Reader Lani Seelinger gets credit for this week's topic, which I think is an excellent one. Who would your all-time, all-Canes team be?
Francis is obviously the center, I'd put Wesley for one defenseman and Irbe for the goalie without thinking about it (that last one might be thanks to a little bias on my part), but I can't fill the other positions without a little bit of thought. Maybe I'm missing something obvious. Anyway, just something to think about.
(The fine print: Players should be measured based on what they've done in a Carolina uniform since 1997.)
Here's how I'd fill out the roster:
C Ron Francis, 1998-2004
RW Jeff O'Neill, 1997-2004
LW Ray Whitney, 2005-
D Glen Wesley, 1997-2003, 2003-2008
D Sean Hill, 1997-2000, 2001-2004
G Arturs Irbe 1998-2004
But obviously, you could argue that Rod Brind'Amour or Eric Staal -- based on what they've done since the team moved to N.C. -- could get the nod over Francis, or Cam Ward over Irbe, for that matter. (I think it's going to be pretty tough to knock Wesley out of the frame, but maybe someone can make a case.)
Brind'Amour, just for example, is ahead of Francis in games(534-472), points (403-354), goals (149-118) and assists (254-236) since 1997. And while Francis helped legitimize the franchise when few would or could, Brind'Amour did captain the team to a Stanley Cup. To me, that's a real toss-up. I put Francis in there because that's what Lani suggested, but starting from scratch, I think I'd go with Brind'Amour.
Left wing in particular is wide open -- Bates Battaglia, Martin Gelinas, Ray Whitney and Cory Stillman just to start, not to mention Jan Hlavac -- although you could make the argument that Sami Kapanen, nominally a right wing, played on the left with Francis and Jeff O'Neill.
I went with Sean Hill, who always put up numbers with Carolina, but Niclas Wallin and Bret Hedican both played on two Stanley Cup finals teams. Wallin has played in 406 games and Hedican and Hill 369 each.
Feel free to either post your own all-time all-Canes team or comment on mine or anyone else's. At the end of the week, we'll come up with a "consensus" team and compare it to my team and see where we differ.
And as always, keep sending your topics to luke.decock@newsobserver.com. I have a handful in the queue but we'll keep this going right through camp and into the season if people want to keep suggesting topics.
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 829-8947 or 
Comments
Canes Team
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 13:45 — Brian (not verified)C - Rod Brind'Amour
(tough to choose between him and Francis, but it came down to 3 stats.
Games/Points: Brind'Amour 1.325 Francis 1.333
Plus/Minus: Brind'Amour -10 Francis -37
Games/Game Winning Goals: Brind'Amour 20.5 Francis 27.8)
RW - Sami Kapanen
LW - Erik Cole
(Another difficult choice, but it's hard to give the nod to Whitney after only 3 years. Plus, Cole has a career +/- of +10 and 24 GWG)
D - Glen Wesley
D - Sean Hill
G - Arturs Irbe
(There's really only 2 choices - Irbe or Ward. And Irbe, stat-wise, might have been helped out by the good old trap.)
here ya go....
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 08:25 — johnnyg (not verified)C- Future Considerations
FW- Anson Carter
FW- Darcy Hordichuk
D- David Tanabe
D- Anton Babchuk
G- Jamie Storr
haha
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 09:43 — Anonymous (not verified)haha
hey! you forgot john
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 19:56 — Anonymous (not verified)hey! you forgot john grahame!!!!!!!
Here we go...
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 14:12 — johnnyg (not verified)...Lets all pile on the Grahame hating bandwagon.
Grahame is a decent goalie, his job was as backup. he did his job but just didnt seem to fit. He is no longer here, get over it.
but grahame won
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 07:44 — Anonymous (not verified)but John Grahame won many games and played for a couple years here, that doesn't fit with this post.
Nice one!
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 09:04 — Anonymous (not verified)Future Consideration was lighting it up last season! I've heard he's a great guy off the ice too - a real locker room leader. I can't wait until he gets here!
My thoughts on this
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 05:11 — jerryskid315Everyone is right. It is fun to post your favorite all time team but the validity of right vs. wrong is in the mind of the poster. That being said may favorite canes to go watch play hockey are...
C- Rod Brind'Amour
RW- Justin Williams
LW- Martin Gelinas
D- Aaron Ward
D- Glen Wesley
G- Arturs Irbe
Your list
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 08:49 — Anonymous (not verified)Well done!!!
Agree w/ Luke's original
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 21:52 — Anonymous (not verified)Agree w/ Luke's original list: Francis, O'Neill, Cole, Wesley, Hill, Irbe (if we are going by position).
Some people say "Brind'Amour brought us a Cup" in arguing for him over Ronnie, but compare the '02 team to the '06 team. The '06 team battled for the top spot overall for the entire season, while the '02 team fought to make the playoffs & was a true cinderella. Winning the Cup is winning the Cup, but I have much respect for what Ronnie did back in '02 as our MVP all season & nearly shocking the world against a Detroit team w/ like 9 future HOF's . This is not to mention what others have said about the legitimacy he gave this franchise in NC starting in '99. The guy should have a permanent spot reserved on the All-Canes team, at least until Rod wins another Cup or Staal turns into Gretzky.
Canes All Time
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 19:20 — HockeyDude (not verified)OK for starters there should only be 6 chosen, with 3 forwards, 2 D, and 1 goalie. Forwards; Francis, Brind'Amour, Staal. Defence; Wesley and Ward. Goalie; Ward. I think you have to think in terms of Hall of Fame, Conn Smythe, and clutch performances.
Cole...
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 15:38 — ldecock (author)I think I should point out for the record that while Cole is listed as a LW, his best hockey has been played on the right, whether on the BBC Line or with Cory Stillman and Eric Staal. If you ask me, he should be considered as such. I think Sami Kapanen fits on either side.
(And yes, mentioning Jan Hlavac was a joke. I think there are some out there who would say I could omit the word "mentioning" when discussing his time in a Carolina uniform.)
eric cole on all star team???????
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 15:22 — BIGMIKE (not verified)what are you thinking??? eric cole was a decent hurricane player (before) and was horrible after getting injuried in the pitt game in '06. the only way you could make a point for him is that he has good recovery skills by coming back after his injury only to get his butt kicked and TRADED. Not worth the all star vote! on the other hand i agree with what luke had to say. good team except for sammy KAPANEN for ray WHITNEY at LW.
Luke DeCock. I certainly
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 15:01 — Andrei Kovalenko (not verified)Luke DeCock. I certainly hope that was nothing more than a dry attempt at humor when you included Jan Hlavac on this list. -- unless you are talking about best Stanley Cup Final rematch performances.
And "Kenshi" im sorry but how can you include Patrick Eaves as one of the all time greatest players for the canes? Hes only scored 1 goal since joining the team..... Why dont we just throw in Goal Scoring Machine Steve Halko, while we're at it? This should be a list about what people have done for Carolina, not just career-wise--- if that were the case then Weight and Recchi would have to be on there.
That's very funny, coming
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 17:06 — Anonymous (not verified)That's very funny, coming from a guy named for the worst dresser (and most useless pile of junk...until Pavel Brendl anyway) to ever play for this team.
Kenshi
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 14:41 — Anonymous (not verified)Patrick Eaves?? He's only played 11 game with the Canes...
All-Time Canes
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 13:08 — JD (not verified)Centers: Staal, Francis, Brind'Amour, Dineen
Left Wingers: Whitney, Cole, Roberts, Kapanen
Right Wingers: Sheppard, Williams, O'Neill, TBD
Defense: Wesley, Hill, Ward, Hedican, Corvo, Coffey (Markov could have made an argument if he was here longer)
Goaltender: Irbe, Weekes
let me justify . . .
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 12:05 — Lani (not verified)I agree that Brind'Amour has accomplished more than Francis ever did in a Canes uniform on the ice, but what he brought to the team when he did was so valuable that I think I have to give him that spot. Plus, look at the team that he led to the Final vs. the team that Brindy led to the Cup. It is a toss-up, though. And Brindy's still got a few years to go. Here's what I've got for the rest:
C Ron Francis
LW Sami Kapanen
RW Justin Williams
D Glen Wesley
D Aaron Ward
G Arturs Irbe
A full roster would include most of the guys that everyone's already said (Brind'Amour, Staal, O'Neill, C Ward, etc.) but I think you also have to consider the energy line as something different, so I'd also give spots to K Adams, C Adams, and LaRose.
All time team
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 11:04 — kenshiC - R. Brind'Amour
C - R. Francis
C - E. Staal
C - M. Cullen
RW - S. Kapanen
RW - J. Williams
RW - S. Walker
RW - P.Eaves
LW - R. Whitney
LW - E. Cole
LW - C. Stillman
LW - S. Samsonov
D - G. Wesley
D - S. Hill
D - B. Hedican
D - A. Ward
D - P. Coffey
D - J. Corvo
G - C. Ward
G - A. Irbe
Choices based on ability/stats and personal preferences and NOT organized in order of lines ;)
Time out. Patrick Eaves? Are
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 14:27 — Anonymous (not verified)Time out. Patrick Eaves? Are you kidding me? What about guys like Jeff O'Neill? And Sergei Samsonov? What about Marty Gelinas?
Hi
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 07:39 — Joann (not verified)My comments is.The yr that carolina hurricanes won stanley cup i had ball that yr because i went to 4 games that yr.
GO CANES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wilmigton,NC
How about another rule?
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 13:41 — AD (not verified)You can only "play" if you can string a proper sentence together.
COMMENT OF THE YEAR
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 12:58 — acidqueenCOMMENT OF THE YEAR
all time franchise great
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 07:23 — Jon from CT (not verified)Roberts -- Francis -- Dineen
Cole -- Brind'Amour -- O'Neill
Sanderson -- Cassels -- Verbeek
Turgeon -- Ferraro -- Kapanen
Wesley -- Hill
Samuelsson -- Hedican
Babych -- Wallin
Burke
Liut
Lines...
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 06:51 — johnnyg (not verified)To take the topic a step further that Oneill-Francis-Kapanen line gets my vote and helps me settle the top forwards.
I really want to make the case for Aaron Ward. He came to this team with a few rings of his own and in his first year here he led us (I truely feel he led us) to the teams first final, and then a few years later to win it all. Since he has been gone our defense hasnt been the same, nor was it before he got here. I certainly put Wesley up there, and think Hill is a top choice, but Ward really stands out for me.
I agree about Irbe over Ward in goal. I like Ward and his conn smythe performance really meant a lot to this franchise, but Irbe was the backbone for this team for many years and that first finals run was very inspiring and Irbe carried this team on his back with respectable numbers playing 80 games or so for several seasons. Ward is still proving his worth and I expect he will prove himself more as each year passes but he isn't quite up there with Irbe yet as far as this franchise's history goes.
For an honorable mention Brinda'mour hands down is nearly tied with Francis as posted above. I think Bates gets a mention since he was very well liked by most all fans, even though he was by no means an all star in that stats column. I think the debate becomes much harder over the years as Staal will be in a 3 way tie with francis and Brindy.
C-Ron Francis (Just barely
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 17:53 — Anonymous (not verified)C-Ron Francis
(Just barely beating Brind'Amour. B'A brought us a Stanley Cup.)
LW-Erik Cole
(Been with us for both Stanley Cup runs. Don't argue about 2006. He was a key player during the regular season.)
RW-Justin Williams
(Barely beats Jeff O'Neill. O'Neill's had more points, but Willy's been a big part of our team.)
D-Glen Wesley (No explanation needed.)
D-Bret Hedican (Big part of both Cup runs.)
G-Arturs Irbe (Humongous part of '02 Cup run, but also had solid regular seasons. Ward has not put up a great regular season yet.)
best and worst
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 15:51 — Anonymous (not verified)Try out this one:
C - Francis
LW - Samsonov
RW - Ray Sheppard
D - Hill
D - Ward
G - Irbe
How about the worst?
C - Primeau (also in consideration for best)
LW - Chris Dingman
RW - Pavel Brendl
D - Sandis Ozolinsh / Kevin Hatcher
D - Enrico Ciccone / Dave Karpa
G - Tyler Moss
Whiskey Tango....
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 12:52 — acidqueenSamsonov? You're kidding, right? Dudeman hasn't been with this team but half a dern season, and already you think he belongs on the All Time Greats list?
Please explain your logic.
Samsonov
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 08:42 — Anonymous (not verified)It's my all time list, not yours. I just happen to think he's the best to play at that position so far. (Yes I know you've got a man-crush on Cole and yes I admit he was great, just . . .)
Not even a neutrino is this dense. Really.
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 10:57 — acidqueenJust because I think you're on crack for putting Samsonov on your list despite the lack of an actual representative sample, all of a sudden I have "a man-crush" on Erik Cole? Where have I mentioned Cole at all here?
Cole
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 14:46 — Anonymous (not verified)Sorry, I didn't mean to offend our attack - and maybe the comment wasn't necessarily directed at you. It just seems like most posters here act like the sun rises and sets out of Cole's backside. I'm also not really sure about why you think Samsonov is such bad choice here. When looking at the left side, your choices are Whitney (a 3rd liner on most teams around the league, Roberts, Gelinas (another 3rd liner). When compared to the rest of the left wingers, I think he is at or among the top of the heap, despite just 38 games.
Of course, like any list, choices are easily debated, and I'm open to all opinions. I guess thats the "fun part" although being called more dense than a Neutrino is not fun.
I think that longevity
Thu, 08/07/2008 - 02:17 — acidqueenI think that longevity counts--which is why a lot of people are taking Cole over Samsonov. If Samsonov continues to play well, then you may see him making some folks' lists. But really, it's like Eaves; putting him on an All-Canes list when he hasn't been with the 'Canes that long just looks pretty dern silly.
(good to see somebody got the physics humour)
Worst?
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 09:02 — Anonymous (not verified)Worst Net minder? How could anyone forget Jamie Storr? (or he might have spelled it Stoor) At any rate... He never won a game and they had to bring Irbe back from the Johnstown Johns (where?) to replace him....
samsonov? really? he has
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 06:19 — Anonymous (not verified)samsonov? really? he has only player a handful of games in a canes uniform.
Best All Cane
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 18:48 — esteban1949i have to admit both selections here would be tough to shuffle around...but seeing i don't have all the info I need...my gut instinct says to go with the choices...who ever it was who posted this...so thank you Annom # 1 good choices...But i did laugh at the choice of tyler moss as the worst goalie...i heard a slightly overly inebriated fan say that his dead granmother was a better goalie than moss was...sigh...there is always a critic in the stands huh ??
Moss
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 23:27 — Anonymous (not verified)I remember when the team went with Moss as the lone backup. On game days, when it was announced that he would start, sadly, it was an assummed loss. The poor guy had a 3.99 GAA in 12 games, but was probably not playing behind a very stout D core.
Moss- 3.99GAA
Tue, 08/05/2008 - 15:13 — esteban1949Now you know why I had a good laugh at the fan who had a few too many comment...as and while he did try...and yes the follow up with the Defence was very lacking...but seeing none of us were ever good enough to get a try out for any of the farm teams the canes/whalers had...who are we to point fingers ? esteban waddles off to the locker room with the goalie stick in his right eye...wondering who got the puck in theirs...:-o
My Team
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 13:48 — Anonymous (not verified)C- Ron Francis
LW- Erik Cole
RW- Jeff O`Neill
D- Aaron Ward
D- Glen Wesley
G- Cam Ward
2nd Team
LW- Ray Whitney
C- Eric Staal
RW- Sami Kapanen
D- Bret Hedican
D- Sean Hill
G- Arthurs Irbe
roster
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 12:09 — Anonymous (not verified)This is a great debate topic! I'll probably change my mind in 10 minutes... but for now:
Center: Rod Brind'Amour, Eric Staal
Right wing: Justin Williams
left Wing: Erik Cole
Defense: Aaron Ward, Glen Wesley
Goal: Cam Ward
All Time
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 12:00 — MR (not verified)Amazing that we’ve had two Stanley Cup Final appearances, one of which netted us the Cup, without a team full of superstars. I mean, other than Ron Francis at center, anyone you put at wing, back on D, or in goal will be a solid player who were definitely key to the team, but hardly will be classified as an NHL elite player.
LW - Kappanen
C - Francis
RW - Cole
D - Wesley
D - Hill
G - Irbe
TEAM
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 11:43 — FREDDY32My all-Canes TEAM...
C - Brind'Amour
C - Francis
C - Staal
C - Primeau
RW - O'Neill
RW - Williams
RW - Dineen
RW - Kron
LW - Kapanen
LW - Cole
LW - Roberts
LW - Gelinas
D - Wesley
D - Hill
D - Hedican
D - Ward
D - Wallin
D - Malik
G - Irbe
G - Ward
Scratches
Whitney
Battaglia
Gleason
My starting line-up
C - Brind'Amour
RW - O'Neill
LW - Kapanen
D - Hill
D - Wesley
G - Irbe
Primeau
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 13:01 — buglermcd (not verified)Dude, Keith Primeau? That guy did more harm to the 'Canes than good.
You couldn't at least come up with Kevin Adams before you threw out a guy who was "booed" any time he came to the RBC after 2000.
Unless this is some round-about way of saying he helped the Canes get Brindy, there's no room on this list for him.
A Vote for Sami
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 11:25 — Anonymous (not verified)I have to put a word in for Sami Kapanen. He was a classy guy for all the years in Greensboro and Raleigh, and when he played on lines centered by Primeau and Francis, he put up great numbers. He was an All-Star at least once, maybe twice (?). I'll never forget watching him pull a "spin" move at a game in Gboro: he came down on his off wing, planted his right skate, swung his left leg around, and dragged the puck through his skates, leaving the poor Lightning defenseman in his dust. Hands down one of the coolest one-on-one moves I've ever seen a Hurricane player execute. He also played like he was 6-10, rather than 5-10. A great Cane!
What about Sami Kapinen, he
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 11:09 — Anonymous (not verified)What about Sami Kapinen, he deserves some LW consideration.
C - Brind'Amour
LW - Cole
RW - O'Neill
D - Wesley
D - Wallin
G - Irbe
C Ron Francis RW Kevin
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 10:04 — Trev (not verified)C Ron Francis
RW Kevin Dineen
LW Erik Cole
D Glen Wesley
D Aaron Ward
G Arturs Irbe
Brind'Amour over Francis.
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 09:52 — ctillBrind'Amour over Francis. Gelinas over Whitney; Marty eventually atoned for missing the empty net in the Boston playoff game, and he was a great asset in the style that Paul Maurice used. Agree on O'Neill, Irbe, Wesley, and Hill.
All time 'Canes team
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 09:48 — Robert Gilday (not verified)I'm guessing that Erik Cole is no longer eligible since he's no longer with the team. In that case here goes: 1st team forwards, Ron, Rod, Ray, with Glen and Brett on the blue line and Irbe between the pipes (when he isn't going for a stroll). 2nd team would have Staal, Roberts and O'Neill as forwards with Sean and Aaron on d and Cam in net.
rules, so to speak
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 10:28 — ldecock (author)Cole (like Hedican or Ward or O'Neill or Hill), is certainly eligible. The only criteria is that they're judged on what they've done in a Carolina uniform since 1997.
I would say, however, that I find it more challenging to break it down by position at forward -- i.e., no taking Francis and Brind'Amour. Picking between them is half the fun.
All time 'Canes team
Mon, 08/04/2008 - 11:41 — Robert Gilday (not verified)In that case, 1st. team is Ron at center, with Erik and Ray as the wingers. 2nd team would be Rod at center with Jeff and Gary at the wing. Everything else stays the same. That better?