Tom Kostopoulos said he's excited -- about moving to Raleigh, about being a part of the Carolina Hurricanes.
"Everything I've heard about the organization is that it's a great organization that treats its players very well," the veteran forward said this morning. "I understand it's a beautiful place to live, where everyone is so friendly and the fans are great.
"And it's an exciting team. It was probably the most exciting team to watch in the playoffs last season."
Kostopoulos had a brief taste of the 2009 playoffs with the Montreal Canadiens, who were swept by the Boston Bruins in the opening round. He then watched as the Canes first finished off the New Jersey Devils in the opening round, then fought past the top-seeded Bruins in another seven-game Eastern Conference series.
"Carolina has the best goaltender in the league (Cam Ward) and a fun team," he said.
Kostopoulos, who signed a three-year contract Tuesday, once played with Canes defensemen Tim Gleason and Joe Corvo while with the L.A. Kings, so he's anxious to catch up with them again. He's also anxious to get into the Canes' lineup and do what he said he does best -- play with a tough, physical edge.
"I think I'm a hard worker," he said. "I try to work hard every day and never take a day off. The Hurricanes have always been a hard-working team, so I think that should work out well.
"There's nothing flashy about my game. I just work hard and play a physical game."
That's what the Canes want and need.
"They seemed interested in me right off the bat and that was a big key for me," he said. "Both parties wanted it done."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Not a saviour
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 11:27 — Hockeydogbut plays a more physical game than Bayda while still scoring at about the same clip if you look at their career stats. Of course he'll say the right things, but leaving the intense
Montreal hockey market for Raleigh will be a welcome relief for him. It will be interesting to see how the forwards shake out over the summer and into camp. I'd guess this move means JR has given up on Bayda. I am not sure this makes a trade of Eaves a forgone conclusion. I'd bet it's more likely that the team goes into camp and sees what they have to work with and then maybe make a minor move- like many teams do.
That sounds boring so I hope I am wrong!!
I'd guess that it's more
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 11:49 — C_LeaguerI'd guess that it's more likely that Eaves gets traded and Bayda gets signed to take that spot. That would save close to $1 million dollars.
destination now
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 10:24 — louis12580We all know that when a player is traded to or signs with a new team they all say the right thing. "Happy to be a part of the organization," (feel free to insert the Canadian accent), "I look forward to playing in (name of city here)", etc. etc. The great thing about this team is it is becoming a team that players really want to play for. Players are always talking amongst themselves, especially during free agency, and when you treat a player and his family well they let the others in the league know it. Couple that with their being left alone, for the most part, by the rest of the citizens and you have a winning team and winning area.
Cameron Ward
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 10:27 — kahzarella"Carolina has the best goaltender in the league (Cam Ward)."
Correct. I'm glad that Nonstopoulos recognizes the greatness of Cameron F. Ward.
I'm glad that Nonstopoulos recognizes the greatness of Cameron F
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 11:56 — SillyRabbitUm no NOT Correct. He's good, but no way the best. I guess you forgot about his mediocre playing for the first part of the season or the 2 years before that or his average play at best in the series against the Pens
Two years ago he was just
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 17:15 — James_Two years ago he was just adjusting into the role. 2006 was only a glimpse of his potential. His stats have improved significantly every year of his career, despite playing behind very mediocre defenses. And ask any dedicated hockey fan, most will tell you he is one of the best.
Well if he
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 08:52 — esteban1949can play his normal game and as it was reported with his connection with Gleason & Corvo, who knows...with some hard work, some luck, and a healthy bench as the season winds down...who knows...could the canes possibly repeat by making yet another long run into the playoffs or dare we even dream...play for the cup ? The only reason i say thisis that Jr is slowly & systematically doing some reshuffling and picking up some key players that could & can be that piece or 2 that we fell just short this last run...so i got me 2 extra rolls of duck tape to make sure I don't fall out my power chair, as i did a couple of times during the playoffs..
Go Canes !!