Now on Talking Points: Instant analysis of Wednesday’s three-way trade that saw Justin Williams depart for the Los Angeles Kings and Erik Cole return to the Triangle.
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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 (919) 829-8947, @LukeDeCock on Twitter or luke.decock@newsobserver.com.Advertisements
Comments
Brindy
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 12:16 — HockeydogIt is sad but obvious that he just doesn't have it right now. More often than not he's barely in the play. An occasional burst will find him doing something good but those are few and far between. It's too soon to say his career is over, but at this point he's not effective. Jussi Jokinen can play center and does pretty good on face-offs. Once he's able to get back in the lineup he can center a 3rd line. Sutter/Helminen/Petruzalek could center a 4th line. I was listening to Hockey Night in Canada radio on my Sirius last night and they were talking about how hard it is to get players to accept a reduced role once they get on the backside of their careers.
I was really impressed with Petruzalek in his short stint with the team. A player like him could give a real spark to the team in addition to Cole's return. I'd love nothing better than Brind'Amour in vintage form, but it's just not happening right now.
JR made a move, and I
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 22:21 — ctillJR made a move, and I respect the necessity of his doing *something*. Instant analysis notwithstanding, time will tell whether it was a good move or not... by April, as to whether the Canes make the playoffs... by September, as to whether Cole can be signed to a new contract... and in five years, when we compare Cole's contribution over that period to Williams'.
I think that over the long run, a healthy Williams would probably out-contribute a healthy Cole... but given that each has a history of injury, there's just no way to know going in.
OUR CAPTAIN AND THE COLE TRADE
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 21:07 — hckseyTHIS SHOULD GIVE US A BIG SHOT IN THE ARM ONLY IF MO STARTS SITTING CAPTAIN BRINDY. LAST NIGHT WHEN BRINDY WAS ON THE ICE IT WAS LIKE WASHINGTON WAS ON THE POWER PLAY. ROD IS KILLING THIS TEAM HE PLAYED 17 PLUS MINUTES LAST NIGHT IS MO WATCHING THE SAME GAME AS I AM. BRINDY SHOULD SCRATCH HIMSELF FOR THE GOOD OF THE TEAM. I LOVE THIS TRADE ERIC COLE CAN BRING A LOT TO THE TABLE.
Brind'Amour and Time
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 22:33 — abramsdougI watched the Washington game on Center Ice. The announcers were very familiar with the Hurricanes team. They were respectful, but said basically that it was a shame that time had caught up with Brind'Amour and that it was a shame. They were polite, but it is obvious that other teams realize Brind'Amour is no longer the player he once was. Every athlete has to face time and realize his career has to end. Brind'Amour either needs to show that he has more to give or he needs to retire.
#17 to the press box or IR
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 23:26 — ynotagainI saw the same Brindy last night that you described. After the face off he was always 2 steps behind the opposing player or just circling looking for something to do. The next 18 game stretch is a tough set of games ... Caps twice, Devils 3 times, Rangers twice, PIT, Slugs and Senators once and a couple west coast groups ... thats 12 of the 18 and the Canes need to win at least 10 maybe 12 of the 18. We don't need to give up 17 minutes of PP time per game with Brindy on the ice. Time for the captain to make the ulimate leadership statement. SIT ! Claim it hurts to bad to play.
More Physical
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 19:23 — Canes73Well the Canes just got more physical. Cole will hit everything in site and his speed and drive to the net will be a welcome addition. With Cole and Ruutu on the same line, Staal will have more space. Sad to see Williams go...he's had a tough couple of years with injuries but he is still young and I believe will get his game back if he can stay healthy.
Lines
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 18:06 — irbefanCole - Staal - Ruutu
Whitney - Cullen - LaRose
Samsonov - Jokinen - Walker
Bayda - Brind'amour - Eaves/Conboy
All of a sudden I like our chances of getting a playoff spot.
This deal does more than just bring a hardworking power forward in exchange for an injury ridden winger, it reunites our star player with his best friend. Staal will play better with Cole on his wing. I think that despite Pittsburgh's, Florida's, Buffalo's, and the Ranger's best efforts, I would take our trade any day of the week. Good move Mr. Rutherford. Don't forget fans, the Canes will also get a better second round draft pick and an additional fifth round pick.
Go Canes. I need to rush to Raleigh Friday to see Cole in action!
Actually, the 2nd Round pick
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 18:11 — CaniacforeverActually, the 2nd Round pick was Calgary's that LA picked up from them. We traded our 2nd round pick for Calgary's 2nd round pick, which will likely be around 10-12 spots lower depending on your level of optimism.
Thanks, I saw that after
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 22:45 — irbefanThanks, I saw that after some more analysis. still we did get an extra pick out of it.
Good
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 17:59 — jejohn8a shot of adrenalin for staal and corvo said cole was one of his best friends in an interview i think its good all around.
prediction: we start winning and make the playoffs,
Cole
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 17:51 — HockeydogOther theads have covered how people feel about the deal. As it appears to be done it's time to move on to how he'll work for the Canes.
No doubt he'll unite with Staal and play on the line with Eric S and Ruutu. This will give a fast line with some size. It will also give Staal an instant morale boost since he and Cole were close friends. This could become a formidable line if Cole is up for it. It also give Maurice many more options down the lines.
I firmly believe that Cullen/Whitney/LaRose must stay intact.
Once Jokinen returns from his family in Finland he could center a 3rd line with Samsonov and Eaves/Walker.
Brindy could center a decent 4th line with Bayda/Eaves/Walker/Conboy
Brind'Amour could center a 3rd line as well but with other options he'd need to return to his old form.
What this does is create a strong top line that will pull focus away from other lines. Staal does ususally get more attention, but this move creates 3 potentally good scoring lines.
Right on Dog...
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 19:18 — hockeyhickI agree 100%.