Red and Black Hockey http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/ en redblackhockey@earthlink.net Copyright 2009 2009-07-03T00:12:12-05:00 http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/http://www.kuklaskorner.com/images/uploads/kklogobox.gifKukla's Korner Canes re-sign LaRose http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_re_sign_larose/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_re_sign_larose/ After a couple of rough days, the Hurricanes and Chad LaRose have finally come to terms.  This is a two-year deal worth a total of $3.4M, Sharpie will make $1.5M in 2009-10 and $1.9M in 2010-11. Perhaps LaRose found the market to be not as awesome as he figured it might be.  Frankly, I’m surprised that he wasn’t snatched up quickly.  I guess this ends any speculation about signing any forwards out of free agency.  Anyone who watched the Eastern Conference final series would say that LaRose was Carolina’s best skater in that series.  In fact, he was one of Carolina’s best players throughout the playoffs.  He finished the postseason with 11 points (4/7) points in 18 games.  In the regular season, he set a new career best with 19 goals and tied his career best with 12 assists for a new career best of 31 points in 81 games played. The rugged, versatile forward is much more than a utility guy who will do a good job as a top six fill-in.  He’s a great teammate, a great guy in the room and a very popular player with the fans.  After a couple of rough days, the Hurricanes and Chad LaRose have finally come to terms.  This is a two-year deal worth a total of $3.4M, Sharpie will make $1.5M in 2009-10 and $1.9M in 2010-11.

Perhaps LaRose found the market to be not as awesome as he figured it might be.  Frankly, I’m surprised that he wasn’t snatched up quickly.  I guess this ends any speculation about signing any forwards out of free agency. 

Anyone who watched the Eastern Conference final series would say that LaRose was Carolina’s best skater in that series.  In fact, he was one of Carolina’s best players throughout the playoffs.  He finished the postseason with 11 points (4/7) points in 18 games.  In the regular season, he set a new career best with 19 goals and tied his career best with 12 assists for a new career best of 31 points in 81 games played.

The rugged, versatile forward is much more than a utility guy who will do a good job as a top six fill-in.  He’s a great teammate, a great guy in the room and a very popular player with the fans. 

Continue reading "Canes re-sign LaRose"

]]> 2009-07-03T00:12:12-05:00 David Lee Canes busy trying to replace LaRose http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_busy_trying_to_replace_larose/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_busy_trying_to_replace_larose/ After a rollercoaster couple of days when we were told that the Hurricanes and Chad LaRose were miles apart, then told that they were getting close, we’ve now been told that it’s over.  Jim Rutherford put his final, final, totally final, absolutely final offer on the table earlier this afternoon.  LaRose’s agent said that they would call Rutherford back “in an hour”. Rutherford’s phone still ain’t ringing.  He assumes that it still ain’t LaRose.  He assumes that LaRose has something else working and he claims that the Canes are working on signing someone else.  There’s no indication of who it might be, but I suspect that Mike Zigomanis might find his way back to Raleigh before the dust settles.  The Penguins have parted ways with him (and also with defenseman Rob Scuderi). ---->EDIT After a rollercoaster couple of days when we were told that the Hurricanes and Chad LaRose were miles apart, then told that they were getting close, we’ve now been told that it’s over.  Jim Rutherford put his final, final, totally final, absolutely final offer on the table earlier this afternoon.  LaRose’s agent said that they would call Rutherford back “in an hour”.

Rutherford’s phone still ain’t ringing.  He assumes that it still ain’t LaRose.  He assumes that LaRose has something else working and he claims that the Canes are working on signing someone else.  There’s no indication of who it might be, but I suspect that Mike Zigomanis might find his way back to Raleigh before the dust settles.  The Penguins have parted ways with him (and also with defenseman Rob Scuderi). ---->EDIT<---- I should apologize for jumping the gun here.  While the Pens have decided to move on without Mike Zigomanis, they have NOT made that decision about Rob Scuderi.  The only thing they have done is allowed him to enter the free agent market, where he remains unsigned.  They’re still trying to iron out a deal with him, and although some reports indicate that the Penguins are going to look elsewhere, they haven’t given up on those negotiations. 

I had a few guys on my wish list, and they’re already gone.

Continue reading "Canes busy trying to replace LaRose"

]]> 2009-07-02T02:45:56-05:00 David Lee Erik Cole re-signs for hometeam discount http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/erik_cole_re_signs_for_hometeam_discount/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/erik_cole_re_signs_for_hometeam_discount/ Even though it seemed like the Erik Cole chapter was finally over, it continues.&nbsp; Today, the Hurricanes and Erik Cole agreed to terms on a two year deal that will pay him $2.8M in 2009-10 and $3M in 2010-11.&nbsp; The 30-year old right wing was paid $4M in 2008-09.&nbsp; I gave up on him a long time ago, and I’ve written in a number of ways and on a number of times that I’m not a big fan of his anymore.&nbsp; Now I’ll be forced to either stand my ground or eat my hat.&nbsp; Honestly, I hope I’ll be eating my hat, but either way it’s a good sign that he agreed to take a pretty significant pay cut.&nbsp; Even though it seemed like the Erik Cole chapter was finally over, it continues.  Today, the Hurricanes and Erik Cole agreed to terms on a two year deal that will pay him $2.8M in 2009-10 and $3M in 2010-11.  The 30-year old right wing was paid $4M in 2008-09. 

I gave up on him a long time ago, and I’ve written in a number of ways and on a number of times that I’m not a big fan of his anymore.  Now I’ll be forced to either stand my ground or eat my hat.  Honestly, I hope I’ll be eating my hat, but either way it’s a good sign that he agreed to take a pretty significant pay cut. 

Continue reading "Erik Cole re-signs for hometeam discount"

]]> 2009-07-01T22:48:16-05:00 David Lee Still no progress with Canes UFAs http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/still_no_progress_with_canes_ufas/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/still_no_progress_with_canes_ufas/ Today is the last day for teams to re-sign their potential UFAs before they enter the market at noon on Wednesday.&nbsp; Everyone in Raleigh was hoping that an announcement would come that the team had come to terms with Chad LaRose.&nbsp; It didn’t.&nbsp; As expected, there was also no announcement about Erik Cole.&nbsp; Jim Rutherford has made it clear that he will not initiate any more negotiations with them.&nbsp; He has put “final offers” on the table.&nbsp; Ryan Bayda has also declined Carolina’s “final offer” and will test the free agent market.&nbsp; Although no doors are permanently shut and no bridges are burned, this has ruffled Jim Rutherford’s feathers. “If they go into tomorrow then they’re obviously making the choice to go somewhere else,” he said. “We’ve given our best offer within our budget to try to keep them, and at this point it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.” Contrast that quote with one about Jussi Jokinen, which I’ll point to later in this post. Rutherford has also pledged not to be aggressive in the FA market and might wait until August to sign anyone.&nbsp; He went as far as to tell Puck Daddy that the only thing he’d be signing on July 1 would be a birthday card to his cousin.&nbsp; ... Today is the last day for teams to re-sign their potential UFAs before they enter the market at noon on Wednesday.  Everyone in Raleigh was hoping that an announcement would come that the team had come to terms with Chad LaRose.  It didn’t.  As expected, there was also no announcement about Erik Cole.  Jim Rutherford has made it clear that he will not initiate any more negotiations with them.  He has put “final offers” on the table.  Ryan Bayda has also declined Carolina’s “final offer” and will test the free agent market.  Although no doors are permanently shut and no bridges are burned, this has ruffled Jim Rutherford’s feathers.

“If they go into tomorrow then they’re obviously making the choice to go somewhere else,” he said. “We’ve given our best offer within our budget to try to keep them, and at this point it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.”

Contrast that quote with one about Jussi Jokinen, which I’ll point to later in this post.

Rutherford has also pledged not to be aggressive in the FA market and might wait until August to sign anyone.  He went as far as to tell Puck Daddy that the only thing he’d be signing on July 1 would be a birthday card to his cousin.  ...

Continue reading "Still no progress with Canes UFAs"

]]> 2009-07-01T02:06:40-05:00 David Lee Hurricanes re-sign Jokinen http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/hurricanes_re_sign_jokinen/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/hurricanes_re_sign_jokinen/ On Monday, the Hurricanes agreed to terms with forward Jussi Jokinen on a two-year deal.&nbsp; He will earn $1.5M in 2009-10 and &amp;1.9M in 2010-11. This is a huge coup for the Canes, as they have saved a bit of money by signing him before he became a RFA on Wednesday. Jokinen made $1.875 last season, and was one of many casualties in Tampa.&nbsp; He joined the Hurricanes in February after a trade sent Wade Brookbank, Josef Melichar and a fourth round pick in this year’s draft to the Lightning.&nbsp; Brookbank and Melichar were pieces of garbage, so this was really a fourth round pick for Jokinen. The 26-year old Finn, who is no relation to Olli Jokinen, scored just one goal and ten assists in 25 regular season games for the Hurricanes.&nbsp; Not counted in those stats was a shootout winner against the Sabres.&nbsp; He was a stud in the playoffs, scoring seven goals and adding four assists for a total of eleven points in 18 postseason games played.&nbsp; Of those seven postseason goals, three were game-winners, including the game four winner against New Jersey with 00:00.2 showing on the clock.&nbsp; On Monday, the Hurricanes agreed to terms with forward Jussi Jokinen on a two-year deal.  He will earn $1.5M in 2009-10 and &1.9M in 2010-11.

This is a huge coup for the Canes, as they have saved a bit of money by signing him before he became a RFA on Wednesday.

Jokinen made $1.875 last season, and was one of many casualties in Tampa.  He joined the Hurricanes in February after a trade sent Wade Brookbank, Josef Melichar and a fourth round pick in this year’s draft to the Lightning.  Brookbank and Melichar were pieces of garbage, so this was really a fourth round pick for Jokinen.

The 26-year old Finn, who is no relation to Olli Jokinen, scored just one goal and ten assists in 25 regular season games for the Hurricanes.  Not counted in those stats was a shootout winner against the Sabres.  He was a stud in the playoffs, scoring seven goals and adding four assists for a total of eleven points in 18 postseason games played.  Of those seven postseason goals, three were game-winners, including the game four winner against New Jersey with 00:00.2 showing on the clock. 

Continue reading "Hurricanes re-sign Jokinen"

]]> 2009-06-29T22:54:05-05:00 David Lee Canes start big, stay big in draft. http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_start_big_stay_big_in_draft/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_start_big_stay_big_in_draft/ Jim Rutherford promised that the Canes would add some size and some toughness this weekend.&nbsp; There was some speculation that any number of trades might go down, but none did.&nbsp; For the first time since I can remember, the Hurricanes got a big man with every one of their draft picks.&nbsp; There’s always a run of 5’10” Ontario-born skaters, and a Michigander or two, but there was none of that this draft.&nbsp; I already commented about the unusual selection of a French-Canadian.&nbsp; I’m still not sure why the Canes didn’s select Carter Ashton with the 27th pick.&nbsp; Their selection, Philippe Paradis, probably would have still been available at 51.&nbsp; I’m not sure who was driving the crazy train there, and I hope that all of us doubting Thomases will be proven wrong about this. From then on, there were some good picks, even if they continued to be unusual ones.&nbsp; Jim Rutherford promised that the Canes would add some size and some toughness this weekend.  There was some speculation that any number of trades might go down, but none did.  For the first time since I can remember, the Hurricanes got a big man with every one of their draft picks.  There’s always a run of 5’10” Ontario-born skaters, and a Michigander or two, but there was none of that this draft. 
I already commented about the unusual selection of a French-Canadian.  I’m still not sure why the Canes didn’s select Carter Ashton with the 27th pick.  Their selection, Philippe Paradis, probably would have still been available at 51.  I’m not sure who was driving the crazy train there, and I hope that all of us doubting Thomases will be proven wrong about this. From then on, there were some good picks, even if they continued to be unusual ones. 

Continue reading "Canes start big, stay big in draft."

]]> 2009-06-28T01:19:42-05:00 David Lee Canes go off the board with Paradis http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_go_off_the_board_with_paradis/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_go_off_the_board_with_paradis/ In the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Hurricanes went “off-board”, selecting a player that nobody really expected to go in the first round.&nbsp; With Carter Ashton, Zach Budish and Landon Ferraro still available, the Hurricanes selected center/left wing Philippe Paradis from the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL.&nbsp; This is an unusual pick in a number of ways, not the least of which is that he’s French-Canadian. While the Hurricanes are disposed to pick North American players in the first round, they very seldomly pick a player from La Belle Province.&nbsp; In fact, the Hurricanes have never selected a Quebeccer in the first round.&nbsp; The Whale drafted J-S Giguere 13th overall in 1995 Paradis helps to fill one of Carolina’s needs, which is size.&nbsp; Jim Rutherford made it known that the Hurricanes were going to get a player with some size this weekend, whether through the draft or via trade.&nbsp; Paradis stands 6’2” and is 195 pounds, but he’s just 18 years old and will probably fill out (and possibly grow) some more.&nbsp; He registered 50 (19/31) points in 64 regular season games for the Cataractes this season.&nbsp; He also had 12 (6/6) points in 21 postseason games, going to the finals of the President Cup playoffs. In the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Hurricanes went “off-board”, selecting a player that nobody really expected to go in the first round.  With Carter Ashton, Zach Budish and Landon Ferraro still available, the Hurricanes selected center/left wing Philippe Paradis from the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL.  This is an unusual pick in a number of ways, not the least of which is that he’s French-Canadian.

While the Hurricanes are disposed to pick North American players in the first round, they very seldomly pick a player from La Belle Province.  In fact, the Hurricanes have never selected a Quebeccer in the first round.  The Whale drafted J-S Giguere 13th overall in 1995

Paradis helps to fill one of Carolina’s needs, which is size.  Jim Rutherford made it known that the Hurricanes were going to get a player with some size this weekend, whether through the draft or via trade.  Paradis stands 6’2” and is 195 pounds, but he’s just 18 years old and will probably fill out (and possibly grow) some more.  He registered 50 (19/31) points in 64 regular season games for the Cataractes this season.  He also had 12 (6/6) points in 21 postseason games, going to the finals of the President Cup playoffs.

Continue reading "Canes go off the board with Paradis"

]]> 2009-06-27T14:53:49-05:00 David Lee Canes not making any progress with UFAs http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_not_making_any_progress_with_ufas/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_not_making_any_progress_with_ufas/ According to the Raleigh News &amp; Observer, the Hurricanes aren’t making any progress in their efforts to get UFAs Chad LaRose and Erik Cole re-signed before the July 1 date when they can enter the market.&nbsp; I’m fully supportive of any and all efforts to keep LaRose in Raleigh, but I’m not convinced that Cole should stay on board.&nbsp; Nobody is surprised by this development, though.&nbsp; Erik Cole has always been a bear to work with when it comes time for contract negotiations.&nbsp; He was already overpaid at $4M, and despite all of his “Rah, rah, I love it in Raleigh” talk, he’s doing the same thing he always does.&nbsp; In my mind, I had already figured him out of the equation anyway, so I’m not going to lose sleep over it.&nbsp; If Cole isn’t around, this might make room for the addition of a veteran right winger from free agency.&nbsp; I’ve heard a rumor that I haven’t seen in print and I’m completely unable to substantiate, but it’s one that I kind of like… According to the Raleigh News & Observer, the Hurricanes aren’t making any progress in their efforts to get UFAs Chad LaRose and Erik Cole re-signed before the July 1 date when they can enter the market.  I’m fully supportive of any and all efforts to keep LaRose in Raleigh, but I’m not convinced that Cole should stay on board. 

Nobody is surprised by this development, though.  Erik Cole has always been a bear to work with when it comes time for contract negotiations.  He was already overpaid at $4M, and despite all of his “Rah, rah, I love it in Raleigh” talk, he’s doing the same thing he always does.  In my mind, I had already figured him out of the equation anyway, so I’m not going to lose sleep over it. 

If Cole isn’t around, this might make room for the addition of a veteran right winger from free agency.  I’ve heard a rumor that I haven’t seen in print and I’m completely unable to substantiate, but it’s one that I kind of like…

Continue reading "Canes not making any progress with UFAs"

]]> 2009-06-26T04:04:09-05:00 David Lee Seidenberg not in Canes future http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/seidenberg_not_in_canes_future/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/seidenberg_not_in_canes_future/ Today the news came that defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, scheduled to become an UFA on July 1, will most likely not be back in Raleigh this fall.&nbsp; According to the News &amp; Observer, the Canes won’t be willing to pay him what he thinks he’s worth.&nbsp; Jim Rutherford had this to say:&nbsp; “Based on my conversation with his agent, and where they think he’s at, he’s a long way out of our reach. The 27-year-old German has spent the last two and a half seasons with Carolina after coming over when the Hurricanes traded Kevyn Adams to the Hamilton ... Kansas City… Phoenix Coyotes in January of 2007.&nbsp; He put up career bests in goals, assists, points, games played.&nbsp; He also managed to stay, for the most part, injury free.&nbsp; This, coupled with another possible exiting blueliner, means that Carolina’s defense will have a different look next season, and they’re probably gonna have to break tradition and become a buyer in the free agent market.&nbsp; Today the news came that defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, scheduled to become an UFA on July 1, will most likely not be back in Raleigh this fall.  According to the News & Observer, the Canes won’t be willing to pay him what he thinks he’s worth.  Jim Rutherford had this to say: 

“Based on my conversation with his agent, and where they think he’s at, he’s a long way out of our reach.

The 27-year-old German has spent the last two and a half seasons with Carolina after coming over when the Hurricanes traded Kevyn Adams to the Hamilton ... Kansas City… Phoenix Coyotes in January of 2007.  He put up career bests in goals, assists, points, games played.  He also managed to stay, for the most part, injury free. 

This, coupled with another possible exiting blueliner, means that Carolina’s defense will have a different look next season, and they’re probably gonna have to break tradition and become a buyer in the free agent market. 

Continue reading "Seidenberg not in Canes future"

]]> 2009-06-23T00:20:36-05:00 David Lee Chairman Mo gets three more years http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/chairman_mo_gets_three_more_years/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/chairman_mo_gets_three_more_years/ On Monday, the Hurricanes finally made the announcement that we all knew was coming.&nbsp; Paul Maurice has officially been signed to a new three year deal to coach the Hurricanes.&nbsp; Ron Francis will be retained as an associate coach and will be the Director of Player Development.&nbsp; None of this should be a surprise to anyone.&nbsp; Carolina will now get to working on getting some of those forwards re-signed.&nbsp; And on looking for a cheap alternative to Erik Cole.&nbsp; Jim Rutherford has done a good job picking up quality stuff out of the bargain bin over the last few years.&nbsp; He has also always worked with a limited budget well below the upper limit of the salary cap.&nbsp; This will naturally preclude going after a big dollar free agent.&nbsp; To clarify my stance from yesterday’s post, my opinion is that the Hurricanes won’t be big players in the FA market.&nbsp; I wish they would get a top notch winger for Staal, but I know that the reality of it is that they won’t be spending big dollars.&nbsp; On Monday, the Hurricanes finally made the announcement that we all knew was coming.  Paul Maurice has officially been signed to a new three year deal to coach the Hurricanes.  Ron Francis will be retained as an associate coach and will be the Director of Player Development.  None of this should be a surprise to anyone. 

Carolina will now get to working on getting some of those forwards re-signed.  And on looking for a cheap alternative to Erik Cole.  Jim Rutherford has done a good job picking up quality stuff out of the bargain bin over the last few years.  He has also always worked with a limited budget well below the upper limit of the salary cap.  This will naturally preclude going after a big dollar free agent.  To clarify my stance from yesterday’s post, my opinion is that the Hurricanes won’t be big players in the FA market.  I wish they would get a top notch winger for Staal, but I know that the reality of it is that they won’t be spending big dollars. 

]]> 2009-06-15T23:06:01-05:00 David Lee Canes off-season.&nbsp; The forwards http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_off_season_the_forwards/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_off_season_the_forwards/ So we’ve got a few days before the Awards Show, then another week before the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.&nbsp; Carolina will have the 27th overall pick, and most prognosticators are saying that Carolina will draft a defenseman.&nbsp; A few days after the draft, the real fun begins.&nbsp; The free agent signing period.&nbsp; Carolina has never been a big spender in the FA signing period, and I don’t expect them to be this summer.&nbsp; Their primary focus will be on re-signing the guys they have, then picking someone up in the bargain bin.&nbsp; Last summer, they were inactive in the FA market, but made the blockbuster trade with the Oilers, sending Erik Cole that way for Joni Pitkänen. This summer, while some people are dreaming up elaborate ways to get Dany Heatley here, I expect little if any activity from the Hurricanes camp.&nbsp; At least not as far as the forwards are concerned. So we’ve got a few days before the Awards Show, then another week before the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.  Carolina will have the 27th overall pick, and most prognosticators are saying that Carolina will draft a defenseman. 

A few days after the draft, the real fun begins.  The free agent signing period.  Carolina has never been a big spender in the FA signing period, and I don’t expect them to be this summer.  Their primary focus will be on re-signing the guys they have, then picking someone up in the bargain bin.  Last summer, they were inactive in the FA market, but made the blockbuster trade with the Oilers, sending Erik Cole that way for Joni Pitkänen.

This summer, while some people are dreaming up elaborate ways to get Dany Heatley here, I expect little if any activity from the Hurricanes camp.  At least not as far as the forwards are concerned.

Continue reading "Canes off-season.  The forwards"

]]> 2009-06-14T19:57:56-05:00 David Lee RBC Center upgrade http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/rbc_center_upgrade/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/rbc_center_upgrade/ Things have been kind of slow around here, but things are busy inside the RBC Center.&nbsp; Obviously, it’s not the Stanley Cup Finals, but there’s some exciting stuff going on nonetheless.&nbsp; Here’s a view of what looks mundane a couple of days ago.&nbsp; The RBC Center is finally getting rid of the Sony Jumbotron and they’ll be replacing it with a Daktronics HD videoboard.&nbsp; The Jumbotron is only 10 years old, but the technology is way outdated.&nbsp; The webcam image refreshes about every minute, and it’s starting to take shape pretty quickly. The new board will not only improve the in-house viewing, but will also have benefits for television audiences as well. Things have been kind of slow around here, but things are busy inside the RBC Center.  Obviously, it’s not the Stanley Cup Finals, but there’s some exciting stuff going on nonetheless.  Here’s a view of what looks mundane a couple of days ago. 

The RBC Center is finally getting rid of the Sony Jumbotron and they’ll be replacing it with a Daktronics HD videoboard.  The Jumbotron is only 10 years old, but the technology is way outdated.  The webcam image refreshes about every minute, and it’s starting to take shape pretty quickly.

The new board will not only improve the in-house viewing, but will also have benefits for television audiences as well.

Continue reading "RBC Center upgrade"

]]> 2009-06-06T16:40:34-05:00 David Lee What about Albany? http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/what_about_albany/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/what_about_albany/ There’s something that’s gotten lost in the shuffle of all the Hurricanes “big” issues this summer.&nbsp; People have pretty much assumed that Carolina will offer a head coaching contract to Paul Maurice, removing the “interim” from his title.&nbsp; It’s not in stone yet, but it’s a safe bet.&nbsp; There’s some contention about which of the free agents should be re-signed and which should be allowed to walk.&nbsp; I’ll go in depth about each of those at some point before July 1.&nbsp; So far, nobody’s talking about the expired contract with Albany. Carolina has used the Albany River Rats as its AHL team for the last three seasons.&nbsp; In 2006-07, they shared the team with the Colorado Avalanche.&nbsp; For the last two seasons, it has been all Carolina.&nbsp; That contract expired at the end of the 2008-09 season.&nbsp; I haven’t heard anything about whether they will renew that association or if the Hurricanes will look elsewhere.&nbsp; Say, Iowa… There’s something that’s gotten lost in the shuffle of all the Hurricanes “big” issues this summer.  People have pretty much assumed that Carolina will offer a head coaching contract to Paul Maurice, removing the “interim” from his title.  It’s not in stone yet, but it’s a safe bet.  There’s some contention about which of the free agents should be re-signed and which should be allowed to walk.  I’ll go in depth about each of those at some point before July 1.  So far, nobody’s talking about the expired contract with Albany.

Carolina has used the Albany River Rats as its AHL team for the last three seasons.  In 2006-07, they shared the team with the Colorado Avalanche.  For the last two seasons, it has been all Carolina.  That contract expired at the end of the 2008-09 season.  I haven’t heard anything about whether they will renew that association or if the Hurricanes will look elsewhere.  Say, Iowa…

Continue reading "What about Albany?"

]]> 2009-06-02T17:54:18-05:00 David Lee Stanley Cup finals prediction http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/stanley_cup_finals_prediction/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/stanley_cup_finals_prediction/ I’ve nearly forgotten to do this, and time’s running out, so I’ll have to cut to the chase on my pick.&nbsp; Detroit in six games. I’ll be rooting for the Penguins, but I don’t think they can get it done.&nbsp; I’ve nearly forgotten to do this, and time’s running out, so I’ll have to cut to the chase on my pick. 

Detroit in six games.

I’ll be rooting for the Penguins, but I don’t think they can get it done. 

]]> 2009-05-30T23:46:52-05:00 David Lee Brind’Amour: “I won’t retire” http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/brindamour_i_wont_retire/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/brindamour_i_wont_retire/ For most of this season and especially during the postseason, I’ve been pretty vocal about Rod Brind’Amour.&nbsp; I’ve said countless times and in a number of ways that I wish he would retire this summer.&nbsp; There are a lot of things that need to be resolved this summer.&nbsp; Although Brindy is still under contract through the 2010-11 season, many Caniacs think that Brind’Amour should call it a day.&nbsp; Just two days after the Hurricanes’ playoff season ended, the captain announced that he will NOT be retiring. “I made a commitment a while ago to play and I’ve got a contract to play it out.&nbsp; So it’s definitely what the plan is… Personally you have to believe in yourself. I would not play the game if I did not think I could still do it. And not just as a fourth-line player. My goal is to get back and contribute with this team as I feel like I can.&nbsp; That’s what I have to do now. Next year I will come back and prove I can do that.” For most of this season and especially during the postseason, I’ve been pretty vocal about Rod Brind’Amour.  I’ve said countless times and in a number of ways that I wish he would retire this summer.  There are a lot of things that need to be resolved this summer.  Although Brindy is still under contract through the 2010-11 season, many Caniacs think that Brind’Amour should call it a day.  Just two days after the Hurricanes’ playoff season ended, the captain announced that he will NOT be retiring.

“I made a commitment a while ago to play and I’ve got a contract to play it out.  So it’s definitely what the plan is… Personally you have to believe in yourself. I would not play the game if I did not think I could still do it. And not just as a fourth-line player. My goal is to get back and contribute with this team as I feel like I can.  That’s what I have to do now. Next year I will come back and prove I can do that.”

Continue reading "Brind’Amour: “I won’t retire”"

]]> 2009-05-28T20:55:20-05:00 David Lee Canes season ends, questions begin http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_season_ends_questions_begin/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/canes_season_ends_questions_begin/ On Tuesday night, the Penguins defeated the Hurricanes 4-1 to complete the series sweep.&nbsp; The Penguins will advance to the Stanley Cup finals for the second year in a row where they will most likely play the Red Wings.&nbsp; The rematch of last year’s final will probably pan out the same way, thanks to Sidney Crosby’s taunting of the hockey gods. After the presentation of the Prince of Wales trophy, the Penguins captain lifted the prize and skated around with it a little.&nbsp; This is, of course, very bad in the eyes of the hockey gods.&nbsp; The Tampa Bay Lightning got away with that gaffe in 2004 and the New Jersey Devils just a few years before that, but it’s generally considered a Plexico Burris to lift the POW. Hats off to the Pens, who were far and away the better team throughout the series.&nbsp; Even when Carolina was able to play their own game, and even when they were able to contain Crosby and Malkin, the Penguins were way too good.&nbsp; Especially M-A Fleury, who was absolutely remarkable tonight.&nbsp; On Tuesday night, the Penguins defeated the Hurricanes 4-1 to complete the series sweep.  The Penguins will advance to the Stanley Cup finals for the second year in a row where they will most likely play the Red Wings.  The rematch of last year’s final will probably pan out the same way, thanks to Sidney Crosby’s taunting of the hockey gods.

After the presentation of the Prince of Wales trophy, the Penguins captain lifted the prize and skated around with it a little.  This is, of course, very bad in the eyes of the hockey gods.  The Tampa Bay Lightning got away with that gaffe in 2004 and the New Jersey Devils just a few years before that, but it’s generally considered a Plexico Burris to lift the POW.

Hats off to the Pens, who were far and away the better team throughout the series.  Even when Carolina was able to play their own game, and even when they were able to contain Crosby and Malkin, the Penguins were way too good.  Especially M-A Fleury, who was absolutely remarkable tonight. 

Continue reading "Canes season ends, questions begin"

]]> 2009-05-27T02:52:56-05:00 David Lee Pens crush Canes 6-2, tighten noose. http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/pens_crush_canes_6_2_tighten_noose/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/pens_crush_canes_6_2_tighten_noose/ On Saturday night, the Penguins all but ended the Hurricanes postseason with a 6-2 whipping.&nbsp; Evgeni Malkin led the way with two goals and an assist and is looking very much like he could be the Conn Smythe winner.&nbsp; The Pens have a commanding 3-0 series lead in what was supposed to be a good series. Despite scoring first and getting the home crowd going, the Canes were awful for the rest of the first period, allowing the Penguins to do what they do.&nbsp; For the second game in a row, the story behind the story is that Carolina’s defense was horrible.&nbsp; On Malkin’s first goal, Tim Gleason made a pathetic attempt to clear the puck, putting it right on Malkin’s stick in the slot area.&nbsp; On Crosby’s goal, Joni Pitkänen let #87 just waltz right in, making no effort to stop Crosby or the fantastic pass from Billy Guerin.&nbsp; On Malkin’s second goal, it was again some sloppy play by Gleason.&nbsp; Carolina gave up not one, but two goals in the last minute of the first period, and it seemed like the game was already over.&nbsp; On Saturday night, the Penguins all but ended the Hurricanes postseason with a 6-2 whipping.  Evgeni Malkin led the way with two goals and an assist and is looking very much like he could be the Conn Smythe winner.  The Pens have a commanding 3-0 series lead in what was supposed to be a good series.

Despite scoring first and getting the home crowd going, the Canes were awful for the rest of the first period, allowing the Penguins to do what they do. 

For the second game in a row, the story behind the story is that Carolina’s defense was horrible.  On Malkin’s first goal, Tim Gleason made a pathetic attempt to clear the puck, putting it right on Malkin’s stick in the slot area.  On Crosby’s goal, Joni Pitkänen let #87 just waltz right in, making no effort to stop Crosby or the fantastic pass from Billy Guerin.  On Malkin’s second goal, it was again some sloppy play by Gleason. 

Carolina gave up not one, but two goals in the last minute of the first period, and it seemed like the game was already over. 

Continue reading "Pens crush Canes 6-2, tighten noose."

]]> 2009-05-24T02:45:39-05:00 David Lee Jack Johnson Sr goes to bat for his baby boy. http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/jack_johnson_sr_goes_to_bat_for_his_baby_boy/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/jack_johnson_sr_goes_to_bat_for_his_baby_boy/ On Thursday, The Hockey News ran a letter to the editor signed by Jack Johnson Sr.&nbsp; The letter was entitled “You Don’t Know Jack” and states that the only reason JJ refused to play or even sign for Carolina is that he wanted to pursue “his dream at his pace”.&nbsp; He goes on to say: I’m simply tired of hearing him getting slammed without all the facts. Jack wishes nothing but the best to all the Hurricanes and the organization. I, as his father, only ask that all fans simply research the facts and respect him for being a man of principle beyond all else. The letter doesn’t indicate why JJ was adamant about pursuing his dream of playing at University of Michigan and remained steadfast only until Carolina traded his rights to the LA Kings.&nbsp; He wasted little time, signing a contract and joining the Kings before his sophomore season was over. On Thursday, The Hockey News ran a letter to the editor signed by Jack Johnson Sr.  The letter was entitled “You Don’t Know Jack” and states that the only reason JJ refused to play or even sign for Carolina is that he wanted to pursue “his dream at his pace”.  He goes on to say:

I’m simply tired of hearing him getting slammed without all the facts.

Jack wishes nothing but the best to all the Hurricanes and the organization.

I, as his father, only ask that all fans simply research the facts and respect him for being a man of principle beyond all else.

The letter doesn’t indicate why JJ was adamant about pursuing his dream of playing at University of Michigan and remained steadfast only until Carolina traded his rights to the LA Kings.  He wasted little time, signing a contract and joining the Kings before his sophomore season was over.

Continue reading "Jack Johnson Sr goes to bat for his baby boy."

]]> 2009-05-23T12:43:32-05:00 David Lee Mo likely to stay in Raleigh http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/mo_likely_to_stay_in_raleigh/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/mo_likely_to_stay_in_raleigh/ Go ahead and remove the “interim” tag from Paul Maurice’s position with the Hurricanes.&nbsp; According to JP Giglio in today’s N&amp;O, Mo will most likely be signed to a new contract as head coach of the Hurricanes.&nbsp; It’s not a lock, but it’s about as close to certain as it could be.&nbsp; Jim Rutherford typically doesn’t deal with player or coach contracts while the team is still playing, but he has given his vote of confidence.&nbsp; “The fact of the matter is something extraordinary would have to come up for this coaching staff not to return,” Rutherford said. “But I still want to wait and go through the process when we’re finished playing.” Technically speaking, Maurice is still under contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Peter Laviolette is officially under contract with the Canes.&nbsp; Maurice’s contract expires in June, While Laviolette’s was to run through the 2010-11 season.&nbsp; Go ahead and remove the “interim” tag from Paul Maurice’s position with the Hurricanes. 

According to JP Giglio in today’s N&O, Mo will most likely be signed to a new contract as head coach of the Hurricanes.  It’s not a lock, but it’s about as close to certain as it could be.  Jim Rutherford typically doesn’t deal with player or coach contracts while the team is still playing, but he has given his vote of confidence. 

“The fact of the matter is something extraordinary would have to come up for this coaching staff not to return,” Rutherford said. “But I still want to wait and go through the process when we’re finished playing.”

Technically speaking, Maurice is still under contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Peter Laviolette is officially under contract with the Canes.  Maurice’s contract expires in June, While Laviolette’s was to run through the 2010-11 season. 

Continue reading "Mo likely to stay in Raleigh"

]]> 2009-05-23T01:15:17-05:00 David Lee Ryan Bayda fined, not suspended http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/ryan_bayda_fined_not_suspended/ http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/rbh/comments/ryan_bayda_fined_not_suspended/ Late in Thursday’s 7-4 loss to the Penguins, Carolina’s Ryan Bayda delivered a cross-check to the face of Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang.&nbsp; The check sparked a mini-brawl that resulted in a total of 42 penalty minutes being assessed.&nbsp; Bayda was given a match penalty, which comes with an automatic one-game suspension pending review.&nbsp; On Friday, the league reviewed the incident and decided to rescind the suspension.&nbsp; Instead, they fined Bayda $2500, which is the maximum player fine allowable under the new CBA. This is the second time this postseason that a Carolina player has had an “automatic” suspension rescinded.&nbsp; Scott Walker had a suspension rescinded prior to game six of the CAR/BOS series.&nbsp; Walker eventually scored the series-winning goal in game seven.&nbsp; Will Bayda duplicate the feat? Late in Thursday’s 7-4 loss to the Penguins, Carolina’s Ryan Bayda delivered a cross-check to the face of Pittsburgh’s Kris Letang.  The check sparked a mini-brawl that resulted in a total of 42 penalty minutes being assessed.  Bayda was given a match penalty, which comes with an automatic one-game suspension pending review. 

On Friday, the league reviewed the incident and decided to rescind the suspension.  Instead, they fined Bayda $2500, which is the maximum player fine allowable under the new CBA.

This is the second time this postseason that a Carolina player has had an “automatic” suspension rescinded.  Scott Walker had a suspension rescinded prior to game six of the CAR/BOS series.  Walker eventually scored the series-winning goal in game seven.  Will Bayda duplicate the feat?

]]> 2009-05-22T19:50:39-05:00 David Lee