It's a holiday, so let's keep it short and to the point.
Canes general manager Jim Rutherford says two forward slots will be filled in training camp. Among those vying for the slots: Jiri Tlusty, Zac Dalpe, Zach Boychuk, Drayson Bowman and Jerome Samson. And there could be others.
Question: when all is said and done and the roster set, which two forwards will it be?
The floor is open.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
It will be interesting...
Tue, 09/06/2011 - 15:50 — robotron2084with Tlusty on a one-way contract.
Seems the only way he doesn't make the team is if he gets traded somehow, which seems unlikely unless he's a throw-in on something much better.
My thoughts too. The
Tue, 09/06/2011 - 16:56 — ctillMy thoughts too. The one-way, plus the fact that Mo obviously sees potential in Tlusty, plus the fact that he's bigger than Bowman and Boychuk, plus my hunch that Tlusty would be happy with a 4th-line role whereas the other two might not... all reasons why I give him the slight edge to make the team. But just a slight edge.
The 2
Tue, 09/06/2011 - 11:56 — hellfishDalpe/Bowman...Imo Boychuk still lacks the physical/defensive game the others have ,and Tlusty is almost a non-factor.
Dalpe 100% for One Spot; ? for Other Forward Spot
Tue, 09/06/2011 - 08:32 — abramsdougDalpe is 100% in for one spot in the top six. He is a real deal player who has all the size, skill, speed, hands, and attitude coaches crave, GMs seek, and fans love. I believe Dalpe is one of the core players for hte Hurricanes.
The second spot is much more difficult to assess. Boychuk has the most offensive skill of the group; but he has yet to win the hearts of the coaches, GM, or fans such that it would be considered a no-brainer decision for him to be in the top six. I remain convinced Boychuk can and will make the jump; but others both here and at Canes Country have offered cogent reasons why they believe I am mistaken. We will know shortly.
Tlusty also has excellent size, speed, hands, and hockey knowledge. He makes and takes hits and other than some bad breaks with injuries, he'd be much further along in his hockey career with the Hurricanes. Bowman was prized and valued by the Hurricanes organization. He has been a very good defensive player; but he has one of the best pure shots among the young Hurricanes forwards. If there were an open place on the fourth line Samson would be a fine candidate. He is relentless and possesses the puck as well as anybody on the team. Terry is a sleeper. He has improved his all around play tremendously under Daniels and Kinnear. He has excellent vision of the ice and has hands like Stillman. If he has improved his quickness and speed this summer under Gary Roberts' tutelage, he could well be the surprise player of camp.
I think at present it is a three way race among Tlusty, Boychuk, and Bowman for the second forward spot. Tlusty and Bowman have the advantage of versatility. Tlusty and Bowman are physically able to play on all four lines. Boychuk is a more natural top six forward. On the other hand, the Hurricanes need more goals; and the best way to get more goals is to put fast, offensively gifted forwards on scoring lines. I think the Hurricanes drafted Boychuk to provide that kind of offensive firepower; and I am convinced he's ready to join the top nine, if not the top six. I am going with Boychuk. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Well Dalpe
Tue, 09/06/2011 - 07:39 — esteban1949seems to be a favorite but I'd add to him as a choice the likes of Tlusty and or Samson especially Samson as I have alwayts tried to support an underdog BUT..in his case and his play and effort the last 2 seasons have been improving more so than other's mentioned including 2 of my personal favs of Boychuck & Bowman
If It Ain't Hockey,It Ain't Nothing!! Go Canes & Checkers !!
The next 2
Mon, 09/05/2011 - 13:22 — hockey101One of the two spots will go to Dalpe. From what I have been reading on him is that he is the one to watch and has vaulted to the #1 spot as far as players in the system. The 2nd spot is up in the air. If Boychuk has a great camp he is the guy. He has not lived up to expectations as everyone has hoped he would. Last years camp he didn't take seriously. He says he has been working to get stronger this offseason. We shall see. If he has a so-so camp look for him to be traded later depending on where the Canes stand in the conference.
The biggest surprise will be Justin Faulk. He has a good shot and very good with the puck. He's the one that will surprise the coaching staff and make the team.
WOW...
Mon, 09/05/2011 - 11:43 — gf101112Looks like the beginnings of a great camp!!! Those not ready or disinteresred need not apply. Good luck to all, and to whomever makes it keep looking over your shoulder. The guys you beat out are right behind you! Stay healthy men!!! Go Caniacs!!! Go Canes!!!
Who makes the two open 'slots'
Mon, 09/05/2011 - 11:41 — dwayne1203Based on the scrimmages I have seen at 'Camp Brindy'..8-10..
I would put Dalpe a clear 1st and Bowman 2nd(he has scored 8 or nine goals)..Tlusty and Samson..should make a team of 22..Boychuk..incomplete grade..haven't seen enough..but not impressed so far
Dalpe 80%, Tlusty
Mon, 09/05/2011 - 06:36 — ctillRe: Quests for SP/Exp/Adena/Enchants
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