Kevyn Adams took a major step forward in his post-hockey career, moving from the Buffalo Sabres' front office to the bench as an assistant coach on Tuesday. The Buffalo-area native, who played on both the 2002 and 2006 Hurricanes teams, retired in 2008.
Nolan Pratt, who played for the Hurricanes from 1997-2000, was hired as an assistant coach for Springfield (AHL) by the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this week.
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 
Comments
Good for K-Ads! He was one
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 15:16 — redblackhockeyGood for K-Ads! He was one of my favorite players because what he lacked in talent he made up for in effort. Nobody worked harder on the ice than Kevyn Adams.
We've just gotten a new Kevyn Adams in Tim Brent. They're eerily similar players. That shift that made Brent famous? Go back and watch the SCF game seven. Third period. About six minutes to play. K-Ads was a monster in that pk shift. Two humongous blocked shots in that shift and a huge one earlier in the game. It wasn't a two-man disadvantage like Brent's shift, but it was a penalty kill and it was obviously a more important game.
Anyway, congrats and best of luck to K-Ads.
Good on them
Thu, 08/04/2011 - 09:37 — louis12580Nolan Pratt was a hard worker. He wasn't the most gifted player but worked hard at his craft. Kevyn is a bit different. He and Bret were part of what is perhaps Jim's best trade. Sandis Ozolinsh (I forget who the other player was) to Florida for Kevyn and Bret. I think we know how that worked out. Do want to say, though, that I wish Sandis well as he had some personal problems later on. When Kevyn's career ended badly with Chicago, Jim did contact him and wanted him to come in on a two way deal so he could be a player/coach in Albany working with the kids as well as continuing hi career. Kevyn was very appreciative but declined because he was a bit soured by the Chicago experience. The classic "we want to sign you and will after we take care of others ahead of you." Suffice it to say that never happened. Kevyn will some day make a great coach and this is just the first step. He "thought" the game and that is essential in becoming a coach.
Byron Ritchie...
Thu, 08/04/2011 - 14:56 — robotron2084was the other player in that trade.
Jim's best trades
Thu, 08/04/2011 - 13:44 — Biff_BeersThat would be a great topic for an off-season Monday Debate. I can think of one trade I would rank above that one.
Jim's best trades
Thu, 08/04/2011 - 14:29 — louis12580Might you be referring to the one that sent #55 to Phildaelphia for #17? Or was it Sammi for Bruno St.Jacques?
In addition to Brind'Amour,
Thu, 08/04/2011 - 17:02 — ctillIn addition to Brind'Amour, the trade got JR a bust goalie (Jean-Marc Pelletier) who had been drafted in the 2nd round of 1997 and a 2nd-round pick in 2000 that was squandered on Agris Saviels (a household name). Pelletier played just 7 NHL games. For what it's worth, Philly squandered the 5th round pick in 2000 they got from Carolina.
Adams and Pratt were both in
Thu, 08/04/2011 - 07:05 — ctillAdams and Pratt were both in the 1993 draft.. Adams in round one (Boston) and Pratt in round five (Hartford). That's the same draft where Hartford took Pronger in round one, the second pick overall.