The David Tanabe saga with the Carolina Hurricanes has ended. So has Tanabe's hockey career, according to his agent.
Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said today that the team had reached a settlement with the defenseman that will pay the former first-round draft pick $850,000 over the next three years.
Neil Sheehy, Tanabe's agent, said the player had been advised by doctors that it would be dangerous to continue playing hockey.
"His career is over," Sheehy said. "The reality of it is the doctors told him not to play and he will not play. He will not be signing with a European team or any other team. His career has ended."
Tanabe missed the last 49 games last season because of an apparent concussion in a Dec. 18 game against Toronto. The Canes sought to buy out the last year of his contract after the season, but Tanabe's injured status led to a grievance being filed by the NHL Players Association.
The Hurricanes had requested an arbitration hearing this month to resolve the issue, but Rutherford said today it was not needed as the two sides were able to reach a settlement. Tanabe, who would have been owed $900,000 this season by the Hurricanes, becomes an unrestricted free agent, Rutherford said.
"Everything has been taken care of," Rutherford said.
Jonathan Weatherdon, an NHLPA spokesman, said the process is still ongoing and "not 100 percent finalized" but that the settlement on the grievance filed by the NHLPA on Tanabe's behalf was "close" to being accepted by the NHLPA and the NHL.
There are no CBA issues to be resolved, in that both sides reached a settlement on the grievance before going to arbritration.
Sheehy confirmed the terms of the settlement, noting, "Everything is all set."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
He wasn't that bad
Mon, 10/20/2008 - 09:02 — golfpro827 (not verified)The guy always was the subject of every fan's grievenace, however, he consistently lead our team in +/-. I wish him the best of luck.
Good riddance to bad
Fri, 10/17/2008 - 22:18 — Anonymous (not verified)Good riddance to bad rubbish. Tanabe was a pain from the time the Canes drafted him. From stiffing Paul Coffee to his mysterious concussion he has been a problem from day one. I do hope he isn't as injured as his agent claims, but I have serious doubts. He left on bad terms the first time and the second time wasn't much better. My gut says this guy is in for a lifetime of bad relationships.
A sad way to go
Fri, 10/17/2008 - 22:02 — esteban1949even if it's a player No one likes from another team...No one should have had to endure that kind of uncertainty...it's too bad that a good and decent player has to have his career cut short like this...who was the chowder head ho knocked DT down and out like that anyway ? If JR loves the Canes so much...I'd file suit against the team and the player for depriving the canes of a good player...and if the canes were to win...then split the pot with Tanabe...as an little something extra to let Tanabe know that he was appreciated...but should any of us hold our breath ?? Not really...after all everyone takes their chances when they step out on to the ice don't they ?
Go Canes !!
PS Albany won 5-4 Go Rats !!!!
You know
Sat, 10/18/2008 - 01:22 — Anonymous (not verified)You know, every time you post on here I think it's impossible for you to be less coherent and every time, you surprise me by being even more inane.
Hey Anonymous
Sat, 10/18/2008 - 13:26 — esteban1949Was that Inane or Insane ? ...either one is better than being anal retentive...no ? And before i forget...I ment to ask you...are you going to dress up like JR for holloween or as denis savard?
Inane...hehehe...esteban is laughing so hard...that Maryland just scored on Wake....Have a blessed weekend...anyway...:-}
Go Canes,Rats,Chiefs !!
I didn't make the original
Sat, 10/18/2008 - 15:41 — Anonymous (not verified)I didn't make the original comment so I can’t say for certain, but I'm guessing that, yes, he or she meant inane.
At any rate, that's the word I would've picked.
Tanabe had some good times
Fri, 10/17/2008 - 19:21 — caneshockeyfanTanabe had some good times and some bad times with the Hurricanes. While his defensive game was frustrating to witness, he looked like nature's gift to hockey when he carried the puck through open ice. It's sad to see his career cut short. I wish him well.
I wasn't a huge fan of David
Fri, 10/17/2008 - 16:29 — Anonymous (not verified)I wasn't a huge fan of David Tanabe... but he did start to pick his game up before he got injured... to the point where I was actually pulling for him.
It's sad. I blame the "bizarre" behavior on his agent... Hopefully he can find work doing other things. I'm sure he is a great guy and I wish him luck...
CBA/cap implications
Fri, 10/17/2008 - 16:24 — C-Leaguer (not verified)What are the CBA/Cap implications of this move? How was this move allowed under the CBA? It doesn't adhere to the terms of a buyout per the CBA. Need some answers here Chip.
NHLPA
Fri, 10/17/2008 - 17:41 — chipalexander (author)blog has been updated with NHLPA response
Concussion aside...Tanabe's
Fri, 10/17/2008 - 15:35 — Anonymous (not verified)Concussion aside...Tanabe's game was better suited to Europe. His skating was the best part of his game, the larger ice in Europe coupled with the more skating-less physical type of hockey would have done him well. One tour of duty would have been enough in Carolina, this was a signing last summer that really was more out of desparation than need for JR.
Here's to ya, Dave
Fri, 10/17/2008 - 14:31 — W Stout (not verified)Thanks for the effort and hope all goes well for you!
It's Sad
Fri, 10/17/2008 - 14:13 — fizzbeeWhile I was never a fan of David Tanabe, it's sad to see any athelete's career end this way. I wish him good health and prosperity in his future endeavors.
Glad its over...
Fri, 10/17/2008 - 13:54 — Johhnyg (not verified)I am glad this drama is over.
Sorry to see any players career cut short, and I wish Tanabe the best.