This is the week the informal workouts at Raleigh Center Ice are slated to begin. Yes, Hurricanes back on the ice.
No one knows when training camp will start. No one can say when the season will start. Until there's a newly approved CBA, it's all a big guessing game.
But the question for now: when the season does start, which player promises to have the most interesting year for the Canes?
Will it be one of the newbies, Jordan Staal or Alexander Semin? Jeff Skinner? Maybe a rejuvenated Eric Staal, playing with his brother? Justin Faulk, in his second season? A healthy Joni Pitkanen?
Hope everyone is having a good holiday. 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
Eric Staal
Tue, 09/04/2012 - 09:15 — squeaky83Eric Staal had his best year statistically when he had the best surrounding team: 05-06. This year he will have a true, veteran scoring winger and good supporting cast with a true second line scoring threat jumping in as well. There's another big center for opposing teams to worry about, who's also good defensively--like Brindy was in 05-06. And I think with the talent the team has, the players will all believe they are playoff contenders, not a team trying to scrape in. Given a good, positive, knowledgable and respected coaching staff as well and I think all the pieces are in place for Eric. The league is looking at getting rid of some of the intereference that has become rampant again which will also help the offensive game of this team...
...I think if he had a full season, EStaal would look very good this year. Hope he gets that chance...
The Three Stars
Mon, 09/03/2012 - 22:55 — abramsdougStar #1: Skinner. At 205 lbs, he is going to be a beast. I think Skinner wants to prove he is an NHL center. He has a will of iron, and I anticipate he'll be very difficult to separate from the puck.
Star #2: Jordan Staal. Jordan Staal is out to show the NHL he is an elite talent. I think he will demonstrate he's among the best power centers in the league.
Star #3: Semin. Semin was made the scapegoat of a largely dysfunctional Washington Caps team. He will thrive under the Hurricanes organization's and Muller's approach to hockey. I think he and Eric Staal will be as formidable a duo as the NHL has. With the emergence of Skinner, I anticipate Semin will spend a significant amount of shifts with both Staals as the Finns and Skins are reunited frequently.
Question
Mon, 09/03/2012 - 07:37 — Skyliner1This is an aside from the Monday question, but does anyone know what Bob Harwood is doing now or where he landed...on his feet I hope. If that has been reported I missed the news. I thought he did a superb job and wish him well and good luck to the new gir las well.
Thanks for any update.
Three players in the
Mon, 09/03/2012 - 06:37 — ctillThree players in the spotlight for me.