The Hurricanes have decided to send forward Zach Boychuk back to his junior team, Lethbridge (WHL).
Boychuk, Carolina's first-round pick last June, played in two games after recovering from wrist surgery. The first year of his entry-level contract now rolls over to next season; the Canes cannot recall him or send him to Albany (AHL) until Lethbridge's season ends.
He sat out Carolina's third period in Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Kings, with all 9:21 of his ice time coming in the first two periods, and played 14:45 in Sunday's win over Anaheim.
Lethbridge's next game is Tuesday.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Zach helps the Hurricanes
Tue, 10/21/2008 - 23:19 — esteban1949In Zach Boychuk's first game back and along with 5 other Hurricane players,rolled over the Prince George Cougars with a final score of 6-1 !
Go Canes !!
What about Nolan
Tue, 10/21/2008 - 11:47 — Anonymous (not verified)He's 25 and a RFA. He's ready to play or he's ready to be traded. Kaberle and Nolan would be something to throw at the wild for Gaborik?
:-)
Yea, right.
Why not use all 10 games?
Tue, 10/21/2008 - 11:34 — Michael Procton (not verified)The kid was certainly accounting well for himself. What was the incentive for us to have sent him down before we needed to?
Zach--money saving measure?
Tue, 10/21/2008 - 04:00 — Anonymous (not verified)I wonder how much this was a money-saving measure? I'm assuming Zach was getting paid, even though his full contract didn't kick in because he didn't play 10 games. We're over the self-imposed cap, save some $$$$ by sending him back to juniors?
Maybe Scott Walker is a quick healer
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 23:37 — Biff_BeersScott Walker coming off the IR sooner than expected would be the best reason for sending Boychuk down before they had to. However, Walker is not even halfway through his six-week recovery period. Any chance his injury was not as bad as they originally thought?
I don't see Walker coming
Tue, 10/21/2008 - 08:10 — FuquayCaniacI don't see Walker coming back in after being out for 3 weeks. It wasn't just the injury, but the required surgery that has him out 6 weeks. Byut perhaps we'll see him in 5...
Sent to Lethbridge
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 21:25 — Mike (not verified)Isn't this the reason Lavoilette got himself in hot water at the end of last year.......this is the time to let these kids take their lumps....Sutter is a great find, and from watching the games Boychuck at least showed energy and hustle. Was he always in the right spot, maybe not, but he didn't look lost out there. The kids are going to lead us this year....let them LEAD!
C'mon. You have to know
Wed, 10/22/2008 - 19:54 — Anonymous (not verified)C'mon. You have to know Laviolette doesn't make these decisions. That's the GMs job after he gets input.
I don't think Ruutu will be
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 20:09 — Jonathan (not verified)I don't think Ruutu will be available for a while sadly, but don't forget the trade rumors either. Melichar has been a healthy scratch for every game so far, and Babchuk has only played one game. That's usually a sign of your time being up with whatever team you are on at the moment. It has been said that they are working a deal for a top 6 forward, that is rumored to be Boston's Peter Schafer, and Boston is looking for a puck moving dman, which Babchuk could potentially be that. The only names floating around trade talks though are Corvo and Kaberle, neither I see going anywhere.
Vancouvers Matt Pettingers
Tue, 10/21/2008 - 06:51 — Anonymous (not verified)Vancouvers Matt Pettingers name keeps poppiung up too, I am not sold on that move though.
Back to lethbridge
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 20:06 — esteban1949Well i hate to see the kid go but Lethbridge can use him...as the team from calgary are running over everybody in their divison...as it was pointed out, Dwight Helminen would be a logical pick to call up...and yes Acoin who is just tearing folks up with the hershey bears...has played a game already i believe for the capitals...and gave as good as he got...the other 2 on the rats roster that could or might be called up...but i wouldn't just yet...are Jakub Petruzalek and Marc Cavosie...but in this day and age...with all the injuries...one never knows...do we ? Go Canes !!
Probably Dwight Helminin as he is listed as the 5th line center
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 17:19 — JustListenenon the Canes depth chart.
He's also the leading RiverRat scorer with 2 goals and 2 assists in 3 games. Since he's a center that would allow Dan LaCouture to play on the wing.
It's too bad that Keith Aucoin got away ... as he is oleading the AHL with 14 points ... 4 goals and 10 assists in 6 games.
although listed as a
Tue, 10/21/2008 - 06:49 — Anonymous (not verified)although listed as a center, boychuk was filling a depleted winger roll.
Gillies is next on the winger depth chart, unless they are looking for more of a positional player.
so
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 16:33 — wylde4canes (not verified)who gets the callup, That leaves us short at forwat unless Ruutu is ready.
Ruutu
Tue, 10/21/2008 - 12:40 — TheOriginalCaniac (not verified)Ruutu skated today but didn't practice with the group. This is a good sign. Maybe he will play on Thursday.