The Hurricanes now have four players on their roster who began the season with the Albany River Rats of the AHL.
Center Brandon Sutter and defenseman Bryan Rodney were the first to arrive. Injuries to goaltender Michael Leighton and forward Scott Walker now will have goalie Justin Peters and forward Pat Dwyer on the roster tonight for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Dwyer was called up today from the Rats, and center Eric Staal placed on injured reserve.
"We've had some things to maneuver," Canes coach Paul Maurice said today. "But we've had some success bringing in some kids to play. Bryan Rodney has come in and played very, very well. Paddy Dwyer can skate and he's playing very well in the American League."
Sutter has five goals and three assists since being called up Oct. 24 and arguably has been the Canes' best player.
"What we're seeing now is his speed that maybe we didn't even anticipate at this age," Maurice said. "This kid is skating. When you have the head that's there and the hands that are there, we're very, very excited about where he's at right now and what he means for the future of this franchise.
"If he can step in and continue to play just as he is now, our 1-2 punch with Staal and Sutter will look pretty dependable."
The Canes have yet to play Washington Capitals or Atlanta Thrashers, two division teams, but already have played the Minnesota Wild twice.
After tonight, the Canes will have played the Leafs twice. Go figure. NHL scheduling never has been a well-defined science.
On Nov. 6, the Canes hosted the Maple Leafs and lost 3-2, falling to last in the NHL. The Canes are 1-2-2 since that game -- a sign of some progress -- while the Leafs are 1-4-0 with four consecutive losses. Both teams have three wins and 11 points.
"We've liked our process for a couple of weeks," Maurice said. "We had a first period against (the LA Kings) but other than that, the fight's been pretty good. The battle's been there.
"I thinking they're starting to realize the difference between when we're going and when we're not going, and they're saying the right things on the bench to get us going. It has not been an easy time around here, by any means, but the process has improved ...and we'll hang our hat on that."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
random thoughts
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 17:57 — HockeydogI think I'd trade Samsonov. While he has scored on occasion with the team, he doesn't play a physical game. He is mostly a dangler that can't finish. Now if he had 2 highly skilled linemates he would be more effective with his ability to sometimes come up with the beauty assist. I like him but on this current team his limited abilities don't really shine thru very much.
While LaRose is a bust at his current salary, he does attempt to be physical, and sometimes is effective at knocking a man off the puck or agitating. I wouldn't hesitate trading him, but his energy right now is more useful than Sammi's dangling.
Alberts has played pretty well. He is one recently signed player who is in fact giving the team just what they thought he would. ( unlike Yelle and Nostpoulos)
I don't mind Gleason, and wouldn't rush to trade him, but I think he's a little overrated on this board. Heck of a team guy, but his basic defensive abilities are not what I'd call shut down.
dustinlammers is spot on saying the time for Brindy to retire gracefully has passed.
If you look at what really made Brindy the player he was, you'd find hard work, determination, intensity, and a desire to finish what he started. Those personality
traits are of a man who will fight to the bitter end. He won't retire this year, and may in fact finish his contract.
- Alberts has played a lot
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 16:24 — dustinlammers- Alberts has played a lot better than Aaron Ward or Niclas Wallin, he is a lot more physical and doesn't seem to be as awkward with the puck in transition. But I agree his is nothing more than a 3rd pairing kind of guy.
- I think we need to get younger and faster but I agree one of Cullen or Whitney will get re-signed, perhaps after being dealt at the deadline for young prospects/draft picks.
- I'm hoping that Rutherford doesn't sign anyone to a 'no-trade' clause again. Just think what would have happened if we could have gotten Pitkanen for Wallin a few years back (when Pitkanen was still in Philly). I'm sure there would have been some other pieces added, but to have Cole, Pitkanen and Justin Williams right now would be nice.
- Sutter has played awesome this year, constant effort every shift and it's one of things that I've enjoyed watching this season. I have also liked watching Rodney add some jump.
- I also hope these is someway Brind'Amour is not around next season. I love what's done and meant to the franchise, but how can he play another season when his body is another year worn down and older? No way. Maybe a buyout will happen, but I can't see the management doing that just b/c of respect to him.
- I'm anxious to see Carson and McBain get shots with the big club, maybe near the end of the season. Gleason and Pitkanen are the only untouchables on defense in my mind.
Albert's
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 16:45 — GoShelfSo far I've really liked the way he's played, for a big guy he move's quite well. Based on his play so far I've got no problem with re-signing him for more money, but I don't think I want to see him in our top 4, for a 5th/6th defensemen he's perfect.
Brindy - I think we owe it to him for what he's done for this franchise to let him make the decision. Retiring from hockey is like losing a really close friend, I think he knows that and is going to play as long as he thinks he's productive, I don't blame him for wanting to squeeze every last drop.
In regards to Brind'Amour -
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 16:59 — dustinlammersIn regards to Brind'Amour - the decision to retire gracefully has come and past, I think it's up to him ultimately. To be making the top money on the team behind Staal is pretty outrageous considering he's -17 (or whatever). His TOI needs to be limited. I hope he won't be offered a new contract at the end of 2011 season. It would be graceful and respectful to the organization to retire after this season.
Agreed
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 17:26 — GoShelfI don't know if he's past the retire gracefully stage yet. I agree his icetime needs to be reduced, I think his PK time needs to go down big time, we have other good penalty killers, I think he's probably more effective with less minutes. He's still great in the faceoff circle.
Brind'Amour
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 18:14 — hearthesoundI would think the end of last year would have been ideal, but you can't fault Brindy for wanting to make good on last year. It's obvious that he's past his best, and he'll be overpaid on the 4th line, but once the team gets healthy I think you'll see his minutes reduced. I think Rutherford will give him the option of retiring at the end of the year, if Brindy doesn't do it himself... I hope it goes that way, he deserves to go out with his head held high for all of his past contributions.
i had to
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 15:54 — esteban1949smile as all of you have made great points & facts. but there is one unknown factor...
And that is, even if all of our guess & ideas were to come to pass...how does that help the Canes play with some respectability now & finish the end of the season alot higher in the standings than they are now ? Not trying to rain on anyone's parade...but before we play wheel of fortune and see who we will or might get for...when we just his the first quarter spot on this season ...and for those who are going tonight...Be safe & have fun...I be stuck with Live TV...hehehe
Go Canes !!
The Plan
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 15:20 — hearthesoundJust my thoughts on what we're dealing with: This is a bad result, but it all fits in with Rutherford's plan.
Just looking at the player salaries and contracts, it's very obvious that Rutherford was giving this current Canes team, as we know and love it, one last run before going with a younger roster. As many of you have noted, unrestricted free agents like: Walker, Wallin, Corvo, Ward, Leighton, and Conboy were all going to be gone at the end of the year. What he didn't anticipate was that these guys would have such a HUGE drop off in performance this year. When you add to that players like Brind'Amour and to a lesser extent Cole fading ahead of when you might expect them to, you have a recipe for disaster.
If I was in his shoes, I would expect all of these players to be motivated to have one last, great year together. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case. With regard to the youngsters (Boychuck, etc) it really does make sense to give them the year in the AHL. Those players have that year to develop without the big-league pressures they'll definitely face next year. Plus, with the salary cap hits of the old players, and future cost and potential free agency for those young guys, you're almost forced to wait. Sure, it's going to make this season absolutely brutal, but they'll end the year with a couple good prospects from trades and a great draft pick. Next year this team will be right back in the mix of playoff contenders I predict. Rushing up the kids could hurt their long term growth, and won't get us into the playoffs anyway.
Dwyer brings nothing
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 16:29 — mrrichmond49Right. But Dwyer brings nothing to the table.
Dwyer
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 18:20 — hearthesoundYou are absolutely right on in your frustration. Problem is, other than the chosen kids that need to stay down and develop (and not burn an eligibility year) I'm not sure there is a player that can come in and contribute from Albany.
You Win a Cigar
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 14:17 — SkylinerYour assessment is right on the money but I'd have to add to your "wish-list" of non-returning players.... Brind'Amour, Alberts and Gleason....though I realize you value Gleason more highly than I, but others do as well. I'm aware of Albert's contract, however. Say it ain't so (Joe)....don't even mention dealng Samsonov...one of our most skilled players and maybe among the top 3 skaters in the league. He's not having a good year for us, but who, save 2 players, are? And Cullen at 33 still has a lot of good games left in him plus we need him on the kill. Strange thing, management thought process: Last year our goal was to get bigger and better. That did not happen. Now we're hearing talk about younger and faster. That would be something to hope for so we'll see... Meanwhile, I do not want Ward and Straal or Pitkanen to come back too soon regardless of our poor record. The season is "effectively 25 per cent" over and chances for our recovery or to make a run at a playoff birth (especially with the players we have now) does seem a long shot. Management is certainly too savvy to put valuable players on the ice before their healing is complete. We'll probably see how dedicated management is to fielding a winning team before trade deadline and what is done off-season regarding player movement. Let's us not go after Mr. Rutherford too vigoroualy with our frustration. We're all frustrated. Yep, mistakes, he's made 'em, but let us not forget he did bering us Ruutu, Samsonov, Jokinen. I'd like to have three to draw to like that in any poker game. Go get 'em tonight fellas!!!
Alberts
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 15:24 — hearthesoundI agree Alberts ain't cutting it, but he should never be considered more than a 6th or 7th defenseman... His salary is in line with that and he's only on the books one extra year. He doesn't have trade value really, unless a team is really short on depth, like the Canes are right now. I expect that we'll see a nice big time defenseman either end of spring or over the summer as a free agent, and a player like Alberts will have a much reduced role next year, if he's even around.
Transitioning to a Younger, Faster Team and the New NHL
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 13:11 — abramsdougThere is a trend across the entire NHL that is evident in observing even for a few days the NHL games broadcast on Center Ice. Chicago, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Philadelphia, and Washington are prime examples. The NHL is becoming a place where young, highly skilled, fast, and hard-hitting, not to mention increasingly large in size, players are starting to dominate. Of course, key veteran players will continue to be major forces on the ice.
Staal, Sutter, and Boychuk fit the pattern of this trend. I heard an announcer for one of the teams comment after a young player scorched a defense for a coast to coast goal -- "Welcome to the new NHL." Jim Rutherford has been straight forward and direct in acknowledging the Hurricanes in 2010-2011 will be younger, faster, larger, and more physical than the team of 2009-2010. The question is who will be retained during this transition. I predict either Whitney or Cullen will be re-signed, but not both. Both are excellent players and it would be a sad day to lose either one. I predict Walker, Leighton, A.Ward, Wallin, Yelle, and Ryan will not be re-signed in order to make room on the roster for younger players. It appears to me that Jim Rutherford will seek to trade LaRose. I tend to think that Cole will not be traded due to his speed and his size. I would not be surprised to see Samsonov traded; but I think that is less likely that LaRose being traded.
In place of some very popular veteran players, there will be young, fast, enthusiastic players who are part of the new generation of NHL players. They will approach their NHL careers having had excellent coaching from the time they put on skates. They will see in their mind's eye, Malkin, Ovechkin, and Crosby. It will be fast, hardhitting, intense hockey. For the Hurricanes organization and their fans, the transition will also be extremely exciting, but will not be without some mind numbing mistakes by young, talented players. The house, so to speak, won't be blown up and leveled; but some significant remodeling is about to occur.
Changes
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 13:53 — GoShelfTough to say what will happen. It would make the most sense to trade Whitney, Samsonov, LaRose, and Corvo. Unfortunately, the only guys with value are Whitney, Corvo, and Cullen (Chicago's rumored to want him). I don't imagine Ward, Wallin, Walker, Whitney, or Yelle will be re-signed (almost all W's). Likely case for finishing in the basement: Get 1st or 2nd draft pick, trade someone above for additional 1st rounder, fill holes with cheap UFA's.
Why Dwyer?
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 12:57 — mrrichmond49Pat Dwyer a kid, huh? The guy is as old as LaRose and Ruutu. He’s a career AHLer who has had cracks at the NHL and proven he does not belong. The lone bright spots in this dismal season have been in two areas: 1) The play of the kids - Brandon Sutter, Boychuk (in the one game we were allowed to see him), and to a lesser degree the play of Rodney. 2) The fact that for once in their entire existence, the Canes are actually outhitting their opponents. So we have a need for a player and we call up … Pat Dwyer… Yes indeed. Step right up folks, grab a ticket to this one, you won’t want to miss the exciting play of Pat Dwyer. He can dump the puck in like nobody’s business. He can give some quality minutes and you won’t even notice when he’s on the ice. And you can count on not actually making contact with an opposing player on the ice so it's safe for the kiddies.
Way to go Rutherford and Maurice. Way to give fans a reason to come to the arena and shell out their money. Come on, give us something that at least is entertaining and that gives us some hope for next year. Losing is one thing, it happens. Teams go though slumps. But these types of safe, short-sighted, easy decisions are maddening. How about Boychuk? A future top line winger for us. How about Samson who’s twelth overall in scoring in the AHL and actually might do something at the NHL level?
Dwyer
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 13:34 — GoShelf2 reasons: Cap & RFA status. We're better served by keeping Boychuk & Bowman in the minors because we delay when they become RFA's. Dwyer costs less than half of what Boychuk costs towards the cap. Essentially JR's being cheap.
CAP Issues
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 14:21 — abramsdougAnother possible consideration is that Rutherford is saving money and cap space now to have it available should a player they want come through on the waiver wire. Virtually every team is having cap issues; and clearly Rutherford would love to make a trade. Being frugal now may be quite helpful soon. Additionally, Dwyer has been doing very well in the AHL and has penalty-killing ability. If I were Maurice/Francis/Rutherford, I'd be giving players like Dwyer a chance to audition for a permanent spot next year. I would like to see players such as Samson get an opportunity this year as well. I believe they are already committed to having Boychuk on a top line next year. They are seasoning him this year, I believe.
Yes
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 14:49 — GoShelfI think he still believes we can pull this out and wants to have flexibility at the trade deadline or via grabbing someone off of waivers, which makes sense. If we're still in the basement going into January, it's going to be a firesale and the cap's not going to matter we'll probably move 3-4 players for draft picks/younger cheaper players.
Cullen
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 12:51 — garybdiverCan't argue the dollars, but last time Cullen has allowed to leave a few months later he was back. Sutter becomes a RFA the same year Roddie's contract is up. Maybe something can be worked out. I for one would like to see Cllen stay. He'll only be 33 next season.
Doesn't it make a lot of
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 12:46 — coughlin_jakeDoesn't it make a lot of sense of bring up kids for fans to root for, even if we don't immediately start winning? Certainly, there's nothing to root for in established players losing games.
And I'm sick to death of Eric Staal. What's he done for us, lately? Who's our next "Eric Staal"?
Reading between the lines...
Thu, 11/19/2009 - 12:21 — ctillReading between the lines... if Staal and Sutter are the top two centers going forward, one can see why there are trade rumors about Cullen who will be a free agent. I like Cullen's play a lot, but he makes $2.8M which is not cheap for a 3rd-line center. . . particularly when we're stuck with Brind'amour's $3.0M contract until June 2011.