Dalpe feeling the pressure

Of the three Plymouth players mentioned; Nikos Tselios, Justin Peters, Ondrej Otcenas, only Otcenas was drafted byt Plymouth. Plymouth traded for Peters (Toronto Majors) after he was drafted by Carolina, same with Tselios (Belleville Bulls).

Frankly Otcenas was a flop, he only spent one season with Plymouth.

But other Plymouth players, now on Carolina are Chad LaRose and Justin Williams. And there are a number of former Whalers in the Hurricanes AHL and ECHL farm teams.

The Ohio State coach is on thin ice, after last season, and Dalpe is one of the highest rated NHL prospect players ever.

I haven't looked, but was McBain drafted by a Juniors team? If not, then of course the Canes didn't pressure him to play in Juniors because there's no team for him to report to.
Personally I think this is all blown out of proportion mostly due to some unfortunate statements in the media. There is nothing unusual about suggesting to your draft pick that they consider which league provides the best development. There's no "pressure" in doing that. The fact that his rights are owned by the Whalers just isn't relevant as far as I'm concerned. Juniors is a better place to develop regardless of which team it is. If the Canes nag him repeatedly and/or threaten to trade him if he refuses to leave Ohio State, then that's pressuring him. But this whole notion that the Canes are somehow doing anything that the other 29 NHL teams would never do is absurd.

Unfortunate comments, coach Markell is making a direct attack at the Carolina Hurricanes organization. I am sure it is upsetting, but at the end of the day the best way to the NHL and to be prepared for the NHL is the CHL. They play more games, the travel schedule is arduous, and there is a better talent in the CHL. Zac will have to do what's best for Zac, which will be tough. I hope whatever decision he makes it is the fastest one to wearing Carolina Hurricanes jersey.

For those who still question the situation with Johnson: why? This Dalpe story tells me all I need to know what happened now. For you Caniacs who continue to stay ignorant, then I don't know what else to say.

Jack Johnson chose to drink cheap beer with his college buddies at Michigan rather than win a Stanley Cup...great decision...and now he can be a virtual unknown in LA for another 5 years until they can build a competitive team...good choice...sounds like Jack is getting some "good" advice or perhaps he is just his own man! Good luck Jack!

Before the season at Michigan was completed or likely even started - the trade took place (Sept 26, 2006). I don't blame Johnson for jumping ship after 2 spectacular seasons (statistically speaking) at Michigan (didn't win the title either year). At that point - nearly 6 months later and at the end of the Michigan season - Johnson signed and played for 5 games. The need for Defense and Johnson's willingness to stay at Michigan in my opinion is what caused the trade. Had we waited the entire year, would Johnson have wanted to go back for his Junior year at M? We don't know. We didn't get that chance. But don't post on here whose fault it is without a little bit of reasoning in your response.

Look, unless any of us knew Jack Johnson personally (I doubt any of us did) or unless any of us are in the inner circle of the Canes Management - we don't and won't fully know the Jack Johnson situation. All we really know is what was ever published ... so lets look at that. It was published many times Jack wanted to attend Michigan. No secret there. He wanted to win a National Title. It was also published that the Canes were trying to get him to play for us after his freshman year (05-06). He says he's not ready and wants to keep trying for a title at Michigan. The Canes (who were playing quite well as we all remember - were by all published accounts upset). The Canes tried again during his sophomore year to get him to sign, again, he said he wasn't ready. Based on that, it looks to me like the Canes were rushing him. The Canes needed defense - especially in 06-07 - something had to be done.

Have to wonder about the OSU coach's comments. There was no indication at all that the Canes tried to get Jamie McBain not to honor his commitment to Wisconsin. In fact, Ron Francis met with him personally after this past season and encouraged him to return for his junior year. McBain was also a 2nd round pick, and is now considered to be a solid NHL prospect. So this would seem to contradict the statement that the Canes try to get players to not honor their college commitments. I can also assure you that plenty of other teams have tried to convince Badger players to change their minds, so suggesting that no other NHL teams put pressure on their draftees is not very convincing.

Couldn't be worse.

With the record of the 3 players mentioned (Nikos Tselios, Justin Peters, Ondrej Otcenas) that have gone thru Plymouth, you'd wonder why Karmanos or the organization continues to do this?