OK Canes fans, we're past that UFA boom cycle, kicked off by the opening the July 1 window, through the bulk of the RFA re-signings and arbitration hearings, and approaching August when we're definitely into the quiet run-up period before players start to trickle into their franchise cities for the last leg of pre season conditioning ahead of camps. Training camps open starting with the Kings on September 12th, while the last date for formally opening camp is on September 15th when the Canes open camp along with a bunch of other teams.
By then, teams generally want their roster at least settled in theory although there's always the depth positions that will be determined by camp battles and such. August tends to be reserved for the last of the free agent moves as clubs start to figure out what holes they have remaining to plug, and depth type trades to shore up positions of weakness and organizational imbalances. Under both Rutherford and Francis this was typically a time to be thinking about adding 4th line grunts and maybe taking a flyer on an undervalued free agent, a salary cap victim from a high budget team or a Euro free agent.
So, looking at the Canes roster (and acknowledging the obvious weakness down the middle of the ice), what's the take on how the Canes set things up going into training camp in 6 or 7 weeks?
Personally, I think they're going to gear up for camp trusting (on paper at least) the middle of the ice to Steal, Necas, Aho and Rask and then see what shakes out. You've also got Saarela, Hallmark, Kuokkanen and Roy from the Checkers' roster to look at in camp as well. If Carolina is truly serious about playing both Necks and Aho at center this season then there's a decent chance that one of those guys will be on the roster for depth if not hanging around to push Rask for that fourth line role. Dangling out there is the issue of Jeff Skinner, but after a flurry of rumors he's still here. I presume that Skinner remains on the market and common sense says that if they move him, the Canes would prefer a center in the deal ... but God only knows at this point. It's clear that they aren't going to to move Skinner just to move him, so that issue is hanging around for now. The wings are much more settled, even with Skinner on the sheet in pencil. Svechnikov adds real quality to the mix, as do Ferland and Zykov. Martinook was added and brings his considerable energy to the mix. McGinn and Williams are coming off of relatively strong showings, and Teravainen is coming off of a career year. There's quality competition for some depth roles too, in the form of Maenalalen and Foegele. Add a center and return Aho to that mix and you've got a really solid and diverse group.
On D things are more settled, although you've still got a will they/won't they issue with Justin Faulk. As things sit now, the likely top 7 of Slavin, de Haan, Hamilton, Pesce, Faulk, TVR and Fleury is quite good. Nice mix if righties and lefties, decent experience, decent size, and a good diversity of skills. Bean, McKeown and Carrick represent decent cover for that group down in Charlotte too. There's freedom to move Faulk without feeling like he has to be replaced like for like, and that's a plus. I suspect that they'll hold out for a move that makes sense of the concerns at forward rather than defense ... which is much easier to accomplish most of the time.
In net, The Canes have the classic "it is what it is" scenario. Unable to find a proven answer in the trade market or free agency, they're betting big on Darling's conditioning program to get him prepared to battle it out with fellow scrapper Petr Mrazek in camp for the starting job. There's not much behind them either as Nedeljkovic, Helvig and Booth all still need significant time in the development oven. You want a team weakness? This and first line center. Staring you in the face with a gap toothed grin.
Early prognosis? Results in goal will improve, but only because they could hardly do otherwise. They'll struggle down the middle, especially with the more physical teams but will have an improved team spirit playing for Brind'Amour. The power play will improve with the additions of Hamilton at the point and Svechnikov's one timer on the wing. I like the Canes chances of being better, and probably being more fun to watch. I only wish I thought the parts added up to a playoff spot. As we sit right now, I don't think they do.
By then, teams generally want their roster at least settled in theory although there's always the depth positions that will be determined by camp battles and such. August tends to be reserved for the last of the free agent moves as clubs start to figure out what holes they have remaining to plug, and depth type trades to shore up positions of weakness and organizational imbalances. Under both Rutherford and Francis this was typically a time to be thinking about adding 4th line grunts and maybe taking a flyer on an undervalued free agent, a salary cap victim from a high budget team or a Euro free agent.
So, looking at the Canes roster (and acknowledging the obvious weakness down the middle of the ice), what's the take on how the Canes set things up going into training camp in 6 or 7 weeks?
Personally, I think they're going to gear up for camp trusting (on paper at least) the middle of the ice to Steal, Necas, Aho and Rask and then see what shakes out. You've also got Saarela, Hallmark, Kuokkanen and Roy from the Checkers' roster to look at in camp as well. If Carolina is truly serious about playing both Necks and Aho at center this season then there's a decent chance that one of those guys will be on the roster for depth if not hanging around to push Rask for that fourth line role. Dangling out there is the issue of Jeff Skinner, but after a flurry of rumors he's still here. I presume that Skinner remains on the market and common sense says that if they move him, the Canes would prefer a center in the deal ... but God only knows at this point. It's clear that they aren't going to to move Skinner just to move him, so that issue is hanging around for now. The wings are much more settled, even with Skinner on the sheet in pencil. Svechnikov adds real quality to the mix, as do Ferland and Zykov. Martinook was added and brings his considerable energy to the mix. McGinn and Williams are coming off of relatively strong showings, and Teravainen is coming off of a career year. There's quality competition for some depth roles too, in the form of Maenalalen and Foegele. Add a center and return Aho to that mix and you've got a really solid and diverse group.
On D things are more settled, although you've still got a will they/won't they issue with Justin Faulk. As things sit now, the likely top 7 of Slavin, de Haan, Hamilton, Pesce, Faulk, TVR and Fleury is quite good. Nice mix if righties and lefties, decent experience, decent size, and a good diversity of skills. Bean, McKeown and Carrick represent decent cover for that group down in Charlotte too. There's freedom to move Faulk without feeling like he has to be replaced like for like, and that's a plus. I suspect that they'll hold out for a move that makes sense of the concerns at forward rather than defense ... which is much easier to accomplish most of the time.
In net, The Canes have the classic "it is what it is" scenario. Unable to find a proven answer in the trade market or free agency, they're betting big on Darling's conditioning program to get him prepared to battle it out with fellow scrapper Petr Mrazek in camp for the starting job. There's not much behind them either as Nedeljkovic, Helvig and Booth all still need significant time in the development oven. You want a team weakness? This and first line center. Staring you in the face with a gap toothed grin.
Early prognosis? Results in goal will improve, but only because they could hardly do otherwise. They'll struggle down the middle, especially with the more physical teams but will have an improved team spirit playing for Brind'Amour. The power play will improve with the additions of Hamilton at the point and Svechnikov's one timer on the wing. I like the Canes chances of being better, and probably being more fun to watch. I only wish I thought the parts added up to a playoff spot. As we sit right now, I don't think they do.
