Forward Zach Boychuk is scheduled to have the surgery Tuesday to remove a pin from his left wrist that was inserted during surgery in July. That means two weeks of very limited work for the team's first-round pick (14th overall) in the 2008 draft.
Boychuk has been impressive in practice and the team is talking contract with him and his agent. No one in management will talk about the terms, but word has it the contract could match the one given Brandon Sutter, the Canes' No. 1 pick in 2007 (11th overall).
Even though team officials love this kid, and they could sign him and let him play in 10 NHL games without it counting as a contract year, it appears he is going back to Lethbridge for another year of junior hockey.
Had the wrist not needed surgery and Boychuk been able to play in preseason games, who knows, especially with Justin Williams out. He's got speed, skill and is a charismatic type. ...
-- Defenseman Frantisek Kaberle has thoroughly impressed the Canes brass with his play in camp and preseason games. Not as much trade talk circulating now. ...
-- Center Matt Cullen had a little stiffness in his neck but was said to be otherwise OK after that blindside hit Sunday against the Flyers. Cullen didn't play the last two periods of the Canes' 1-0 win. ...
-- Could it be that Jeff O'Neill was a few pounds heavier than Canes management hoped he would be coming into camp? The former Canes forward still is fighting for a roster spot and there still are preseason games to play, but time's running short. ...
-- The Canes took time off Monday to play in the Kids 'N Community golf tournament at Prestonwood. Word from the course was that Joe Corvo's team had the low gross score (59) and Ray Whitney's team won low net (45). Assistant coach Tom Rowe was closest to the pin on No. 11 -- one foot, nine inches. And, yes, he made the putt. ...
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
A possible opening?
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 17:49 — aprince27Gonchar is out 4-6 months in Pittsburgh.
Boychuk: People Are Overthinking This
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 11:30 — Storminator16 (not verified)Just because they want to get the kid signed doesn't mean they want him to play on the big club this season.
From what I have seen...
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 09:37 — Anonymous (not verified)From what I have seen... Jeff O'Neill looks old. I feel bad saying that because I wanted him to make the team... but I feel it is safe to say at this point that if he gets a contract it will be because of nostalgia more than his playing ability. It is clear that there is no gas left in the tank for him.
It's too bad too.
What If
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 08:54 — esteban1949What if Boychuk kept the screw in ? What if Jeff O'neill was 15 pounds lighter, when we waddled into camp...and what if Kaberle folded and was mediocre...would Tim Rowe still made the putt ? Like other fans ...some would love to see Boychuk healthier and signed...as the kid has heart and guts like Rosie ...But Chip..."speculation" has never won hockey games sir...grant you i don't live,eat and breathe hockey as i used to..( but i be in recovery hehehe) Like Sgt. Joe Friday used to say " Just the facts ma'm just the facts" ...
Not being ugly mind you...just being a ref...call em like i sees 'em...Go Canes !!
Covering this team involves
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 09:36 — Anonymous (not verified)Covering this team involves more than reporting "just the facts". Luke often gave us insight into what was going on beyond what we saw on the ice & I certainly hope Chip will continue to do this.
Ok Anonymous
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 14:01 — esteban1949I'll give ya that point...and yes Chip is very good at what he does here...better that you or i could do...but in this age of Instant this or that...microwave popcorn and instant pudding...isn't good that sometimes we can just get a few facts or details with out all the wordmanship...some people use ? after all this is NC...not the William & Mary College of Fine arts & lititure ya know !! but again whom ever you is...I agree to respectfully disagree with ya...
Go Canes !
If they want to trade
Mon, 09/29/2008 - 23:07 — Anonymous (not verified)If they want to trade Kaberle, of course the team is going to talk about how great he looks! It seems that fans who've been at practices & preseason games have not been as impressed. I just don't see where he fits in with this team given that we have 7 other NHL defensemen on the roster, plus Conboy- who adds valuable toughness that is otherwise lacking.
I was hoping that Boychuk would get a chance to play before getting sent back. It seems like if they sign him, there would be no harm in giving him a shot given the 10-game exception rule. It doesn't appear that too many of the young guys or free agent tryouts are impressing so far, & there are at least 2 forward spots that need filling...
Of Course He'll Make the Roster
Mon, 09/29/2008 - 23:03 — Johnny (not verified)Kaberle is on the roster no matter what unless we make a trade. He's a one way contract, if he doesnt make the roster that would be the surprise :).
Most entry level contracts are all the same, its only the bonuses that differ so Boychuk's shouldnt be too different.