It would probably be Ellis, right? I don't know how contracts figure in, but it makes more sense from the standpoint of bringing up the veteran guy who has more NHL experience and might be a little too good to stay in the AHL on a tryout.
It would probably be Ellis, right? I don't know how contracts figure in, but it makes more sense from the standpoint of bringing up the veteran guy who has more NHL experience and might be a little too good to stay in the AHL on a tryout.
As I understand it, Ellis has nothing tying him to the Canes/Charlotte, and could head wherever he wants to go.
Edit: Whoops, out of practice. I meant to say that with Ellis, it's probable that if he's not the backup, he's gone. Or at least as I read the Checkers article.
Edit: Whoops, out of practice. I meant to say that with Ellis, it's probable that if he's not the backup, he's gone. Or at least as I read the Checkers article.
I'm the one out of practice. I forgot Boosh was even still a 'Cane! It'll be interesting to see how he looks in camp.
Tlusty is overseas. McBain was overseas for a while, but I thought I read he came back..not sure though. Checkers will lose Faulk, likely Bowman (who the Canes didn't put on waivers) and maybe Sanguinetti or Gragnani and one other forward?
McBain is in Raleigh, and I think Gragnani is injured. I don't think they'll run with 7 defensemen anyway, unless Murphy makes the team or Muller really likes somebody in camp.
Jokinen as third line C is an awful idea. I can't think of worse linemates for him than anyone in our untalented bottom six.
I'm not saying I want him there, just based on how he's been used in the past and the other available options, I'm just guessing he will be used there. Unless someone like Dalpe, Nash, or Welsh steps up..which will surprise me, what other options are there?
I'm not saying I want him there, just based on how he's been used in the past and the other available options, I'm just guessing he will be used there. Unless someone like Dalpe, Nash, or Welsh steps up..which will surprise me, what other options are there?
I'd rather have an undeserving 3rd line C than completely waste Jokinen's talents. He needs to play wing and he needs to play with someone who can convert off his passes.
I'd rather have an undeserving 3rd line C than completely waste Jokinen's talents. He needs to play wing and he needs to play with someone who can convert off his passes..
That's fair, and I agree with that, but unless there is an at least serviceable 3rd line Center that steps up, I am guessing Jokinen will end up there...as has happened on occasion in the past.
I'd rather have an undeserving 3rd line C than completely waste Jokinen's talents. He needs to play wing and he needs to play with someone who can convert off his passes.
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the consensus knock on Bowman been that he has an elite wrister but the inability to get his own shot? If so, Bowman can certainly convert off his passes from the 3rd line. Let Jokinen do the playmaking, hope Bowman is intelligent enough to put himself in the right place for Jussi to hit him on the tape.
I do agree with you overall though, ideally he'd be a winger but unless we sign Arnott or Nash or Welsh brings it during camp we really don't have the personnel to do anything else.
In the shortened season, we can probably afford to play each Staal around 24 minutes a game (18 ES, 3 PP and 3 SH) without either one burning out. Assuming that the lines (mainly Skinner and whomever we stick on Jordan's right side) can handle the minutes defensively, we don't really need to have a good third line- just one that won't suck defensively while both Staal's get a breather.
Looking at cap geek, the names that jump out to me are Jochen Hecht and Daymond Langkrow. Both are Free Agents at the moment.
In the shortened season, we can probably afford to play each Staal around 24 minutes a game (18 ES, 3 PP and 3 SH) without either one burning out. Assuming that the lines (mainly Skinner and whomever we stick on Jordan's right side) can handle the minutes defensively, we don't really need to have a good third line- just one that won't suck defensively while both Staal's get a breather.
I think that's a bit much for both of those Center's, especially if they aren't in Game shape yet (which I doubt they are). But I do agree Eric and Jordan will take the lion share of minutes.
Brent had about 8.5-9 min / game at center even strength last year and that would probably remain about the same so I still think the Canes are going to need a 3C who can take up 10-15min / night depending on the game.
Maybe we should start a "line-up" thread for all these discussions as it is scattered across a couple of threads.
I think that's a bit much for both of those Center's, especially if they aren't in Game shape yet (which I doubt they are). But I do agree Eric and Jordan will take the lion share of minutes.
Brent had about 8.5-9 min / game at center even strength last year and that would probably remain about the same so I still think the Canes are going to need a 3C who can take up 10-15min / night depending on the game.
Maybe we should start a "line-up" thread for all these discussions as it is scattered across a couple of threads.
Was thinking the same thing, but was ultimately too lazy to make the thread.
Wouldn't be fair to the rest of the teams in the league. Babchuk-Staal-Staal down the middle? Pittsburgh would be green with envy.
you have the order wrong, it should be Staal-Babchuk-Staal. Babchuk with a Staal on each wing....like a little slice of heaven on earth. And you could play them the whole game, except for when Chad's smile is playing, of course.
Gary Bettman
