comes in and looks out of place everybody'll yell what a dumb move it was to bring him back.

Hopefully he'll catch on and mesh quickly. Like I said I'd rather have him than a "prospect" at the moment.

[LostTexan]

What took'em so long to do this? Tannabe should have been here all along. They couldn't have took the cushions off the couch and dug out $600,000 sooner? Now when he comes in and looks out of place everybody'll yell what a dumb move it was to bring him back.

Hopefully he'll catch on and mesh quickly. Like I said I'd rather have him than a "prospect" at the moment.
I'm fairly certain he wouldn't have been willing to sign a 2-way deal a month ago because he was trying to land a full time NHL gig.

[cmw00]

Why try to talk him into a two way deal though? Its not like he's breaking the bank. I'd say he is a decent value for $600,000 and maybe even $900,000.

[LostTexan]

While I'm not a big Tanabe fan and have often been known to bash him for some of the things he has done, I would have to say that I am okay with signing him to a 2-way deal (although next year worries me a bit more but I can live with it).

One thing that strikes me about this deal is that it makes me think that the Canes don't feel as though any of the D prospects in Albany are ready to play NHL hockey which is kinda disappointing.

Overall I would have to say that I am fine having Tanabe as the 8th D-man on this years squad and then next year with Hedican and Wesley most likely retiring it would only leave us needing to find 1 D-man assuming we resign Commodore which I think is huge.

[LostTexan]

Why try to talk him into a two way deal though? Its not like he's breaking the bank. I'd say he is a decent value for $600,000 and maybe even $900,000.
Well with 7 NHL Defensemen under contract already it seems silly to pay 600k to an 8th guy who is just going to sit in the press box, especially considering we were already over our self-imposed salary cap. Plus until Bayda clears waivers and goes down to Albany we don't even have any room on the NHL roster.

[puck_it]

****.

[ontheboards]

Tanabe came to us last year after being released by the Bruins and the arbitration award of $1.275 million. The Hurricanes picked him up as a free agent in 2006 for $900K. He was coming off knee surgeries and needed an oportunity to prove himself and we needed a skating defenseman. No doubt Tanabe thought he earned himself a better contract and better opportunity with the Hurricanes and when it didn't materialize, he went looking elsewhere. That's what's wonderful with free agency. My guess is Hedican's final option year was the problem or he would have stayed here.

Having Tanabe as part of the d corps is solid-- he's better and better experienced than Borer, Brookbank, or Babin. He gives us a very viable option for call ups. I'm surprised Tanabe took the two-way-- I really expected him to play in Europe when the Blues released him-- his skating style would suit the Euro game. I'm glad we got him as depth for this season and still an affordable option next year. The cap worked-- it helped set a decent price.

[KaniacFever]

I'm fine with it as an 8th defenseman, but no way do i want him to play over seidenberg.

[VandyCane]

Welcome back David! (Who would ever guess I would type those words? :laugh:)

I was hoping for David's sake that he would have found a one-way contract elsewhere, but for the Canes this signing makes great sense. It takes the pressure off any defenseman who might be hurt who feels they have to play instead of heal.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I just heard this on XM on my way home from work. I almost drove right off 540.

I agree, as long as he's lower on the depth chart than Seidenberg, I'm OK with it. I wish we'd trade him and maybe another d-man for something better, though. But the trade I want doesn't exist, lol.

[Turbulence]

I agree, as long as he's lower on the depth chart than Seidenberg, I'm OK with it.

Can't you just picture Seidenberg sitting out tonight's game after his great play last night, so Tanabe can reclaim his rightful spot on the ice? I've seen stranger decisions made...

[OswegoExpress]

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Though we need the depth, he's just going to turn the puck over everytime!!
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO and NO!

[Flanman]

Holy Crap...

AVI TANABE!

[apolinar]

I really think Tanabe thought he was worth a lot more this year but can't confirm that.

But I'm really glad about this signing for one reason. GAME WORN TANABE COMES OUT OF THE CLOSET!!!!

And he better not cough up the puck and better start hitting again and not being a pansy.

[svandijk1]

Can't you just picture Seidenberg sitting out tonight's game after his great play last night, so Tanabe can reclaim his rightful spot on the ice? I've seen stranger decisions made...

No offense, but that's some real confidence you have in Laviolette's decision-making ability there.

[svandijk1]

I really think Tanabe thought he was worth a lot more this year but can't confirm that.

I think there's certainly "evidence" to support that. First he turned down an offer to play in Europe. Maybe it was for even less, but it doesn't get much less than a $600K two-way deal that pays $100K at the AHL level. He also had a chance to come to the Canes camp, but he probably was aware this was likely the type of contract he could get here, so he opted to try camp elsewhere hoping to earn a better deal. In the end, the offers weren't what he hoped for, and when the Canes came lowballing for depth, he was just happy to be able to keep the family in Raleigh.

And I would NOT assume the second year is one-way for $900K. First off, I've never heard of a deal that removed the two-way aspect of a contract in subsequent years. Second, it says "at the NHL level in 2008-09" which to me implies something else if not at the NHL level. My guess is that while the NHL value increases for the 2nd year, the AHL value doesn't and thus they simply didn't restate it. I think we've learned this week that the Canes aren't always exactly clear in published print. ;)

[Turbulence]

No offense, but that's some real confidence you have in Laviolette's decision-making ability there.

No, I do have confidence in him. I just keep expecting incompetence to creep out somehow, I must be a pessimist. :)

I didn't catch 100% of last night's game, but for the 2 periods I saw it didn't look like Tanabe was the one that blew last night's game. I didn't really notice him. Did anybody else get a closer look at him?

[nccanes]

Well, I barely watched the game. Watched the 1st period in a bar (where I was actually talking to people!), the 2nd at home, and then ditched the Canes for the LSU/Florida game (FAR more entertaining). But he wasn't on the ice for the two Cap goals, so there's that, lol.

Hopefully Commodore didn't do any further damage to his hip/torso injury by playing on Fri night while there weren't many other choices.

[Caniac]

No, I do have confidence in him. I just keep expecting incompetence to creep out somehow, I must be a pessimist. :)

I didn't catch 100% of last night's game, but for the 2 periods I saw it didn't look like Tanabe was the one that blew last night's game. I didn't really notice him. Did anybody else get a closer look at him?

I didn't really notice ANYBODY. :beatup:

[Canesluver]

Here's the comments in today's N&O:

Hurricanes again turn to Tanabe - Carolina moves to shore up defense
WASHINGTON - The Carolina Hurricanes' thin blue line made room Saturday for another go-around for defenseman David Tanabe, who agreed to a two-year, two-way contract.With defenseman Bret Hedican sidelined a second consecutive game Saturday with an illness, Carolina chose to re-sign its 1999 first-round pick rather than call up one of a trio of young defensemen from Albany of the American Hockey League.
"I think just with what you see with our defense, Bret's trying to get healthy and stay healthy, and Frank [Kaberle] is coming off of surgery and the problems we had last year by losing defensemen, you can't afford not to have some experienced defensemen on hand," coach Peter Laviolette said. "[Tanabe] brings I think a lot of experience. He's still a young player. He's a different type of player from what we have. It's a good pickup for depth for us."
Tanabe's deal, which will pay him $600,000 at the NHL level this season and $100,000 should Carolina send him down, followed by $900,000 next season, gives the Hurricanes eight defensemen.
Forward Ryan Bayda was sent down to Albany to make room for Tanabe, 27, who was released by the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 1 after a training-camp tryout.
This marks Tanabe's third stint with the Hurricanes.
Entering last season still working to rebuild the strength in his surgically repaired right knee, Tanabe impressed with five goals and 12 assists in 60 games. Yet the Canes chose not to offer him a new deal. Tanabe said he attended Blues camp knowing he would be a long shot to stick there because St. Louis would have had to make a trade to make room for him.
"I'm just excited now. I'm happy that it's finally done," Tanabe said. "Going into a training camp without a contract is a tough situation, but now I'm glad that, a week out of camp, I'm able to come back to Carolina."

[Esbee]

I just don't get it. I guess he's "fine" as a quick replacement, but we still have D that's succeptible to injury and it's hard to believe that a player who two other teams have taken a pass on - and we've let go twice - is the best we can do.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

In all fairness, he did look at least salvageable last year, especially during the 2nd half of the season. Granted, he will never be a top 4 pairing. But as a 3rd pairing with a more 'defensive' defenseman, I think he would fit in well there.

And it's a two way contract. He can play in Albany to keep sharp. I'm actually suprized teams passed. I thought for sure someone would give him a shot.

[KaniacFever]

Ran out for lunch and of course had XM 204 on. A caller called in from St Louis and appears Eric Johnson has a broken foot. So they now have McKee, Brewer, and Johnson out. He was POed that St Louis allowed Tanabe to walk and allowed Carolina to scoop him up.

[IceSaber]

Late to the game, but I was just wondering...with Hedican and/or Wesley possibly retiring next year...wouldn't it have been a good idea to build to the future by bringing one of the prospects up and letting them be...mentored while the veterans are still here??

[nccanes]

Except that the 7th and 8th guy might not play unless we've got injuries. No sense in having the D prospects sitting in the press box. None of them 3 presumed top guys (Borer, Babin, Carson) have much experience. Together they probably have < 100 pro games total with Carson having the vast majority.

[ontheboards]

Late to the game, but I was just wondering...with Hedican and/or Wesley possibly retiring next year...wouldn't it have been a good idea to build to the future by bringing one of the prospects up and letting them be...mentored while the veterans are still here??

Defensemen take a while to develop. Conboy and Borer have spent a season in Albany and Babin joined the AHL after completing his college season-- so basically the tail end of the AHL season and the playoffs. Mentoring is good thing, but it's hard to do much learning in the press box. They're better off in Albany playing minutes, learning their position at the next level before they make the jump to the NHL. For that matter, the Hurricanes are better off with them in Albany-- we're porous on defense and their gaffs as part of the learning curve would hurt-- both this team and the pospects' confidence.

[andyt]

Defensemen take a while to develop. Conboy and Borer have spent a season in Albany and Babin joined the AHL after completing his college season-- so basically the tail end of the AHL season and the playoffs. Mentoring is good thing, but it's hard to do much learning in the press box. They're better off in Albany playing minutes, learning their position at the next level before they make the jump to the NHL. For that matter, the Hurricanes are better off with them in Albany-- we're porous on defense and their gaffs as part of the learning curve would hurt-- both this team and the pospects' confidence.

Actually, Borer only played 1 game with Albany last year. They offered him a tryout contract and he made it. Babin played 11 regular season games and all 5 playoff games. Carson spent most of the season in Albany too, playing 63 games there and 3 with the Everblades.

I agree with the premise, though. Borer, Babin and Carson need to be playing 20+ minutes a night for Albany, not hanging around the press box of the RBC Center as the 7th or 8th dman. Snuggles is a low risk, low cost option. Besides, does anyone think Wesley is going to retire before he's 59? After the way he shut down Crosby, it wouldn't surprise me if he played next season too.

[evan]

there's no argument that spending time with guys like Wesley, Hedican, etc. is a good thing for young defensemen, but it's more important this early in their development especially, that they get as much ice time as possible.

I think the only time this organization would take a pass on Wesley is if he really started to show that his age is affecting his play, right now he's still shutting down even the most dynamic forwards like Crosby - extremely underrated and will be an amazing bargain for this franchise as long as he decides to play. And with all the injuries going around right now, he's still one of the most durable players in the lineup!

[StormChaserBH]

Besides, does anyone think Wesley is going to retire before he's 59? After the way he shut down Crosby, it wouldn't surprise me if he played next season too.

:toocool: Ol' Red rocks!

[ontheboards]

Actually, Borer only played 1 game with Albany last year. They offered him a tryout contract and he made it. Babin played 11 regular season games and all 5 playoff games. Carson spent most of the season in Albany too, playing 63 games there and 3 with the Everblades.


Babin, Borer, Carson and Conboy-- they all run together. They're all just a bunch of young kids to me. :) They still need to be in the AHL, though, logging minutes and experience.

[puck_it]

Besides, does anyone think Wesley is going to retire before he's 59? After the way he shut down Crosby, it wouldn't surprise me if he played next season too.

Here's to hoping he doesnt get too battered and will stick around! I'll keep him as long as he'd like!

[Lady J]

I really think Tanabe thought he was worth a lot more this year but can't confirm that.

But I'm really glad about this signing for one reason. GAME WORN TANABE COMES OUT OF THE CLOSET!!!!

And he better not cough up the puck and better start hitting again and not being a pansy.


I think I may weep. I just don't like the way the guy plays, I'm sorry. He's not spectacular enough for us to keep coming back to him.

[cmw00]

I don't think anybody is really claiming him to be spectacular by any means. But he can be a decent player some shifts, and he is familiar with the team and the team with him which is better than a stranger of similar money and talent I think.

Better the evil you know than the evil you don't!