The Hurricanes signed Matthew Pistilli as a free agent out of the Quebec junior league after he was passed over in the draft over concerns about his skating ability.
In this article from the Montreal Gazette, Pistilli talks about his offseason work with a trainer to try and get better.
Pistilli racked up 45 goals and 41 assists for Shawinigan this year after putting up 37 goals and 93 points for Gatineau the previous season. Now he's headed to camp with the Hurricanes. This is his third summer working with Landreville and he gives the trainer all the credit.
At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Pistilli always had the size and strength to get to the net.
"The problem was with my skating," Pistilli said. "I didn't have the speed. That's where François really helped. It's amazing. I owe it all to him."
Also, former Hurricanes center Eric Belanger is spotlighted in The Hockey News' "Getting to Know" feature, including this embarassing moment.
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at (919) 829-8947, @LukeDeCock on Twitter or 
Comments
Prospal
Mon, 08/03/2009 - 16:58 — robotron2084Maybe it's living too much in the past, but when I saw Vinnie Prospal was bought out, there's a guy I've always wanted to see with the Canes. And maybe now he can be had on the cheap.
One more addition...
Mon, 08/03/2009 - 14:11 — ocolumnAfter the Ward trade, JR said he was looking about and might add one more forward.
Anyone have any ideas regarding who that might be?
Anyone an ESPN Insider? Apparently, there are some Canes' rumors on their tracker.
Pistilli
Mon, 08/03/2009 - 13:40 — HockeydogThis player is my dark horse to make the squad this fall.
He has the size, and from what I read played a very physical game in juniors. I know the roster is pretty full on the forward side, but I think any one of the Canes prospects has a shot if they show the right stuff. Rutherford is focused on size, so maybe this guy has a shot.
99 playoffs
Mon, 08/03/2009 - 10:53 — jejohn8hey luke,
this morning i was watching a summary of the 99 boston / carolina playoff series on NHL Network
it will come on again at 3:00 am
very entertaining.
Belanger's Embarrassing Moment
Mon, 08/03/2009 - 10:11 — schelle92I remember when Belanger got his jersey stuck in the glass. I've never seen that happen any other time and it was quite funny.