Jeff O'Neill has decided to end his comeback try with the Hurricanes, the team said today.
O'Neill, a former Canes star, came to training camp as an unsigned free agent. The forward did not play in the NHL last season but hoped to win a roster spot with the Hurricanes.
General manager Jim Rutherford said that after Sunday's preseason game against Philadelphia, O'Neill met with team management and they reached a mutual decison to release the former first-round draft pick from training camp.
The Canes' roster now has 32 players.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
Would have been a great
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 12:55 — FuquayCaniacWould have been a great Cindarella story if he did indeed make the team. I wonder why he decided to bail? Maybe he asked JR what his chances were...
(Just read elsewhere that he was only interested in an NHL contract. A season in Albany would have done wonders for his conditioning, and may have given him a solid shot at the team next year if openings were available.)
I hope O'Neill is at peace
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 11:48 — Mike Dickinson (not verified)I hope O'Neill is at peace with his decision. Maybe a front office position for him?
Bummer. I was hoping he'd
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 11:20 — Anonymous (not verified)Bummer. I was hoping he'd make it, but he just didn't stand out. Still a good move on our part to give him a tryout-
O'Neill
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 10:58 — JRs_FaultHe gave it a shot. He looked neither great, nor horrible in the Red/White & exhibitions. The Canes are no worse off for giving him the opportunity. Good luck to Jeff in his next steps in the game and in life.
Hard to believe that he is
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 10:57 — Anonymous (not verified)Hard to believe that he is not better than one of the younger forwards the Canes' may keep
O'Neill
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 10:55 — Pau (not verified)It was obvious Sunday that he just wasn't quick enough to play in the league right now. He also looked very winded after each of his shifts even though he was not moving with the speed he enjoyed a few years ago.
I'm disappointed. I'd hoped to see him back.
Good luck, Jeff.
Better offer Jeff?
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 10:19 — Anonymous (not verified)Better offer Jeff?
I thought he looked good on the wing
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 10:19 — C-Leaguer (not verified)I though Jeff looked good on the wing in Saturday's game, but from the reports I read he didn't look so good on Sunday. Sorry things didn't work out.
he was good, but.....
Tue, 09/30/2008 - 20:37 — Anonymous (not verified)He didn't look bad on Sunday, he just didn't look GREAT. As an UFR, he needed to look great. We'll miss him--he was arguably our best player during our playoff surge in 02 and his black eye will forever stand as a symbol of the grit, determination and courage of the Canes first taste of real respectability in the NHL. Thank you Jeff--we wish we could have given you a better sendoff than we did.....