Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said today that the decision to make Rod Brind'Amour a healthy scratch would be made on a game-to-game basis and that no far-reaching decisions — such as Brind'Amour giving up the captaincy or possibly retiring -- had been discussed.
Brind'Amour was a healthy scratch Monday for the Pittsburgh Penguins game, a first for the team captain since coming to Carolina in January 2000. The Canes won 3-2, and Brind'Amour may be a healthy extra again Wednesday when the Canes face the New Jersey Devils.
"There have been no discussions on any change in his status," Rutherford said. "When a player like Rod is not in the lineup, it's an issue and people talk about it, but we will take it one game, one week at a time.
"It's a tough time in a player's career, and possibly a Hall of Fame career, when a player does not play every game. At some point in the not-too-distant future, he and I will talk about it. ... At some point we will have a discussion about what this means and how Rod is handling it and dealing with it."
Brind'Amour is minus-19 for the season and has just two goals and six assists. He has one year left after this season on a contract that will pay him $3 million.
"I have known Rod for a long time and have a lot of respect for him," Rutherford said. "I do not know where this is going.
"We'll have to see over time, if this is the way it keeps going and he's not playing. It's a tough time."
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at 
Comments
Respect?
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 16:34 — testarossa17I would have to think if there was any real respect, Rod would have been spoken to before he was benched. "At some point we'll have to have a real discussion about what this means and how Rod is handling it and dealing with it"?????
I have to think he's feeling awful about it. This is not a man who gives up and has made a career on that premise. I realize this is a business and right now, management has to do all they can to put a winning team out there - but to talk respect on one hand and then do this? I have to hope there was at least some discussion with Rod before this point.
But you can bet the coach
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 20:53 — AllenHBut you can bet the coach informed Brindy of the decision to sit him. It is the coach's job to do that and not the GM. It would actually be poor form for the GM as it would look like he was going past the coach.
But with JR's words to Chip, I have to wonder who actually made the decision - a GM should not dictate to the coach what his lineup should be. But as Mo has been putting Brindy in situations where he has been very ineffective, i.e. on PPs & PKs, and tho' reducing his TOI lately had been giving him tons of minutes, it makes me wonder if JR has "spoken" to Mo...
Like last year
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 15:03 — HockeydogLast year Brindy was sent home to rest, and came back into the lineup playing a little better. While I am pretty sure this is just Mo putting the best lineup he can on the ice now that all the skaters are healthy, there could be a rest component in there as well. Give him a break then see how he responds if someone else gets bumped up.
For those who like to bash Mo, you need to give him credit for making the logical but maybe emotionally tough decision. It's not that easy to bench the Captain, especially one that has had as prominent a career as Brind'Amour. And with enough injuries and cap issues, Mo had to play him until now. It will be interesting to see if someone steps up in the leadership role. Roddy led by example, not so much vocally.
Regarding his future, I don't see any retirements this year, maybe he steps down once the season is over. It will be very interesting to see how JR handles talks with him. I wonder if Brindy would request a trade.? It is a shame that he didn't bow out on top, but you can't blame a man for his determination I guess. That determination is what made him the player he was.
Bad situation, but needed
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 14:48 — penaltykiller74Rod Brind'amour is a great player, and sure will have his number lifted and his name in the HOF. But along with that, he is the captain of the team, and he needs to lead by example.
He can tell if he is playing bad I have no doubt, and when it got to that point, he should have taken himself out of the leadership role, not drag the team with him as he tries to get it right for 29 games with little or no contribution. His -19 +/- is once again a league worst.
He should take a lesser role. Give the "C" to Staal, be there to help the team when needed, and collect his paycheck.
That's about all he's doing now anyway.
Rod has been a great player...
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 21:04 — AllenH...and here both adoration and adulation is given to him and great respect throught the entire hockey world and...
His #17 will be retired and raised but look at the players elected to the HOF and what they accomplished for their times, Rod's numbers just don't add up to the Hall of Fame.
Thanks Chip
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 14:37 — garybdiverDon't like the way JR is sounding in print. You're right would be great to here from Brindy. Almost sounds like the team is forcing his hand here.
Chip, thanks for following up on Brind'Amour's Status
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 14:13 — abramsdougChip,
Thanks for following up with Jim Rutherford about Brind'Amour's status.
If what Rutherford says is
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 13:55 — caneshockeyfanIf what Rutherford says is true, it would mean Brind'amour did not ask to be scratched.
i wonder if
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 12:54 — esteban1949you Chip or possibly John Forslund can get an exclusive with him ? But in time all will be known...as all involved will eventually tell us ...Thanks Chip
Go Canes !!