O'Neill to join Canes Camp!

[nccanes]

http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/oneill-coming-to-canes-camp

dammit dammit dammit, I ALMOST posted "I wonder if O'Neill is coming to camp" when LTD start the Camp Brindy thread. Never got around to it. :lol:

[apolinar]

Hope he does well and keeps a good rep.

[puck_it]

not surprised. nice gesture by the Canes.

[corylav]

I hope he gets a crack somewhere.

[Mona2006]

That is great .. I hope he does well and can get back in the swing of things. He really does need to be playing and using that talent. I have a feeling we will see an older and wiser O.. he has been through a lot since the last time he took our ice. :(

[Solracer]

I'm with you mona I think/hope we will see and wiser older O, and I would love for him to get on our roster.

[puck_it]

I hope he gets a crack somewhere.

i read this without the "a", and was like, daaaaaaaamn.

[corylav]

i read this without the "a", and was like, daaaaaaaamn.

heh ... for your purposes, will now call crack usage "hitting the pipe" ... that way there's not confusion.

[nccanes]

lol

[SoCalcaniac]

Wow. Interesting turn of events.

........... and Cory, lol on the crack joke.

[Canesluver]

What a pleasant surprise. :) That kind of takes some of the sting out of hearing Erik on the radio this morning. Now I have something to look forward to. I'm off on the 26th for a variety of things, but I surely can squeeze-in a RecZone visit!! :D

[KaniacFever]

It'll be cool seeing Jeff in training camp. I liked him as a player back in the day, so it'll be good to see him again. Hopefully he's getting his crap together and it sounds like he's in the right mindset. Guess we'll see what happens.

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

:nanner:

[nccanes]

I honestly think the best thing for him is for a team that isn't in Raleigh or Toronto, but I'm glad that there's going to be a new buzz for an old favorite. Should spice up the Camp Brind'Amour and Preseason camp reports.

Maybe he'll get moving and a team will make him an offer before we do.

[Shell]

Mona - Will you make him a pie??

[livinthedream]

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l83/kellja00/LGC/party0052.gif

[CzechIt]

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l83/kellja00/LGC/party0052.gif


:yeah:

ps: I love that smiley

[nccanes]

I wonder if we should start a pool for the over/under in days before someone posts a negative (or "I heard" a negative) story about O. :lol:

[Mona2006]

Mona - Will you make him a pie??

Hell yeah! I already bought lemons! :lol:

If he made the team here, for the sake of winning, I would make him a pie.. but will not make eye contact with him.. at all.. :crazy:;)

[puck_it]

I wonder if we should start a pool for the over/under in days before someone posts a negative (or "I heard" a negative) story about O. :lol:

i heard on a message board that he's hittin the pipe

[corylav]

and something about butt cracks

[ontheboards]

i heard on a message board that he's hittin the pipe

yea-- the StemFast diet to help lose all that extra weight :spin:

[Mona2006]

Canes to bring O'Neill back for camp


Posted: Aug. 7 5:48 p.m.
Updated: Aug. 7 6:44 p.m.

Jeff O’Neill, one of the Carolina Hurricanes’ top stars in its early seasons in Raleigh, is returning to camp this fall as a free agent, the Canes confirmed Thursday.

O’Neill, 32, did not play in the NHL last season. He will report when the Canes take physicals Sept. 19 and be on the ice for the first practice Sept. 20.

O’Neill was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in 1994 and was one of the leaders of the Canes team that played Detroit for the Stanley Cup in 2002.

The Canes traded him to Toronto in July of 2005, where he was reunited with former Canes coach Paul Maurice. But O’Neill produced just 38 points in the 2006 season and 42 in 2007. He had once topped 60 points four straight years for Carolina.

O’Neill was shaken by the death of his brother, Donny, in an accident in 2005.

And he also has an intense fear of flying. He once told the Toronto Star, "The travelling is really hard on me. Getting on a plane, for me, it's just terrible."

[puckin_A]

when I heard this, the first person I thought about was Mona. :D

I was always entertained by Jeff. I hope he does well.

[caniac369]

Hey Mona- I'll come to help with the pie!! :kiss:

Seriously, when I talked to my brother about this of course the found memories of his extra-curiculars outside of hockey came up in the conversation. I will be optimistic and say that I think we can expect to see a guy that has seen the error of his ways and will do what is needed to prove his place here again, even if it means going to Albany for a while. C Adams went down for a time and came back to help us get the cup. :)

PS- I'm flying out the first weekend in November and will be at the games on the 1st & 2nd... can we say TAILGATE!! :beer:

[Mona2006]

Hey Mona- I'll come to help with the pie!! :kiss:

Seriously, when I talked to my brother about this of course the found memories of his extra-curiculars outside of hockey came up in the conversation. I will be optimistic and say that I think we can expect to see a guy that has seen the error of his ways and will do what is needed to prove his place here again, even if it means going to Albany for a while. C Adams went down for a time and came back to help us get the cup. :)

PS- I'm flying out the first weekend in November and will be at the games on the 1st & 2nd... can we say TAILGATE!! :beer:

You got a deal! ;):kiss:

Glad you will be making it back.. will hubby and baby be making the trip or is this mommy's getaway? :D

[kermelbar]

Having only been around here since '06, I'm guessing Mona has a big O' crush? :)

This could probably fit under two or three different threads, but this one may be the most appropriate, so ...

From bleacherreport.com: Takin' a T/O With BT: Jeff O'Neill Just Doesn't Give Up (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/46140-takin-a-to-with-bt-jeff-oneill-just-doesnt-give-up)

Just before the summer of the first entry draft since the lockout ended, Jeff O'Neill was met with tragedy. His brother Donny—the older brother who took Jeff under his wing and showed him the game—was gone. Donny died when his truck rolled off highway 401 outside of Toronto.

O'Neil was devastated.

Following those tumultuous times, a little light shone into O'Neill's life. He got the opportunity to play for his hometown team—the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As much as it was a dream come true for O'Neill, however, he could still only think about his family "If I put a smile on their faces for just half a day with this, I'm happy,". he said. A boy who was finally going to live his dream couldn't think of dedicating it to anyone else aside from his family.

[Shell]

Having only been around here since '06, I'm guessing Mona has a big O' crush? :)

That's kind of like saying that I am a little bit pregnant :lol:
I think it was more than a crush in this case!

[AbNormal27]

Glad to hear this. I'm hoping he makes the most of this and really does well.

Aaryn

PS: Any chance Bates will get an invite too? ;)

[puck_it]

is he still under contract in Hell? i mean, TO?

[KaniacFever]

is he still under contract in Hell? i mean, TO?

No. He is currently with no home.

He mentioned opening an italian restaurant in the glenwood south area when his hockey career is over. Maybe its time to start thinking about opening that restaurant.

[puck_it]

he wasnt injured was he? cause his last game was in Nov of 07...

i'd agree. unless he wants in on the KHL.

[KaniacFever]

he wasnt injured was he? cause his last game was in Nov of 07...

i'd agree. unless he wants in on the KHL.

He got sent down to the Marlies and finished the season out there.

[Canesluver]

i'd agree. unless he wants in on the KHL.

I doubt he'd do that. It's pretty well-documented that he's got a pretty serious fear of flying.

A couple months ago, I heard somebody talking on XM, who'd played over-seas last year. He was talking about how it wasn't uncommon to take 12-hour flights to get from one side of the league to the other. (It was actually quite interesting -- whatever team it was that he played for ran-out of budget for charter flights, so they had to start flying commercial and had long lay-overs in Moscow.)

At any rate -- I'd imagine a 12-hour flight would be beyond torterous for a nervous flyer.

[StormShaman]

I doubt he'd do that. It's pretty well-documented that he's got a pretty serious fear of flying.

I think they were talking about Bates (who isn't afear'd of flying as far as I know) rather than O (who is the nervous flyer).

[Canesluver]

Oh-- I thought they were talking about O.

(BB can have his own friggin' thread! :p )

[StormShaman]

Oh-- I thought they were talking about O.



It confused me too, until I went back and saw the line about the Italian restaurant idea (which is all Batesy). :D

[puck_it]

ah yes, sorry for the confusion.

[andyt]

And to clear up the question on Bates, he's under contract for 08-09. He signed a 2 year deal with TO and was promptly sent to the Marlies.

[car3hur]

And to clear up the question on Bates, he's under contract for 08-09. He signed a 2 year deal with TO and was promptly sent to the Marlies.

I read this quick, and thought it read, "promptly sent to the MARLINS" :lol:


I thought quick, "straight out of the onion, Andy's goin!"

[andyt]

I read this quick, and thought it read, "promptly sent to the MARLINS" :lol:


I thought quick, "straight out of the onion, Andy's goin!"

The Marlins are in salary dump mode...they wouldn't want Bates. :lol:

[evan]

Anybody know if O'Neill is attending or planning on attending Camp Brind'amour? That would be a huge step in the right direction for him and would show the fans and the organization that he's matured and that he's physically ready.

[nccanes]

Edit: I originally posted that it was in a blog or article, but scanning back it's not posted or linked in this thread, but I thought I read he'd be here before formal camp.

[Deke]

Edit: I originally posted that it was in a blog or article, but scanning back it's not posted or linked in this thread, but I thought I read he'd be here before formal camp.


Yeah I took Rutherford's comment that he would "be in early" to mean he would be at Camp Brind'Amour. Considering his situation it would be a good idea if he did.

[Canesluver]

That's only a week away, you know... :D

[caniac369]

With the wonder of 'Has O changed', this could be a big factor for the positive...

http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/oneill-happy-to-be-back-with-the-guys


"Obviously I didn't play last year. I kind of thought there was a possibility [his career] could be over," O'Neill said. "But I got married in April and we've got a baby on the way now and I thought I'd give it another shot."

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Having children puts anyone's life into perspective. I really think he will end up making the team, as a 3rd or 4th liner. Although his stamina and conditioning may be slack, hockey knowledge doesn't fade.

Good luck Jeff O. Hope to see you on opening night.

[car3hur]

Having children puts anyone's life into perspective. I really think he will end up making the team, as a 3rd or 4th liner. Although his stamina and conditioning may be slack, hockey knowledge doesn't fade.

Good luck Jeff O. Hope to see you on opening night.

I'm working on a jersey myself... and when they announce the entire team and get to #92, I think Jess and I won't have any vocal cords left after they call out his name! :D

[e2ipiand1]

The only players currently on the team who have played with O'Neill are Brind'Amour, Staal, Williams, and Tanabe.

[nccanes]

Nic Wallin, Ryan Bayda too

But it's old home week for now at Camp Brind'Amour with Bates, Willis, AWard.

[LeslieK]

Article on CH.com today - http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=380600
Although his reappearance in Raleigh is sure to invoke feelings of nostalgia for all those who followed the Hurricanes during his seven year stint with the team, Jeff O’Neill doesn’t want to you get too excited just yet.

The 34-year-old forward, who is attempting a comeback with the Canes by way of a training camp tryout, repeatedly downplayed the situation after taking part in one of the Hurricanes’ informal players-only skates this week.

"This is not really that big a deal,” he said. “This is just a tryout where we’ll see what happens. If I play well and it looks like I can play, maybe something will happen. If not, it’s not going to happen.”
-click link for more

[nccanes]

From the same article:

”It’s just nice to be back in this locker room, and even if things don’t work out I got to put the jersey on again,” he said. “It’s only been three days here but it’s already been a lot of fun.”

awwwww

[car3hur]

From the same article:



awwwww

I was thinking the same, but it sounded better NOT coming from me! :lol:

[Canesluver]

Awweee, is right.

It just makes ya want to pat him on his head, and stick him in your back pocket!

(OMG! :eek2: that just rushed back a long-forgotten memory of a dream I had about him once!! :lol:)

[wheels76]

Jeff is 32....I read the article and was wondering why they had him listed as 34?

[Caniac]

(OMG! :eek2: that just rushed back a long-forgotten memory of a dream I had about him once!! :lol:)

Between you, me and the wall here, I had a doozy myself last night. Ha ha, ha, ha. Get this: A corn-fed harvest mouse, a hooker, a nun, a Flemish peasant woman, whips, chains, whistles yo-yo's, a circus midget, my grandmother riding by on a bicycle giving me the finger, and a duck! Now, I don't know ha, ha, ha. Are you crying? Oh my lord. I am sorry honey, please don't ! Could you get your daddy on the phone. No, don't hang up please I..

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

^ You got to lay off the spicy foods before bed.

[apolinar]

^^OMG The same thing happened to me last night, but it wasn't a dream. It was real.

[canesice]

Jeff is 32....I read the article and was wondering why they had him listed as 34?

My original comment: Are you sure, he was drafted in 92 (hence the number), and I think you have to be 17 or 18 to be drafted, so that would put him the 34 range..

Check that.. you are right.. hockey db.. Born Feb 23 1976 that would make him 32.. Maybe he squeaked in before they raised the age limit.

[nccanes]

I thought he was drafted in Jrs in 92.

[e2ipiand1]

Per http://www.hockeydb.com

Born Feb 23 1976
Selected by Hartford Whalers round 1 #5 overall 1994 NHL Entry Draft

[Canesluver]

I thought I read somewhere, once, that he picked 92, 'cause that was the number of times he'd gotten laid as of the morning of his junior draft day. :smoke:

[nccanes]

Per wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_O'Neill)

O'Neill was the first overall selection of the Guelph Storm in the 1992 OHL Priority Selection

^:lol: I like CL's reason for 92.

[Canesluver]

.... yeah.... I'm sure I can find the link.... somewhere.. just give me sec! :lol:

[nccanes]

:lol: Appreciate the laugh on a late Friday that was kind a sucky work day. :kiss:

[kermelbar]

Hey, Mona, my boss golfed with O yesterday.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Based on some pics from the 5K, O appears to have several large chunks of new ink on his arms.

[Mona2006]

Hey, Mona, my boss golfed with O yesterday.

Thanks for the info. I bet he is still as competitive as he always was in golf. He never likes to lose. :)

[nccanes]

Based on some pics from the 5K, O appears to have several large chunks of new ink on his arms.

Well, I guess we were shoddy reporters, eh? :beatup: I did notice it first thing when he was intro'd onstage, there was a big tat on his forearm that struck me as something that wasn't there before.

[RedBloodedGal]

I have a family member that participated in the teams eye exams yesterday, she said that Jeff's new ink is in honor of his brother. It has his name and birth and death dates on it.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

^I figured that's what the subject would be.


Well, I guess we were shoddy reporters, eh? :beatup: I did notice it first thing when he was intro'd onstage, there was a big tat on his forearm that struck me as something that wasn't there before.

You may not have been. There was about a two week period of time recently where I wasn't reading anything here so, I may have missed the reports.

[AbNormal27]

Does anyone have any pics of O on ice or at these functions?

Aaryn

[nccanes]

In the Freisen 5k thread there are some photos that LTD posted as well as a link to a couple of photo albums (and O is in some of those).

edit: or maybe some of them were posted in the LT, but anyway - her is one of Whitney with O in the background (courtesy of the LTDs)

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l83/kellja00/LGC/02a3aac3.jpg

[livinthedream]

Aaryn, I have a few from the Friesen, here's the link, he's in a few shots and I'll look through my originals to see if I find anything else.

http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l8...5k%2009-14-08/

He was there for player introductions, and he's in the shadows just to Brind'Amour's left when the race lines up but fades to the back as they start running. I did see him in some of the photos the professional photographer posted on his website (will grab that link for you as well), and I think he ran the whole race but I didn't see him afterwards where most of the players were hanging out.

ETA: Professional's site with 5k photos:

http://mantini.smugmug.com/Special%20Events/375612

[livinthedream]

Branecky's blog has comments from O after today's practice.

http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=382686

11:00 a.m. - The second group is on the ice, and Jeff O'Neill is playing center on a line with Sergei Samsonov (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8466035) and Tuomo Ruutu (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8469462) - a line that looks very good thus far. You see more skills than you do conditioning in the drills, but O'Neill definitely still has those. Samsonov looks to be picking up right where he left off last year as well.

Obviously the center spot on that line is Brind'Amour's when he comes back, but if the team does want to try O'Neill at center, Brandon Sutter (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8474091) might have more competition than originally thought.

12 p.m. - After coming off the ice, O'Neill was pleased with this first practice.

”It felt really good," he said. "It was a different experience for me. I’m obviously not a guy with a secure position here, really anything can happen. It’s kind of good to keep your mental focus and be under the gun a little bit.”

After being out of pro hockey all of last season, he credits his wife for helping him renew his desire to get back to the NHL. So far, that track has him as one of the best candidates to fill Justin Williams (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8468508)' open spot on the team's roster.

”I was a young single guy and there were a lot of single guys on this team," said O'Neill of his last stint with the Canes. "It was a lot of fun to be a part of, but I’m a married man now and we’re expecting a family. I’m at a good point in my life. I couldn’t be happier with where I am in life, and if it wasn’t for my wife I probably wouldn’t be here right now. She really motivated me and got me on the right track, and we’ll see where it goes.”

Coach Laviolette acknowledged that O'Neill was a player who the team will watch closely throughout camp.

"When you take Justin Williams (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8468508) out of the lineup, you take 18 to 20 minutes out and a lot of different roles on our team," said Laviolette. "It’s an unfortunate thing that it happened, but somebody has to step up and take over those minutes. It is an opportunity for Jeff O’Neill, it’s an opportunity for guys like Chad LaRose (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=PlayerDetail&playerId=8469812) to jump up a line, or young guys coming in or playing in the minors like Bowman. I think that there’s different opportunities available to occupy those minutes.”

[caniac369]

Glad you will be making it back.. will hubby and baby be making the trip or is this mommy's getaway? :D

Not this time around. Daddy is sending mommy on a long overdue but probably make a family trip of it in the spring when Kaitlyn will be better equiped to handle a canes game live.

And speaking of families...

”I was a young single guy and there were a lot of single guys on this team," said O'Neill of his last stint with the Canes. "It was a lot of fun to be a part of, but I’m a married man now and we’re expecting a family. I’m at a good point in my life. I couldn’t be happier with where I am in life, and if it wasn’t for my wife I probably wouldn’t be here right now. She really motivated me and got me on the right track, and we’ll see where it goes.”

Funny thing about love and parenthood, how they can change your life around. Seems like the guy is on the money for earning a roster spot, if not for his physical ability but his attitude. I think he can teach the young guys a lot about messing with a good thing and that second chances don't come that often. That is unless you have played on the Hurricanes... O'Neill, Babchuck and every other player that left for one reason or another and made their way back here. I guess there is such a thing about being able to always go back home.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I knew all O needed was to find a good woman. ;)

[nccanes]

I'm thrilled to hear what O'Neill is saying, whether or not he ends up on the Canes roster. It's so nice to hear him say he's happy about where he is because we know how low he got following his brother's death.

I'm happy foremost for him, the person, but I'll be selfishly happy if he can contribute here and give me the glee to snicker at all of Leafs Nation that thinks he's a bum (which always comes after Leafs Nation thinks you're the savior). :beatup:

I never did think that his habits (whatever they truly were) really cost him that much on the ice because he was very talented. But certainly at his age and with his last 3 years, he probably couldn't pull that off anymore.

[caniac369]

^ Yeah, but when you are a professional athlete who gets arrested for, amongst other things, peeing on a building, somethings not quite right. Granted, there are those who take drugs, drink excessively, beat their wifes or girlfriends and organize dog fighting, but I think at some level whatever the demon may be it can and will be to your demise- unless you can succesfully overcome it and come out the other side learning from your mistakes and being a better person because of it. I guess we will see what comes of O in the coming weeks.

[nccanes]

I thought it was peeing in a parking lot. I'd describe that as lazy/stupid, but not an indication that there's anything seriously wrong. I have no idea what O's issues were here (if there really were any)...he was young and went out. I'd suggest that his shoulder injury and then his brother's death was a greater challenge to overcome. Certainly in his position now he doesn't have time for those "young man's" distractions while trying to earn his NHL career back, but I never though of O as some broken man while he was here.

FWIW I've seen college soccer players kneel down and take a piss on the side of a field at SAS park during a practice.

[evan]

I think if O'Neill can conquer his other demons whatever they may have been, he can be potty trained as well.

[nccanes]

:lol:

[sharkwing1]

I dunno, I was not impressed with him one bit today (R&W game). What are everyones thoughts?

[SoCalcaniac]

I agree with Lavi's assessment that he got better as the game went on. That said, other players stood out for me, (Helminen, LaCouture, H. Reed, Sam Morneau and others) that I am sure O'Neill knows he has to beat.

All that said, it's Day 2 of Camp, where anyone can look like Gretzky for a shift. There is more ahead.

Can't wait to spend the day at camp tommorow!

[VandyCane]

I was only able to watch the first period but Sutter seemed a tad invisible to me. Hopefully he did more in the latter periods.

[nccanes]

Yeah - I think it's tough to judge on Day 2 of camp. Even O admit's he's still working himself into game shape

Another free-agent tryout, Jeff O'Neill, got on the board four minutes into the third period after finding the puck in a goalmouth scramble, waiting for an open look and depositing it in the net to put the red team up 5-2.

"I'm close," said O'Neill, who is working his way back into game shape after a year off from hockey. "Once I get a couple of exhibition games under my belt, it will only get better."

"He's come into camp with a serious approach like he's trying to make this team," said Laviolette. "Tonight was his first opportunity back in a game situation, and to be honest I thought he got better as the game went on. It's a starting point for him, and now he'll get some exhibition games to showcase it even more."

But O's never gonna look like a balls to the wall player because that's never been his MO even when he was sniping 30 times a year.

And in a game where there were no PPs due to the PS rule, it's REALLY hard to see what O might be able to bring, I'd say.

[sharkwing1]

True, I just thought he was out there gliding when everyone else was flying. It seemed like he was always the last one to enter the offensive zone and the last to leave. Another thing that really disappointed me was when I looked over at the red bench and everyone was leaning forward paying 100% to the game but, 92 was just sitting back on the bench staring off into space. I am looking forward to hearing how he does tomorrow!

[nccanes]

That sounds like the O we all knew and loved 5 years ago! :lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

Shark- I did notice the same things you did- the last one in last to leave thing- but I took it as hims still working back into game form; but also took it as him not being that player- the flying the ice type, like all those other buzzsaws out there- I think it is more glaring when you have guys on both sides who are literally flying out there every shift and O'Neill, like nccanes said, never was that dude. and did ya'll see how much he was sweating in the interview with Tripp? He was dripping wet; which kinda says to me, he is working back into game shape. LOL.

Vandy- I put Brandon in that got-better-as-the game went on category. He had 3 takeaways in the 2 and 3rd that were classic I-schooled-you type moves. and his Eric Staal stride came into affect a couple shifts late in the game- and he got behind two or 3 d-men and created some good stuff around the net - guys just didn't bury the set up- he has this hunt a guy down stance that is really awesome to watch. But I was kinda worried in the first too. ;)

[Alicia]

That sounds like the O we all knew and loved 5 years ago! :lol:My thoughts exactly, E! :lol:

[Mona2006]

Alicia and E I have to agree about the "off into space" comment. :D

I am happy for O.. both in his personal life and professionally. I am glad that he didn't let the jerks in TO finish him off with all he was dealing with. I hope the makes the team and I would love to see the sniper in him return.

[sharkwing1]

I would love to have him back as well, im hoping to see more though!

[G-Vegas Caniac]

It has come to an end.....

RALEIGH, NC—Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that forward Jeff O’Neill has decided to end his bid to make the Hurricanes’ roster. O’Neill and team management met after Sunday’s home game against Philadelphia, reaching a mutual agreement to release the former Hurricanes’ first-round pick from training camp.

The Hurricanes training camp roster now stands at 32 players. Carolina will travel to Nashville on Thursday to take on the Predators in an 8 p.m. match-up, before concluding its exhibition schedule on Sunday when the Hurricanes host the Predators at 3 p.m. at the RBC Center.

[G-Vegas Caniac]

Nevermind, I'm sooo late to this discussion....:lol:

[nccanes]

:lol: That's okay G-vegas!

[caneshockeychick]

And Luke blogs:

http://blogs.newsobserver.com/decock/oneill-couldnt-recapture-past-glory

O'Neill couldn't recapture past glory

Submitted by ldecock on 09/30/2008 - 10:48
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From the beginning, Jeff O'Neill had an uphill battle (http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/1207291.html) to make it back to the NHL. Few players can take an entire year away from the game at age 32 and get up to speed immediately. O'Neill couldn't.

The news that he and the Hurricanes had decided to end his comeback bid came as no surprise after Sunday's game. O'Neill was never a factor. He wasn't physical. He wasn't involved. There was no reason to go any further.

What has happened this month doesn't change for a second O'Neill's place in the history of the Hurricanes franchise. At one point, he was the Hurricanes' best player -- better, even, than Ron Francis during the 2000-01 season, when O'Neill was among the league's best power forwards. That season, he hit people. He went to the net. And he unerringly teed off on Francis' set-up passes. His back-to-back-to-back 30-goal seasons remain a modern franchise benchmark. (Eric Staal can beat that streak this season.)

O'Neill's comeback fell victim to the same demons that wreaked havoc on his career -- questionable fitness habits and an apparent lack of total commitment to the game (the latter can be attributed in part, no doubt, to his continuing sorrow over his brother Donny's tragic death in 2005). At his best, O'Neill imposed himself on the game. At his worst, he hid inside it.

So what's next for O'Neill? If he wants to keep playing hockey, and still has hopes of getting back to the NHL, he would be wise to spend this season in the AHL. Clearly, that's not an option with the Hurricanes.

His appearance at the RBC Center on Sunday may have been his last in an NHL uniform. If so, it was fitting he went out on the rink where he had his greatest success, in the uniform he wore for almost his entire career.

History may record Jeff O'Neill as an underachiever, never reaching the promise that made him the fifth overall pick in 1997. But for a few seasons with the Hurricanes, he was every bit that good -- just not this fall.

[SoCalcaniac]

I just read that, nice summary and tribute if you will, by Luke, who has started to become really eloquent in his old age, lol. He made alot of excellent points about O; well done.

[nccanes]

I'm not sure I "get" the Talking Points version of Luke. :lol: Lots of psychobabble in that (imo). Seemed to over-complicate a pretty simple situation.

[SoCalcaniac]

psychobabble :lol:. Mr. Socal just texted, and said it's a "little too kumbayah for me". LMAO.

Yeah, this is definitely a different side of Luke; not horrible, and right about now, I'd rather he go right back to LSB, lol.

[apolinar]

Do you think they offered him the AHL position or just said goodbye?

[nccanes]

I guess if JR knew that he was not going to go with a 1 way (no matter what happens in the next week), perhaps he communicated that to O'Neill and then he decided to pass?

[puck_it]

probably happened something like that... "hey, we havent seen enough to offer you a one-way NHL deal, it's your call where you want to go from here."

[Guyute]

Luke sure made it sound like they didn't.
I dunno, I would've thought they would have... some time in the AHL might've whipped him into shape. Maybe he wasn't interested. /shrug
Like many other things, we'll probably never know.

[alison]

Personally, I get the idea that his ideal situation was to settle somewhere (be it in Raleigh or elsewhere) with his wife and soon-to-arrive baby. I'm guessing that he wasn't willing to deal with the potential back-and-forth movement that a 2-way contract provides.

[parkwoodcaniac]

Personally, I get the idea that his ideal situation was to settle somewhere (be it in Raleigh or elsewhere) with his wife and soon-to-arrive baby. I'm guessing that he wasn't willing to deal with the potential back-and-forth movement that a 2-way contract provides.

Like most players that have played in this organization they tend to stay in the area, what's not to like about living here, NHL, ACC and good weather! How can you miss!

[caneshockeychick]

Sounds like O'Neill made the decision after the game on Sun. JR didn't want him to go.

http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app?articleid=384174&page=NewsPage&service=page

Rutherford Hoped O'Neill Would Stay

Paul Branecky
Sep 30, 2008, 2:57 PM EDT


Jeff O'Neill didn't have the impact either he or the organization might have wanted during his time at camp, but GM Jim Rutherford said he was willing to be patient with the veteran forward, and it never got to the point of cutting him or offering him a two-way contract.


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"Jeff made his own decision," said Rutherford. "We were willing to be real patient on this and really take quite a bit of time to give him an opportunity to get his timing and his conditioning and everything. But he made the decision sometime over the weekend and met with Ronnie [Francis] fter the game and told him he just didn’t think that he wanted to continue."


Although O'Neill didn't do much offensively during his time in camp - one goal in the Red/White scrimmage followed by three scoreless exhibition games - Rutherford actually thought O'Neill looked pretty good despite taking the past year off from hockey.

"Personally I would have like to see him stick it out a little longer, because I think for a guy that missed a whole year he did fine," said Rutherford. "He didn’t do anything special and he didn’t get his big shot off or score some goals, but I still think that was there over time.”

Regardless, O'Neill decided not to continue.

”It’s hard when you miss a year," said Rutherford. "You’ve got an uphill battle. I think he found that out and I think he thought that hill was going to be too steep to climb."

[puck_it]

man, that kind of rips your heart out.

[caneshockeychick]

Yeah...it does. I actually felt...sad...for Jeff. :(

It's got to be tough to make that kind of decision about where you need to go in life.

[nccanes]

That makes the most sense to me. I didn't see why JR would rush the contract offer part when he's only been on the ice for a week or so. And I didn't see why JR would be in a hurry to decide since his training room has been a revolving door.

I don't know if it was because it was my first in-person game or what, but I was a little bummed at how little PP time he got. Maybe he was too.

I hope he doesn't regret not letting this play out though.

[apolinar]

That's the article I needed. Because i too thought he was coming along. You don't want to see someone on the ice that has lost confidence in the game, but you also don't want to see talent go like that when their game is coming along and you see potential. It was exciting while it lasted. Even though his legs weren't quite there yet.

[evan]

Sad to see that. I think a lot of us were hoping that O'Neill could find a home in Carolina, it would be so fitting to see him retire here one day since he played such a big role in this franchise since the move to Carolina.

Sure he wasn't as impressive as he could have been but I thought he was looking a little better each game and never really had the linemates that would have suited his style of play. Like many of us have talked about, he's not the most versatile and doesn't really play a cycle type of game, his game is all about getting open, setting up, and firing that shot. I think you could tell he still had it in him.

With the way injuries have gone, I was honestly expecting to see a contract announcement for Jeff any day now, but I did expect them to wait a little closer to the end of camp after they'd had a chance to take a really good look at Lacoture and decide if they were gonna take a chance on Boychuk or not.

Maybe Jeff was just was feeling the effects of not playing last season and noticed that he was hunched over catching his breath a lot while a lot of the younger guys he was playing with were hanging in there a little better and he didn't think he'd be able to get up to speed and ready for an NHL season before camp was over.

Unless that's not the case and another team has been talking to him, I don't expect that NHL hockey is in his plans now or he would have decided to go to the AHL and try to work his way back physically. I can understand O not wanting to do that.

[nccanes]

One thing that struck me is that this announcement came on Tuesday. It makes me wonder (and presume) that after the Sunday chats, they may have given O'Neill some time to be sure that's what he wanted after their discussions(s). Given that they didn't have to be on the ice until today (and surely his absence would raise questions) they waited until today to make it formal. If my theory is correct, well done by JR and RF.

[x]

From what I've heard & seen from camp thus far, I personally did not feel like Jeff had the speed & energy to make it in this league, especially with a team like ours that relies so much on skating. He was at his best 5+ yrs. ago when he could skate, play the body, & score goals- a real power forward. A one-dimensional sniper doesn't jive with our style of play now.

That said, you have to be pleased with how the Canes handled this- very classy to give him this shot & to be willing to show extra patience. Perhaps Jeff saw what it was going to take, knew he didn't have it in him, & wanted to spare JR & Ronnie from making the painful decision to cut him loose. It's too bad, because I was really pulling for him to make it. I know that management was too, given that he's still very popular with the fans.

[cmw00]

I'd like to read something from Jeff. I was critical of him in the past but its impossible not to feel bad/sad for him now. I know we were all hoping he'd find his 40 goal self again.

[Mona2006]

I have tried to stay out of this thread.. but can't help but read. This truly makes me sad for him and makes me wonder what his future will be. :(

[ontheboards]

I have tried to stay out of this thread.. but can't help but read. This truly makes me sad for him and makes me wonder what his future will be. :(
He earned millions playing hockey and he comes from a decentfamily with what appears to be a decent work ethic. He's married with a kid on the way. His future? A husband, father and son. His career? up to him-- the world is at his feet.

[Mona2006]

I wasn't referring to his personal life at all.. just professional. I know he needs to have that fire burning inside to get his career back and he might not have that anymore. I hope at some point and time, we see the former sniper that he was. I wish him the best.

[nccanes]

I have no idea who Todd Sullivan is, but he got really ticked at Luke's blog post on O'Neill.

http://blogs.newsobserver.com/decock/oneill-couldnt-recapture-past-glory#comments

Some interesting reading. Some people see what they want to see I guess.

[Guyute]

Man, that dude really loves him some Jeff huh? lol

[caneshockeychick]

Wow!!! I mean, just wow!!!

He didn't look in shape to me when I saw him. I think I mentioned that (actually my Asst mgr said he had a beer gut and couldn't believe he was a hockey player).

Prayer

Dear Lord, Please don't let Todd find this place.

Amen

[Solracer]

Wow!!! I mean, just wow!!!

He didn't look in shape to me when I saw him. I think I mentioned that (actually my Asst mgr said he had a beer gut and couldn't believe he was a hockey player).

Prayer

Dear Lord, Please don't let Todd find this place.

Amen

Too late I have been here forever...



















































j/k :laugh:

[nccanes]

OMG -- the spacing was perfect! I was like...http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/512_jaw_dropper.gif


:lol: :laugh:

[caneshockeychick]

:lol:

Hey now...not nice :p

Anyway, unless he just chooses not to read certain threads, I'm pretty sure I myself would have been lambasted by said fan due to some unsavory posts I've made about Jeffo. ;)

[apolinar]

I love how Luke calls him a "fanboy" in one of the rebutts.

[caneshockeychick]

You could tell Luke was getting PO'ed...go Luke go!!!

[puck_it]

go Luke go!!!

totally...

ya know, there was that time when i thought i'd never hear those words... at least with out "to hell" in there.

[KaniacFever]

I think Jeff should get restraining order on this Todd dude. That dude is crazy.

[nccanes]

I thought the column was a bit heavy with the psychobabble (as mentioned), but I never got the sense he was intending to belittle O'Neill.

But I suppose I can see how someone (who is a friend) would do so at first brush. What I don't get is that Luke was repeatedly trying to explain why he wasn't slamming him, but even that was dismissed.

Maybe his bud could get O'Neill to speak about his experience and clear up any confusion. :lol:

[evan]

O'Neill for President!

-Todd

[Alicia]

O'Neill for President!

-Todd:lol:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I have no idea who Todd Sullivan is, but he got really ticked at Luke's blog post on O'Neill.

He just wants Jeff back in Raleigh keeping his restaurant in business. :evil:








No, I did NOT just slam on my former favorite player. :crazy:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I will say, though, that this is a great example of why I don't like journalists having blogs. Arguing back and forth with your readers like you're on a message board? That's something I would do....and, IMO, journalists are supposed to be more impartial and have more integrity than me.

[SoCalcaniac]

OMG. I'm away for a little bit and holy moly! That thread of back and forth in a BLOG, is INSANE! I'm with SHC, your cred as a journalist gets kinda shady if you're going back and forth with some dude who is a drinking buddy/restaurant owner/dude who hangs with O'Neill.

and Todd lost all cred himself and maybe he really wasn't trying to have cred, but have his bud's back(??) when he spouted:


When O'Neill was out of shape, I told him so. When O'Neill was feeling sorry for himself, I told him so. What I saw during his training camp was a player in shape and committed - and I told him so. I was proud of him while he tried and proud of him when he said "I ain't got it and I ain't gonna fake it."



So Todd did this when he was in TO? I admire his loyalty to his friend, but seriously, he sounds crazy- as in 59's suggestion that Luke needs to take out a restraining order, lol.

Maybe he can hook Luke up with an interview with O'Neill. So he can tell his side of the story.

Solracer- LMAO at your post. :lol: I was expecting to scroll all the way down and see B******! after all that!

and oh- Go on Luke....

[SouthernHockeyChick]

For clarity, I have no idea if Todd Sullivan is actually in any way connected to Sullivan's....I just thought it would be hilarious is he was.:lol:

[nccanes]

And I'm laughing because even though I posted the link, I didn't read every word by Mr Sullivan. I missed the part SoCal posted. Bizarro. :lol:

[ontheboards]

I will say, though, that this is a great example of why I don't like journalists having blogs. Arguing back and forth with your readers like you're on a message board? That's something I would do....and, IMO, journalists are supposed to be more impartial and have more integrity than me.
It's one thing for someone (journalist or not) to defend himself on his blog, but it's completely different when a journalist (Chip Alexander) does not defend himself on his blog (respond to a comment) choosing instead to go on that person's (Cam's) blog in an attempt to bait.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

That's certainly worse but, it doesn't make me feel any better about the original situation, either.

Blurring the lines between journalist and message board poster makes me feel ickky, no matter the degree.