What Happens Next?? Rumor, Tweets, Media Hints

[nccanes]

I liked reading this about Sanguinetti, but to me that begs the question: "why the eff didn't we use the 2nd half of the season to let him play with and against NHLers?????"

I don't get it. No offense to Joslin, but can't we rotate scratches and get Sanguinetti in for some real evaluation.

I mean the PR BS on Dalpe and Boychuk turned out to be not so great prognostications (at least in the timeframe the implied).

[MoBigRed]

Originally Posted by IceSun

The other interesting dynamic is Chip's tweets today on defense.

Said that Allen & Spacek likely headed for 7/1 and commented on how much the organization likes Sanguinetti.

Now, the question is... are those two items related (Sangs takes one of those slots) or with him and Murphy coming up, do they continue to take a chance on McBain & use Joni as trade bait. And does Joslin play defense again...

Right now, we have quite a logjam on the blue line
Up: Gleason, Harrison, Faulk, Joslin, Pitkanen
Likely up: Sanguinetti, Murphy
RFA McBain
UFA Spacek Allen

And I won't even mention the Suter speculation.

Just my opinion, but i'm not taking the Suter/Weber/whatsis speculation the least bit seriously. JR's looking for a forward or two, be it JStaal, Parise, whoever, with Spacek and Allen likely being let go (and perhaps even Pitkanen and/or Joslin) just to make room for Sanguinetti/Murphy/Dumoulin.

Of course i'm not privy to anything in JR's mind, but i'd be truly surprised to see yet another d-man brought in, even if he could get Nicklas freaking Lidstrom.

[IceSun]

Thanks - I forgot to add Dumoulin as well.

I agree we aren't not likely to see D coming in unless all forward possibilities implode.

Mostly, I'm fantasizing about ways Parise + JStaal could work like everyone else - and can see several ways the defense could be realigned to assist with this.

[nccanes]

^Problem is....we need help on D too. The shots against and the Ls seem to indicate that needs not be ignored. Or so I thought.

[IceSun]

So many problems, so much time to ponder them. Although I think my accidental double negative left me open to take any position

You bring up an interesting point with the shots against. How much of that is defense vs. defensively minded offense? (I have no idea - just wondering.)

My other question is who picks up the physical role from Allen. He and Gleason make a good tandem in that regard. Can Dumoulin do that?

[superdave]

...and how much of the shots against is a result of not pressuring offensively and having poor puck position time. If you aren't on offense, you're on defense. In that scenario, increasing offensive prowess decreases shots against.

[nccanes]

Originally Posted by IceSun

You bring up an interesting point with the shots against. How much of that is defense vs. defensively minded offense? (I have no idea - just wondering.)

Me neither!

Originally Posted by superdave

...and how much of the shots against is a result of not pressuring offensively and having poor puck position time. If you aren't on offense, you're on defense. In that scenario, increasing offensive prowess decreases shots against.

That's a lovely thought....but I can't help but think our D factors in there (even if it's getting the puck out of the zone) at least as much as a linemate for Staal.

But who knows!

[superdave]

Originally Posted by nccanes

That's a lovely thought....but I can't help but think our D factors in there (even if it's getting the puck out of the zone) at least as much as a linemate for Staal.

But who knows!

And that is the $64,000 question. I really think the answer is "all of the above". A little more offensive zone time and being able to move the puck out of the defensive zone are both good goals. My issues on both offense and defense are very much crease related. It seems like opposing players are able to set up camp in front of Cam with little to no consequences. It also seems that we don't have players with much interest in doing the same at the other end of the ice or to crash the goal in general. Hopefully, Muller will be able to get that into their thick heads in training camp.

[KaniacFever]

This just made me laugh. So we went from a top winger for Staal to a winger or center b/c Eric can move to wing. And may not go the free agent way b/c other teams will get in the way so a trade is more likely for a player who has 1 year left on their contract, but we can't say Jordan Staal because that's tampering

Speculation is increasing the Pittsburgh Penguins may be willing to trade center Jordan Staal and that the Carolina Hurricanes could be the team most likely to land him.

No one with the Canes will comment specifically on Jordan Staal, of course. That's not allowed and would be considered tampering.

General manager Jim Rutherford, in an interview today, did talk in general terms about what the Canes are looking for in the offseason. Rutherford has talked several times about the need of acquiring a scoring winger to play on Eric Staal's line, but his comments today were interesting and the focus may have changed.

"What we're working on now is whatever it takes to get a top player, whether it's a center or a wing," Rutherford said. "Eric can play the wing. He has played the wing before and played there in the (2010 Olympics (for Team Canada). He has played very well on the wing."

Rutherford noted that seeking out a free agent can be risky in that there will be other bidders and the player can pick and choose. Should forward Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils be available July 1 and Carolina be interested, the Canes could be just one of several suitors waiting in line.

"In free agency, you don't have control over where a player decides to go," Rutherford said. "If you trade for a player and he's under contract, you know he's coming to the Hurricanes."

Jordan Staal, who will make $4.5 million next season, is due to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2012-2013 season. Again, there is risk involved. But Rutherford, again without mentioning Jordan Staal, said that such a contract status would not be a stumbling block to a potential trade.

"You don't get any assurances, so you would need to have confidence in what we have to offer and what the player would be willing to take to stay here," Rutherford said. "You need to be able to do whatever it takes to get that player (signed) beyond that next year."

The Canes have the eighth overall pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft. Rutherford said the team would consider trading the pick, but "only for a couple of players." ...

http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/05/...lks-about.html

[toastmasterbone]

I'm pretending Christmas is in July, and I'll just contentedly look at the catalogs until that time, thanks. I'm too nervous to pretend that any of this will happen, given that I can just as easily hear Rutherford's perennial excuse comments thumping away in the background: "we took a look at it from many angles, but weren't able/didn't see/couldn't find anything there that made sense for out team... we're confident with the players we have ... compete... playoffs... character... very excited.... Cup."

If we do, indeed, make a big splash, I'll wet my undergarments in elation. But if we turn again to the also-rans and trumpet our improvement, I can just as easily settle back into my cozy little nest of malaise.

[superdave]

Originally Posted by toastmasterbone

I'm pretending Christmas is in July, and I'll just contentedly look at the catalogs until that time, thanks. I'm too nervous to pretend that any of this will happen, given that I can just as easily hear Rutherford's perennial excuse comments thumping away in the background: "we took a look at it from many angles, but weren't able/didn't see/couldn't find anything there that made sense for out team... we're confident with the players we have ... compete... playoffs... character... very excited.... Cup."

If we do, indeed, make a big splash, I'll wet my undergarments in elation. But if we turn again to the also-rans and trumpet our improvement, I can just as easily settle back into my cozy little nest of malaise.

You mean you don't think that Uncle PK found enough change under the couch cushions to pay for some talent?

[toastmasterbone]

Well, I can see the minority owners sneaking chunks of change onto the couch when PK gets up to get another can of easy-cheese, but the 3 guys caught up in the rumor mill (Parise, Staal, Suter) will have plenty of suitors, and I can see PK getting cold feet if the bidding gets high. (these, and other tactics for trying not to get excited about the the world of conjecture, are available at wvw.toastsayslalalalala.com)

I'm a Canes fan: I'm accustomed to disappointment, but I always hope for the best.

[superdave]

Which is exactly why I think the J. Staal posibility may have more legs than the others (PK and JR aren't going to win a bidding war for Parise and Suter). A lot would hinge on whether Staal was willing to sign an extension. If the Pens don't think they can afford him long term, our 8th overall pick may be tempting with somebody else thrown in.

Of course, once again it's early May and we are playing the "what if" game and not watching playoff hockey.

[toastmasterbone]

I agree that the JStaal rumor could be the strongest possibility, and you never know... Parise may be fired up to be here if he has the opportunity to be in the company of those two rapscallions.

I mean... look at 'em!

[caveman]

#8 overall and who? for JStaal signed to $what? is definitely something that piques my interest, though more dependent on the $what? maybe as opposed to the who? (with obvious untouchables EStaal, Skinner, Sutter, and Faulk).

It's just not really really what we seem to need. I do like what I saw outta Jeremy Welsh, but I've been down that road too many times recently (Boychuk, Dalpe) and it's IMHO another wasted year in the making if we don't get somebody who can put 30-40 goals in the net alongside Staal. I don't think Tlusty, or Ruutu, or Jussi are that guy, and while Skinner can be in the 30 goal range I've never thought his and Staal's games mesh together that well. (The only person I've ever absolutely loved on Staal's wing was Cory Stillman, TBH. Cole and Whitney certainly were better than what we've had, but Stillman's shark in the slot game was exactly what we needed. I don't know that "that guy" is out there for the getting, not even Parise, really.)

That said, a trio that is JStaal-EStaal-X probably works for plenty of goals even if (maybe even particularly?) if X is LaRose, or Dwyer, or a pretty decent sized list of guys we already have; and if that happens it would be pretty crazy interesting.

(Last aside: MStaal is signed for a few more years yet, with a salary bump to almost $5.5M due in 2014-15...)

[nccanes]

FWIW, Chuck Kaiton said once that the first 10 games after a trade should be thrown out. The player can either play out of his mind or below par or whatever because he's just getting the whole thing sorted out.

Now perhaps that's different than a callup or a new signee, but I can't believe anyone would be labeling Welsh as anything but a prospect. Period. If he is another Justin Faulk, and can make the leap and take on responsibility to boot, great. But if JR is presuming that and constructing his roster with that in mind, then I give up.

[SoCalcaniac]

I just came in here to post @ the Staal mug shots. I've not seen those pix in forever. Leave it to Toast to make me howl. So awesome.

[aldamon]

Getting Jordan Staal would be such an enormous coup on so many levels that I don't even know where to begin...Must stay quiet and hope for the best. All of these rumors are like touching the Prince of Wales Trophy.

[caneshockeychick]

Hmm....Staal Brothers mug shots...hearing the "Bad Boys" theme in my head

[IceSun]

Originally Posted by aldamon

Getting Jordan Staal would be such an enormous coup on so many levels that I don't even know where to begin...Must stay quiet and hope for the best. All of these rumors are like touching the Prince of Wales Trophy.

It's still the 2011-2012 season - can't jinx anything till this year's Cup is raised

Originally Posted by caneshockeychick

Hmm....Staal Brothers mug shots...hearing the "Bad Boys" theme in my head

Now THAT would be a great opening song with those mugs on the jumbotron.

[Bob-in-Alberta]

So just as a thought and to maybe stir up the conversation.... Since you usually have to give quality for quality... What would forum members think about a deal that saw Skinner going to Pittsburgh for J Staal? Skinner is cheaper which helps out the Penguins in the short term and Staal is a young proven player. Comments? Also, before you all fly up to Canada and burn my house down, remember that I'm a Canes fan. Its just an idea.

[SoCalcaniac]

Skinner's not on the table. No way no how. It's an "idea" Bob, extremely creative, (and no I'm not coming to burn the house down) but seriously doubt that JR would even consider it. Skinner is a piece of the future. and honestly it would put PIT in the position of having to do some type of contract for him too, since he'll be completing his ELC..... yikes, after this coming season. He'd be packaging prospects and another roster player (or two) I just can't see him trading Skinner.

Eric Duhatschek from the Globe & Mail has a piece to add to the Jordan Staal to Carolina rumors. He does thank Jordan for adding some sizzle to off season talk!

For those with XM/Sirius.... our General Mgr will be on with Adam Proteau & Jamie Shalley in the 3pm "Hockey News" hour. I'm sure they'll try to ask about him, and he'll have to say something like, "Since he's under contract right now..." But, will post audio if I can get a clip for those without XM or not near their radio when he comes on.

[superdave]

Originally Posted by Bob-in-Alberta

So just as a thought and to maybe stir up the conversation.... Since you usually have to give quality for quality... What would forum members think about a deal that saw Skinner going to Pittsburgh for J Staal? Skinner is cheaper which helps out the Penguins in the short term and Staal is a young proven player. Comments? Also, before you all fly up to Canada and burn my house down, remember that I'm a Canes fan. Its just an idea.

I can't see how that would help. We need more top 6 talent not less. I'm sure that Pittsburgh would take that in a minute. It has to be the top pick this year plus something. That is the chip JR has to play. Skinner, Sutter, and Staal are untouchable as forwards.

[MoBigRed]

Yeah, i don't see Skinner going either - you're talking giving up a player who managed 31 goals and 63 points in his rookie season for someone who not only hasn't managed either feat in 6 NHL seasons, but has much more talent around him to work with.

JStaal would be a great addition to the Hurricanes, one who would probably be the team's 3rd-best forward. You just don't give up the guy who is probably the 2nd-best for him, no matter whose brother is involved.

[ontheboards]

If Pittsburgh is really considering trading Jordan Staal away, they are going to have to feel pretty confident that Crosby is well recovered and not likely to miss mega-chunks of a hockey season. However, if Jordan does hit free agency after next year, I would assume that the Canes would/could be contenders.