CAROLINA HURRICANES NEWS CLIPPINGS January 30, 2019 - NHL.com
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CAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
Canes sign forward Jordan Martinook to a two-year contract extension
By Chip Alexander Panthers. But he leads the team in hits (125) and his 28
blocked shots is the highest total among the forwards.
Jordan Martinook has been called the “perfect fit” for the
Carolina Hurricanes throughout his first year with the team. “Jordan has really fit in well with our group and provides
veteran leadership both on and off the ice,” general manager
The forward, acquired in a trade in May with the Arizona Don Waddell said in a statement.
Coyotes, has played up and down the lineup, played center
and wing, killed penalties and been physical when need be. In the May 3 trade with the Coyotes, the Canes acquired
He also has been something of a big brother and mentor to Martinook and Arizona’s fourth-round selection in the 2018
rookie forward Andrei Svechnikov. NHL Draft for center Marcus Kruger and Carolina’s third-
round pick in the 2018 Draft. The Canes also retained 10
The Canes on Tuesday signed Martinook, 26, to a two-year, percent of Kruger’s salary this season.
$4 million contract extension for the 2019-2020 and 2020-21
seasons. Martinook is in the final year of a contract that pays Asked after the trade to describe his style of play, Martinook
him $1.8 million. said, “A hard-working guy who takes pride in penalty killing. I
may not be the fastest guy on the ice but I try to be the most
Martinook has modest offensive numbers this season: 10 hard-working.”
goals and three assists in 50 games, and three of the goals
came in his first career hat trick Nov. 23 against the Florida As it turns out, a pretty apt description.
LeBrun Notebook: NHL trade landscape after Muzzin deal, preparing for a Panarin exit and
a Matthews extension
By Pierre LeBrun The Leafs had their AGMs Brandon Pridham and Laurence
Gilman scouting a Carolina game last week and two AHL
Will the dominoes start to fall now? Charlotte games — for obvious reasons.
Or is the Jake Muzzin deal a one-off and we still have to wait But in the end I don’t believe Toronto ever stepped up with
closer to Feb. 25 for the other major parts to fly? an offer for any of the Hurricanes’ D up for auction.
There could potentially be one player moved soon enough. The Muzzin deal started to move fast and the Leafs focused
My sense is that the Carolina Hurricanes don’t want to wait their efforts there instead. The strong appeal to the Kings
until too close to Feb. 25 to move Micheal Ferland. In fact, it deal is that not only are the Leafs high on Muzzin but it’s a
wouldn’t surprise me if he got dealt within the next two futures deal only in terms of the price paid whereas there’s
weeks, according to sources. The last thing you want if you no question Carolina would have tried its best to land
are Carolina is Ferland getting hurt closer to Feb. 25 and Kasperi Kapanen or Andreas Johnsson as part of a deal with
damage his trade value. I mean, that’s the same for any Toronto. But again, I don’t get the sense it ever came close
team selling any rental player, but especially true of a in terms of those conversations between Carolina and
bruising, power forward like Ferland. Toronto.
That depends of course on whether or not teams step up and Had the Leafs stepped up their efforts with Carolina, my
meet their price. guess is it would have been on Brett Pesce because his
As discussed before, the ‘Canes want at least a first-round contract is very appealing.
pick as part of a Ferland deal or at least a young player that It’s not the end of the world for the ‘Canes, some team is
resembles equal worth to a first-round pick. going to want a top-four D one would think between now and
Teams that I believe have shown interest in Ferland include Feb. 25 and if not that’s fine, too; none of those guys are
Nashville, Pittsburgh and Boston among others. I think rentals. They’re all signed. The offseason is also a good time
Calgary internally has discussed the merits of trying to re- to make that move.
acquire him but not sure they’ve reached out yet. And while much of the media focus this season has been on
Leafs fallout Pesce and Dougie Hamilton, the fact is more and more
teams recently have also been asking about Justin Faulk.
CAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
What now for the Leafs? In a perfect world, GM Kyle Dubas The obvious appeal for Matthews would be to get to his third
adds some muscle up front. Head coach Mike Babcock contract quicker and still be at an age where he can cash in.
would love that especially if Boston awaits again in the first It’s what Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jonathan Toews and
round. But I’m not sure the Leafs can really get into a bidding Patrick Kane all did in signing five-year deals out of entry-
war for Wayne Simmonds. First of all, they just traded their level followed by terrific third contracts after that. Makes total
first-round pick, which one assumes would be part of the ask sense.
from Philadelphia. Secondly, Dubas is on record saying he’s
not keen, generally speaking, at the idea of two-month This is pure speculation on my part but I wonder if the
rentals. number isn’t in and around $11 million on a five-year deal
and in and around $12 million on six years?
But if there’s a way to add muscle up front between now and
Feb. 25, ideally that’s something the Leafs would look at. It One thing’s for sure, just like the John Tavares contract,
would have to be dollar in, dollar out given Toronto’s cap expect massive signing bonus money to be part of the
situation now. Matthews deal if/when it gets done. And just figuring out that
structure alone will require crafty work by both the Leafs front
Panarin gone? office and agents Judd Moldover/Jeff Jackson.
I would say yes. Duchene situation
This was the comment from Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen The focus in both camps is to explore a way to get Matt
to local media on Tuesday that I feel tipped his hand: “We’ve Duchene re-signed in Ottawa but should that not come to
said all along we’re going to make hard decisions if we have pass over the next few weeks, what then?
to…’’
Of course the pending UFA centre would get traded under
Now, one can interpret that two different ways. That keeping that scenario, but would it be as a pure rental? Or as a
the pending UFA star as an own rental in order to make a signed player?
deep playoff run is also a hard decision. But I think what he
really meant is that he’s ready to move him even though he’s In preparation for covering off all options, I think Duchene’s
got a good playoff team. camp led by agent Pat Brisson is examining the merits of
whether a sign-and-trade (eight years) or a trade-and-sign
Kekalainen knew since last summer this day would (seven years) would make sense depending on which teams
potentially come. The decision from Panarin and agent Dan show interest in Duchene. It would allow Duchene essentially
Milstein to wait until after the season to talk contract with to fast forward July 1 to the trade deadline instead.
anyone was the final nail in it.
There’s also the scenario where Ottawa simply trades him as
And by the way, it also removes any possibility it would seem a rental but with conditions attached so that if Duchene re-
of Panarin signing an extension through the trade process. signed with his new team before July 1, the Senators get an
Milstein seems adamant his client isn’t signing with anyone, improved asset in return. Think of Evander Kane last season
period, ahead of being UFA. being dealt as a rental to San Jose but once the UFA winger
re-signed with the Sharks, that second-round pick became a
So here’s what Kekalainen now faces: getting the best first-round pick for Buffalo.
possible haul for Panarin, a deal that will most certainly be
based on futures since contenders don’t want to take away Again, the priority for the Senators is to re-sign Duchene. So
from their rosters for this year; then turn around in a separate let’s not discount that possibility. But if they can’t get that
trade and shore up the Jackets’ roster up front with another done, Ottawa’s priority is to get as much as possible for
deal. It’s do-able but it means the Jackets will be both a Duchene. And there’s no question Duchene as a signed
buyer and a seller at the same time over the next four weeks. player is worth a whole lot more than Duchene as a rental.
So it would behoove the Senators, one assumes, to examine
By the way, is there a rental player that can impact your the Duchene signing options, which means involving Brisson
roster more than Panarin this season? I don’t think so. Matt in the process.
Duchene (if he doesn’t re-sign in Ottawa and hits the market)
is a centre and he’s a special player. But the offence Panarin The sign-and-trade, which I’ve speculated about as a
can provide on the wing? Wow. Panarin’s presence on the concept the last few years and yet still hasn’t happened in
trade market is a complete game-changer. this CBA, would mean the max eight years for Duchene as a
benefit; it means he signs with Ottawa and then gets flipped.
Matthews extension Tampa Bay had examined it with Steven Stamkos back in
My sense is that progress continues on the Auston Matthews late June 2015 had the UFA centre decided to leave but of
contract front and if all goes well, there could be a deal done course he decided to stay put. It would have at least got the
within the next month. Lightning an asset in return while netting the player the max
eight years somewhere else (San Jose was my guess at the
The question is whether it will be a five-year deal or six-year time).
deal as I think it’s less and less likely going to be the max
eight-year deal. But, it could also just be Brisson negotiating a seven-year
extension with the new team as part of the trade instead.
The lower the term, the lower the AAV which means the That’s the more traditional route.
Leafs can better manage their salary cap moving forward
and maximize their chances to win over the next few years.
CAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
Whatever the case, it should be fascinating. There are some this summer. Other teams, let’s use Columbus as a potential
teams, let’s take Winnipeg as a potential example, that would example, might be quite motivated to get Duchene long-term
probably prefer Duchene as a rental given their cap issues making the price paid worth it.
The Hurricanes extended two very different hockey players who happen to share the same
vision
By Sara Civian “I’ve seen us win our way before,” Brind’Amour will say
during the tough stretches. “… but everyone needs to buy
It was a typical late-December Hurricanes practice at the in.”
typically freezing Raleigh Center Ice, except the man
typically buzzing around firing up his teammates was Martinook buys in so hard that sometimes practicing the next
missing. day isn’t an option.
He was supposed to skate that day, and you tend to notice No one’s expecting him to rack up the points, but with 10
the absence of a 6-foot, 196-pound winger with a personality goals this season he’s already one goal shy of his career-
even larger than his frame. high. He leads a team with Micheal Ferland and Calvin de
Haan on its roster in hits (125), leads all Canes forwards in
“Everything good with Jordan Martinook?” blocked shots (28) and has logged 86:27 shorthanded TOI
The soundbite is buried in a Voice Memo graveyard — second among forwards.
somewhere with all the other expired practice updates, but “Can’t say enough about him,” Brind’Amour said for the
the look on head coach Rod Brind’Amour’s face lives on. thousandth time last week. “He’s one of those character guys
“He just needed a day,” Brind’Amour said out loud. “He’s that can do whatever you need him to do.”
given us everything he can, so we’re giving him a day.” His offensive numbers have increased with the help of Lucas
“Of course he needed a day,” is what his face said. Wallmark and Svechnikov, but there’s no denying the impact
he has on them.
It happened again on Jan. 7.
There’s basically an unexpected buddy cop movie in the
“He plays hard,” Brind’Amour said. “We’d much rather him making between Svechnikov and Martinook that has only
play hard than practice hard.” flourished since Brind’Amour brought it up back in
Again on Jan. 22, this time with special guest Brock McGinn. November.
“There was nothing to be won this morning.” • “You guys don’t get to see that stuff behind the scenes but
when a young kid comes over, especially from a different
When there is something to be won, a team like this needs a culture, it takes some time,” Brind’Amour said Nov. 25.
guy like that. “Marty’s really taken (Svechnikov) under his wing. We’re
fortunate to have that kind of person surrounding him.”
That’s why the two-year, $4 million extension Martinook
signed Tuesday was such a no brainer for the Canes. His • “He’s a great guy,” Svechnikov lit up about Martinook after
consistency, attitude and relationship with Andrei Svechnikov their 5-2 win over the Leafs. “He’s important to me. I like
are all part of the reason the Hurricanes didn’t give the playing with him. He supports me every game.”
multiple teams interested in Martinook a chance, for sure.
Do you want to keep going? Because we could keep going.
But they’ve known exactly how important he’ll be in this on-
and off-ice culture rebuild since Game 10. That’s when he Point is, the future of the franchise has two worthy mentors in
sealed the identity of the 2018-19 Hurricanes in a fraction of Brind’Amour and Martinook, and of course that’s most clear
a shift of a non-conference shootout win. through the hard times. I asked Brind’Amour how one guides
an 18-year-old rookie through a slump after Svechnikov
The Team Grit and Team Grind plan had already been broke his nine-game scoring drought in his first career three-
established as the era of Brind’Amour ushered in, but this point game against Edmonton.
was its most compelling execution. And kids, that’s how a
bottom-six, free agency acquisition set the standard “Andrei puts a lot of pressure on himself,” he said. “So you’ve
Brind’Amour expects out of his team. got to keep it positive with him. You’ve got to show him all
the good things he’s doing, then show him the little things he
The first-year head coach knows he’s asking a lot, here, but needs to improve on. He wants to learn. I love the kid. He’ll
what other choice does he have? These Canes aren’t get there.”
brimming with superstars and the ones he does have at his
disposal are still growing. It’s not like they can bank on any Svechnikov is usually early to practice and one of the last
puck luck. ones off the ice. Now he gets at least two more years of
learning the ropes from Martinook, who works so hard he
So the Hurricanes game plan is what it has to be. Simple, not sometimes isn’t even allowed to show up.
easy. Back-check like you mean it or lose.
“I feel like I’ve fit in well from Day 1,” Martinook told Mike
Maniscalco after signing his contract (and becoming a
father). “I love all the guys here. The coaches, the trainers,CAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
everybody. The way that this team’s trending, it’s exciting to game at Calgary. It showcased the chemistry between the
be a part of. I’m excited to see where this team can go, and two Finns, who have a collective high-end skill a gritty team
to have my son be able to watch it.” simply couldn’t afford to lose.
• Greg McKegg, of all people, shared a similar sentiment “I’m happy for him,” Aho said after the tough overtime loss.
after his two-point effort in the first Canes win at Vancouver “He’s a great player, and he deserved that deal.”
since 1999. He’s already matched his career-high six points
in less than half of the games played. He’s shooting at 30 They will take care of Aho, too. There’s no incentive to get
percent right now — it obviously helps that he’s only taken that done right now, as they own his pending RFA rights.
10 shots, but impressive nonetheless. Having covered the Nothing to worry about.
Penguins when he was in their system, I just got the vibe that • How about the fever dream that is Nino Niederreiter’s goal
things seem different here for him than Pittsburgh (or per game average start as a Hurricane? After the worst
Toronto. Or Florida. Or Tampa Bay …). game the Canes played all season against Ottawa,
“Yeah, I think so for sure,” he said. “In the past, I’ve been in Brind’Amour personally apologized to Nierredeter for
more of a sheltered role and it just so happens there’s been “whatever that was.” Then, the Canes stepped up for the
some injuries here and things worked out where I’m getting “new guy” and he’s stepped up right back. From Day 1,
minutes. I’m playing with good guys who made me feel Brind’Amour’s been very vocal about the fact that
comfortable right away” Niederreiter will have good minutes and good linemates
here.
Clearly, the good culture isn’t everything nor is it built in a
day, as the Canes currently sit six points out of a playoff “(That) definitely helps a lot,” Niederreiter told me in
spot. But it’s a necessary step in a series of steps. Vancouver. “When the coach stands behind you and
believes in you it’s obviously a good feeling. It gives you
• So is a damn good deal for Teuvo Teravainen. Here’s the confidence on the ice.”
breakdown of the five-year, $27 million contract extension:
2019-20: $6.25m. 2020-21: $4.25m. 2021-22: $5.875m. “He can score, right?,” Brind’Amour laughed about it. “Like,
2022-23: $4.75m. 2023-24: $5.875m. All salary, no signing we’ve been looking for goals for a while. We play a great
bonuses. The last two years have a 10-team NTC. style of play but we need some finishers. … It’s easy to (put
faith in him) he’s been there, he’s a good player, he’s proven
Martinook and Teravainen probably couldn’t be more that. Every time I put him out there, something good
opposite on the ice, but in getting them both signed the happens. Really, I should put him out there more based on
Canes proved they’re not letting who they perceive as what’s going on.”
winners walk — within reason.
• A solid trade, two solid extensions, a successful goalie call-
Teravainen has scored five points (one goal, four assists) in up, five of six possible road points and a ton of good vibes.
three games since signing Jan. 20. One of those assists was Sometimes you’re allowed to just enjoy things for what they
some particularly filthy sauce on a give-and-go to Sebastian are.
Aho that tied it up for the Canes in the last minute of the
Gold: Canes' Martinook part of the culture change
Carolina’s forecheck — the element necessary for the Canes
By Adam Gold radio host 99.9 the Fan success. But, it’s what Martinook provides off the ice that is
Another day, another contract signing for the Carolina arguably more valuable.
Hurricanes. One week after Teuvo Teravainen signed a 5- “He’s loud”, Hurricanes captain Justin Williams laughed
year/$27 million extension, the Hurricanes agreed on a 2- when asked of Martinook’s impact in just half a season in
year deal with forward Jordan Martinook with an average Carolina. “We have a quiet group, but Jordan has brought a
annual value of $2 million. certain loudness to the room that’s welcoming to me. He’s
Martinook, in his first season with Carolina, arrived from the funny. A great team guy.”
Coyotes in an offseason deal that sent Marcus Kruger (bet Okay, he keeps everything light. Every locker room needs
you forgot about him) to Arizona and has been one of the that element. But, Martinook has leadership qualities that go
pleasant surprises this year. He’s played in all 50 games, beyond just volume. “He brings an unequivocal work ethic”,
been a force on the penalty kill, chipped in 10 goals (one shy Williams noted. “We know he’s going to be physical, he’s
of his career high) and he’s been a high energy part of going to do everything he can, to win.”CAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
His head coach has certainly noticed. “He’s one of those three goals helped the Canes to a 4-1 win over the Panthers.
glue guys”, Rod Brind’Amour said. “I’ve been asking him to But, prior to the game, as some of the players were limbering
wear a lot of hats. He’s great in the locker room, great with up by kicking a soccer ball around, Svechnikov kicked one
our young players.” Maybe most importantly has been the off his pal’s head. “He was sooooo mad at me”, Svechnikov
way he’s looked out for prized rookie Andrei Svechnikov. laughed. “He wouldn’t talk with me for like 40 minutes. But, I
“From day one (Jordan’s) taken him under his wing”, gave him a hug and then he scored a hat trick.”
according to Rod. “He’s just made him feel part of the family
right away.” This season was all about a change in culture for the
Carolina Hurricanes. From head coach Rod Brind’Amour to
It has been interesting to watch the dynamic between the two the ascension of Justin Williams to team captain to a
players. Seeing how Martinook treats Svechnikov in practice, different mindset amongst the players. Martinook, maybe
before games or on the bench, it almost appears like a big surprisingly so, has been an important element in that
brother-little brother dynamic. “He’s always supporting me, equation. From his energy and production on the ice to his
telling me, ‘let’s go, Svech, let’s go’”, the rookie said when attitude and personality away from the rink, he’s been an
asked about Martinook’s influence in his rookie year. “He’s unsung hero as the Canes try to end nine years of playoff
been like a really good friend, even chirping me sometimes. futility.
He’s a riot.”
Martinook is a good player to have on your team. But, he’s a
Little bro might have also been responsible for Martinook’s better person to have in the room. All for just $2 million.
first NHL hat trick. The day after Thanksgiving, Martinook’s
Mailbag: Potential Panarin destinations; market for defensemen
NHL.com's Dan Rosen answers weekly questions 3. Chicago Blackhawks: Panarin played his first two NHL
seasons on a line with Patrick Kane and had 151 points (61
by Dan Rosen goals, 90 assists) in 162 games. Chicago should be able to
Here is the Jan. 30 edition of Dan Rosen's weekly mailbag, afford him. I don't see why he wouldn't be interested in
which runs every Wednesday. If you have a question, tweet returning.
it to @drosennhl and use #OvertheBoards. 4. Boston Bruins: The Bruins could use another wing who
Where do you think Artemi Panarin winds up after July 1? -- they can lock into a top-six role to potentially play with center
@knightvine David Krejci on the second line. They might be a team
interested in acquiring Panarin before the 2019 NHL Trade
Here are five possible destinations other than the Columbus Deadline if the Blue Jackets decide to move him.
Blue Jackets, with reasons why:
5. New York Islanders: The chance to play with Mathew
1. New York Rangers: Signing Panarin would signal a Barzal, for coach Barry Trotz and under general manager
significant step forward in the Rangers' rebuild, accelerating Lou Lamoriello, and live on Long Island, a bridge or a tunnel
the time-to-win process by a year, perhaps two. He'd be the away from New York City, could all be very enticing.
dynamic, point-per-game, top-line forward the Rangers do
not currently have. New York has the big-city appeal and the How does the Jake Muzzin trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs
Rangers have the salary cap space. affect the trade deadline market? -- @BartlettBrando
2. Florida Panthers: The Panthers are young and have two The impact it could have is on teams that could potentially
elite centers in Aleksander Barkov and Vincent Trocheck. trade top-four defensemen who are signed through at least
They've struggled this season, but they're still a team on the next season. That's what the Los Angeles Kings did with
rise. The South Florida weather and nearby South Beach are Muzzin on Monday, when they traded him to the Toronto
major pluses. Maple Leafs for forward Carl Grundstrom, the rights to
unsigned draft choice Sean Duzi and Toronto's first-round
pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. Top-four defensemen with termCAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
left on their contract are typically rare commodities in a It helps that the cap could go up from $79.5 million to $83
deadline market, but maybe not so much this year. The million next season, according to what NHL Commissioner
Carolina Hurricanes, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Gary Bettman said at the Board of Governors meeting in
Rangers and even still the Kings are at least five teams that December. The cap could continue to rise beyond next
appear to have them to dangle this year. season if revenues continue to climb. It also helps that the
Maple Leafs have goalie Frederik Andersen, who has two
The Hurricanes have Justin Faulk, who is signed for one more years on his contract, and defenseman Morgan Rielly,
more season ($4.833 million salary cap charge), and Dougie who is signed for three more seasons. The same can be said
Hamilton, who is signed for two more ($5.75 million cap for Muzzin and center Nazem Kadri, who is signed through
charge). Brett Pesce and Jaccob Slavin are the Hurricanes the 2021-22 season. Maybe having both Kadri and Patrick
defenseman I'd go after if I was a rival general manager, but Marleau, who has one year left at $6.25 million, is a luxury
they're the players I wouldn't trade if I was Hurricanes GM the Maple Leafs won't be able to afford after signing
Don Waddell unless I was blown away by an offer. Pesce is Matthews and Marner but moves can be made to
signed for five more seasons with a cap charge of $4.025 accommodate that if necessary. The Maple Leafs could lose
million. Slavin is signed for six more seasons at $5.3 million defensemen Jake Gardiner and Ron Hainsey in free agency,
per. but they have defenseman Travis Dermott still on an entry-
The Blues have Alex Pietrangelo, who has a year left on his level contract for one more season, and Calle Rosen,
contract ($6.5 million). I'd be shocked if St. Louis traded Andreas Borgman, Rasmus Sandin, the No. 29 pick in the
Colton Parayko, who is signed for three more seasons ($5.5 2018 NHL Draft, and Timothy Liljegren, the No. 17 pick in the
million). The Canucks have Christopher Tanev, who is 2017 NHL Draft, should push for spots next season. Toronto
signed for one more season ($4.45 million). The Rangers would likely try to acquire one or two veteran defensemen
would entertain offers for Kevin Shattenkirk, who is signed but wouldn't have to pay exorbitantly for one.
for two more seasons ($6.65 million cap charge). And the What do you see the Nashville Predators trying to do before
Kings could test the market value of Alec Martinez, who is the trade deadline? Names to look for that are out there that
signed for two more seasons ($4 million cap charge). might be a good fit? -- @BrettHullander
It's difficult to properly analyze what the Maple Leafs gave up One number to look is 13.1 percent, which represents the
to acquire Muzzin because it's all future assets, but a first- Predators' 29th-ranked power play this season. More
round pick and at least a prospect, if not two, have to be recently, they're 0-for-25 in seven games since Jan. 10 and
considered a ballpark rate for a top-four defenseman who is an NHL worst 9.6 percent (7-for-73) in 24 games since Dec.
signed beyond this season. 6. So if the Predators are going to look for something prior to
Is there a chance that Taylor Hall demands a trade out of the deadline, it should be a forward who can make a
New Jersey and if he doesn't get traded does he do what difference on their power play.
John Tavares did last July? -- @kdevilphin84 If the Philadelphia Flyers decide to move him, Wayne
I don't think Hall would demand a trade unless things turn Simmonds, a forward on the last year of his contract, would
ugly. As far as I can tell, his relationship with the be the perfect fit in Nashville. Simmonds, one of the game's
organization, GM Ray Shero and coach John Hynes is good, best net-front forwards on the power play, has scored four
so there'd be no animosity that would push him to want out. power-play goals this season, but has 93 in his NHL career,
There's also the continued development of center Nico including 11 last season and 16 the season before. Peter
Hischier and the possibility that goalie Mackenzie Blackwood Laviolette, who coached Simmonds in Philadelphia from
is the real deal that could entice him to want to stay. 2011-13, could plant the 30-year-old veteran in front of the
net and expect Nashville's power play to become more of a
However, Hall could play the long game with the New Jersey threat than it has been.
Devils in the same way Tavares did with the Islanders and
Panarin is doing with the Blue Jackets. He'll have earned the Two more to look out for are forward Micheal Ferland from
right to test his value on the free agent market in 2020 if he the Hurricanes and center Brian Boyle from the Devils.
chooses. If that's what he does, Shero might have to get Ferland has scored five power-play goals this season and
proactive this offseason and at least look into what the Boyle six. They're each in the final year of their contracts too.
market would be for Hall with one year left on his contract. In all cases, it's a big forward from the rental market who can
Don't underestimate the fact that the Islanders put take up a lot of room in front of the net on the power play and
themselves in the position to lose Tavares for nothing make a difference.
because they were not proactive enough to make the big Could you rank the following from most likely to least likely?
decision.
1. Johnny Gaudreau winning the Hart Trophy
How do the Toronto Maple Leafs manage their cap situation
going forward where four players (John Tavares, William 2. Bill Peters winning the Jack Adams Award
Nylander, Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner) take up half
the money? -- @MassF 3. Mark Giordano winning the Norris Trophy
Sign Matthews and Marner after this season and build @StanfordJer
around them, Tavares and Nylander because that's an elite 3, 2, 1
core of forwards and you don't get rid of that for cap
considerations. It can be done.CAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
Giordano would get my vote for the Norris Trophy if I had (SAT) among all Flames defensemen, which is remarkable
one and had to submit it today. He's second in the NHL considering he plays a lot against the opposition's best
among defensemen with 52 points (11 goals, 41 assists), forwards.
three behind Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks. He leads
all defensemen with a plus-29 rating (not my favorite stat, but Peters should be in the running for the Jack Adams Award,
plus-29 stands out regardless). He's been terrific on special but I think that's Trotz's to lose. The same should be said for
teams with 18 points on the power play and four Gaudreau and the Hart Trophy, but Tampa Bay Lightning
shorthanded, including three goals. And his impact on the right wing Nikita Kucherov is ahead of him. Don't sleep on
Flames goes beyond the obvious traditional numbers too. Connor McDavid, especially if he finds a way to help the
They generate 55.66 percent of 5-on-5 shot attempts when Edmonton Oilers into a playoff spot. They're three points out.
Giordano is on the ice. It's the best shot-attempts percentage
Carolina signs Martinook to 2-year, $4M extension
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes have The Hurricanes acquired him in May from Phoenix in the
signed forward Jordan Martinook to a two-year contract deal that sent center Marcus Kruger to the Coyotes.
extension worth an average of $2 million per season. Martinook is making $1.85 million this season and would
have been a restricted free agent on July 1.
General manager Don Waddell said Tuesday that
Martinook’s extension will begin next season. It’s the second extension the Hurricanes awarded to a
forward in little over a week, after agreeing to a five-year,
The 26-year-old Martinook has 10 goals and three assists in $27 million deal with Teuvo Teravainen on Jan. 21.
50 games while leading the team with 125 hits and blocking
28 shots — the most by a Carolina forward.
Hurricanes sign Jordan Martinook to two-year extension
The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Jordan Martinook to pick. Martinook would have been a restricted free agent this
a two-year, $4-million contract extension Tuesday. summer.
Martinook has 10 goals and three assists in 50 games this The 26-year-old was originally a second-round draft pick
season. The Hurricanes acquired him from the Arizona (58th overall) of the Coyotes in 2012.
Coyotes last May in exchange for Marcus Kruger and a draftCAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
Insider Trading: Who's shopping D? Matthews deal gaining steam?
TSN Hockey Insiders Bob McKenzie, Pierre LeBrun and Latest on Auston Matthews
Darren Dreger joined host Gino Reda to discuss what the
Ottawa Senators could get for defenceman Cody Ceci, the Reda: When Kyle Dubas was last asked about his contract
possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs signing Auston negotiations with Auston Matthews, all he said was “healthy
Matthews to an extension before the trade deadline, the dialogue.” Where are we now, Bob?
Edmonton Oilers' general manager search and much more. Bob McKenzie: It’s been crickets publicly for Kyle Dubas and
What does the Jake Muzzin trade mean for the Senators? the agents for Auston Matthews - Judd Moldaver and Jeff
Jackson – but obviously there’s talks been going [on] behind
Gino Reda: Jake Muzzin is off the Trade Bait board. A the scenes and there is reason to believe that they are
number of good looking blueliners still available out there. making some notable progress and there’s a legitimate
How does Jake Muzzin’s departure from the list affect Cody chance, but by no means a guarantee, that this deal could be
Ceci and the Ottawa Senators? done before the NHL trade deadline. Now one of the reasons
why it may have picked up steam and the progress is
Darren Dreger: Well it has to be of intrigue to Pierre Dorion. I because I don’t believe the seven and eight year contract
mean that’s a heck of a return for the Los Angeles Kings options are as attractive or as easy to get done as maybe a
when you look at a first-round draft pick and a couple of five or six year deal. And as Darren Dreger and Pierre
prospects from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now, the Ottawa LeBrun sitting beside me have reported over the past week,
Senators are still in a rebuild mood, so the return absolutely the five and six year option looks a lot more enticing for both
is attractive. There’s been much speculation around Cody the Leafs and Matthews at this point. The eight year deal
Ceci, whether he’s in play or whether he’s not in play. For would be up around $12.5M, $13M, $13.5M, that would
that return, 100 per cent Cody Ceci is in play. Why wouldn’t really handcuff the Toronto Maple Leafs. The shorter five or
Ottawa look for a first-round pick and a couple of prospects six year deal, think more along the lines of John Tavares’s
or a first-round pick and a NHL roster player for a 25-year-old $11.5 million, add a half of a million, subtract half a million, in
right shot D-man. He’s go to get Stone signed, he’s trying to that neighbourhood. So stay tuned between now and the
sign Duchene and he might sign Ryan Dzingel, so he’s got to trade deadline.
move out some pieces and get a great return.
Micheal Ferland on the block?
Pierre LeBrun: But he has competition. We’ve been talking
all year long about the Carolina Hurricanes and their loaded Reda: We’ve been talking a lot about the Micheal Ferland
D – they’d like to move on for a top six forward. So that potential trade out of Carolina – is that close?
means either Pesce or Hamilton or Justin Faulk who has
gotten a little more interest of late by teams, by the way. LeBrun: I would say this – that the Hurricanes in a perfect
They’re going to move one of those guys before the Feb. 25 world would move him sooner rather than later. I think within
trade deadline if they can net that top six forward so, from the next week or two, if someone steps up and meets their
that perspective, Ottawa has their work cut out. price. And the reason for that is Micheal Ferland, a bruising
power forward, very talented player, also a guy that gets
The future of Artemi Panarin in Columbus hurt. I don’t think they want to risk waiting until Feb. 25 and
see his trade value drop if he gets hurt. So yes, whether it’s
Reda: Tough spot right now for the Columbus Blue Jackets – conversations they’re having with teams I believe like Boston
Artemi Panarin is on an expiring contract, his agent has or Nashville or Pittsburgh, and there’s other contenders in
already said they are not talking contract until the end of the there, if there’s a fit in the next week or two, I think they’ll pull
year. What do the Jackets do? the trigger.
LeBrun: It’s an awful position to be in if you’re Jarmo Who's replacing Peter Chiarelli in Edmonton?
Kekäläinen, the GM of the Blue Jackets, but they knew for
last summer that this would probably be the case. So here’s Reda: Where are the Oilers in their GM search?
where it sits, I think they’re going to trade him, but it has to
be at the level that they want in terms of a return. I can’t think Dreger: There’s no rush even though the trade deadline of
of a rental player that would have a bigger offensive impact Feb. 25 is looming. The Oilers know they need to get this
on a contender this year. Think of Nashville or Boston, teams one right so that’s not to say Bob Nicholson isn’t continuing
that I believe if they haven’t already will phone Columbus on to get intelligence and information – 100 per cent that’s
this player. If the Jackets can get the kind of package they what’s he’s doing. I wouldn’t expect that he reaches out for
want then they have to turn around and fill that roster spot. permission to speak to potential candidates – this week,
There are buyers and there’s sellers, it’s going to be a maybe as early as next week, but there will be a full blown
complicated month for Jarmo Kekäläinen. search for the replacement for Peter Chiarelli.CAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
McKenzie: When the Oilers get around to asking for won’t even bring up the subject and just shuts it down like
permission, a lot of us belief that Kelly McCrimmon, the that. I’ve known George for a long time, personally I’d be
assistant general manager of Vegas Golden Knights, maybe absolutely shocked if three or four weeks before the trade
at or near the top of the list for the Edmonton Oilers. The big deadline, someone asks permission for his right hand man,
question everybody is asking is – would Vegas grant that he would grant that. Especially to a division rival. So I
permission in season for McCrimmon to be interviewed and don’t think George and the Vegas Golden Knights are
potentially leave for the Edmonton job. George McPhee, the standing in the way of Kelly McCrimmon down the road, but
general manager in Vegas, shuts down all talk of that. He it’s got to be the right time and I’m not sure it’s now.
Hurricanes extend F Martinook
TSN.ca Staff Martinook was selected in the second round in 2012, and
spent the first four seasons of his career with the Arizona
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Jordan Coyotes.
Martinook to a two-year, $4 million contract extension.
In 297 career regular season games, Martinook has 36 goals
Martinook was a pending restricted free agent. and 42 assists.
The 26-year-old has 10 goals and three assists in 50 games
for the Hurricanes this season, his first season in Carolina.
Hurricanes, Martinook agree to two-year, $4m contract extension
A perfect fit for the Canes’ bottom six is locked up for the Martinook shares an agent with teammate Micheal Ferland,
next two seasons. and while Ferland is likely to be traded before he becomes
an unrestricted free agent July 1, Martinook (who misses the
By Brian LeBlanc UFA age-27 cutoff by less than a month) will sacrifice a year
Late last week, Jordan Martinook and his wife welcomed a of unrestricted free agency with his new contract. He would
new baby to the family. The Carolina Hurricanes apparently have been a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after
decided to celebrate the new arrival with a new contract this season.
extension for the proud papa. The release from the team is below.
The Canes and Martinook agreed Tuesday on a two-year, $4 CANES SIGN MARTINOOK TO TWO-YEAR EXTENSION
million contract extension that will keep the third-line winger
in Raleigh through the 2020-21 season. Martinook is in the Forward ranks sixth among Hurricanes in goals this season
final season of a two-year deal signed with the Arizona
Coyotes in 2017 with an average annual value of $1.8 Don Waddell, President and General Manager of the
million. National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today
announced that the team has signed forward Jordan
Acquired from the Coyotes in May in exchange for Marcus Martinook to a two-year, $4 million contract extension. The
Kruger, Martinook has been a third-line staple for the deal begins with the 2019-20 season and goes through the
Hurricanes this season. Playing for large stretches opposite 2020-21 season and carries an average annual value (AAV)
Andrei Svechnikov on a line centered by Lucas Wallmark, of $2 million per season.
Martinook has been consistently productive, his ten goals
this season just one off his career high with 28 games ”Jordan has really fit in well with our group and provides
remaining. veteran leadership both on and off the ice,” said Waddell.
”He skates with a relentless energy that epitomizes the way
(For his part, Svechnikov decided to celebrate his linemate’s Coach Brind’Amour wants the Hurricanes to play.”
new contract by...going on vacation.)CAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
Martinook, 26, ranks sixth among Hurricanes skaters this Draft (Luke Henman) in exchange for Marcus Kruger and a
season with 10 goals, and has totaled 13 points (10g, 3a) in third-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft (Ty Emberson).
50 games played. The Brandon, Man, native leads the team
in hits (125), ranks first among Carolina forwards in blocked Selected by the Coyotes in the second round, 58th overall, of
shots (28) and is a key member of the Carolina’s penalty kill, the 2012 NHL Draft, Martinook has totaled 36 goals and 42
ranking second among team forwards in total shorthanded assists (78 points) in 297 career NHL games with Arizona
ice time this season (86:27). The Hurricanes acquired and Carolina. He established NHL career highs in goals (11)
Martinook (6’0”, 196 lbs.) from the Arizona Coyotes on May and points (25) in 2016-17 with the Coyotes.
3, 2018, along with a fourth-round selection in the 2018 NHL
Potential Hurricanes Trade Deadline Targets
Will the Canes make moves to push for the playoffs in 2019? likely to trade away assets that punt this season. But the
Oilers are a team in desperate need of help on defense.
By Andy House While they have shown reluctance to trade away Nugent-
Once again, with the All-Star Break leading directly into the Hopkins in the past when Carolina has sniffed around,
bye week for the Carolina Hurricanes, we thought now would perhaps they could be more accommodating with a new
be a good time to get set for what could be a very active decision-making process?
trade deadline for the Canes. A deal would almost certainly have to begin with any of the
While the purpose of this particular piece is more focused on three right-shot defenseman that have been rumored as
the potential targets that could await the Hurricanes out in available from Carolina. If the trade were to expand beyond
the trade market, it is important to note that it is possible — if that, even including Ferland, the Canes would likely have to
not probable — that the trade deadline could be met with add at least a top draft pick that could become capital that
both comings and goings as the Canes continue to re-shape could be used in another deal to add forward depth.
their roster across the board. While much has been made Edmonton has a pick in the first three rounds each of the
about Micheal Ferland’s UFA status after this season, and next three seasons, so options would be available.
indeed Brett predicted yesterday that he would be dealt, a Kyle Connor
trade of Ferland would not necessarily signal retreat for this Contract: ELC currently, RFA after the season
season.
The Winnipeg Jets are certainly a Stanley Cup contender as
Another rumor that has been floated seemingly all season is the Spring nears. Trading a young, controllable player who
that in order to get forward help, the Canes may trade a operates on their top line would seem to be a complete non-
current defenseman in order to do so. Justin Faulk, Brett starter. But if Don Waddell is going to trade off of his current
Pesce, and Dougie Hamilton have all spent their time at the NHL roster, why not be bold? Connor is a blossoming 22-
forefront of those rumors, but each remains in a Canes year-old winger who already has a 31 goal season under his
sweater. A deal that includes one or more of those players belt, and is well on his way to another this season with 19
does not doom Carolina to another lost season, but rather goals (as well as 19 assists) to his name through 49 games
the return garnered will tell us much more about Carolina’s this season.
intentions this year, and beyond.
In order for the Jets to advance this season, however, one
With that in mind, and with acknowledging that the Canes could certainly argue that blueline help and perhaps a bit
have already made what many would consider a sizable more toughness up front is a recipe that would give them a
trade in shipping Victor Rask to Minnesota for Nino better shot. Again, packaging either Faulk or Hamilton with
Niderreiter, let’s look at the trade possibilities from a few Ferland would allow the Jets to upgrade on the blueline,
different perspectives: while adding a supremely capable veteran to the top line to
1. Teams/players that Carolina might be able to deal play alongside Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele for the
NHL talent to and get reciprocal NHL talent in stretch run. It is likely that draft picks and/or prospects would
return; and have to be added to sweeten the deal, depending on which
defenseman was included, but the point is that with NHL
2. Pending UFA Rentals to acquire assets to trade, the Canes must at least consider bold
3. Players with term that could be acquired without opportunities such as this which may be available if you ask
NHL talent the right team.
Trade Targets Using Current NHL Pieces Pending UFAs
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins You could argue that, in their current position, the Canes
Contract: Signed through 2020-21, AAV $6 million might be foolish to pursue expiring contracts in chasing a
playoff spot for this season. A Cup run is still highly unlikely
While the Edmonton Oilers front office may be in disarray for the current group, even with a few timely additions, but
with the recent firing of Peter Chiarelli, the Oilers remain in you cannot discount the jolt that a postseason bid would
the playoff race, just three points out of a wildcard spot have on the young players as well as the fanbase and
despite a sub-.500 record. With Connor McDavid on the organization as a whole. With eight picks within the first three
roster and a rabid fanbase to appease, the Oilers are not rounds of the 2019 and 2020 drafts combined, as well asCAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
prospects that could be coveted, the Canes have the ability could deliver on the trade market, not on the ice over the
to add to their NHL roster for either the short-term or final 30+ games of the season.
somewhat long-term without utilizing NHL talent if they
choose to. While it could be argued that Hayes may not be a top-six
quality forward, he would unquestionably add true scoring
Gustav Nyquist depth to any roster he joins, as well as serious size with his
Contract: $4.75 million, UFA after season 6-foot-5 frame. The Rangers would assuredly want a first-
round pick for Hayes, and potentially more. Despite his solid
Nyquist is a name that is likely to be tossed around by nearly season to date, and the size he would add, I am not sure the
every contending NHL team over the coming weeks. His 43 Hurricanes would be wise offering anything further than a
points in 51 games this season on a Red Wings team that pick or two, which could leave them with something less than
has settled near the basement of the Atlantic Division have the best offer for the big New Englander.
him circled as a highly-likely trade chip for the rebuilding
Wings. Other potential rentals
Nyquist does have a no-trade clause that would have to be Derick Brassard - Intra-division, has been a big
waived for any move, which may limit access to him for disappointment in Pittsburgh
several teams, including the Canes. But with a first-round
pick to dangle in front of the Wings and more (a pick that Thomas Vanek - Definitely will be traded from Detroit, but
their front office would certainly value over the same offer inconsistent and older. Wouldn’t seem to fit the Canes
from a team such as the Lightning, Flames, or any other top current structure.
contender), Carolina could at least get the Wings to check in Wayne Simmonds - Intra-division as well, but is an intruging
with Nyquist to see if he was willing to spend the rest of the player to add some beef. Would seem to be in higher
season chasing a playoff spot in Raleigh. demand for top-end contenders.
Ryan Dzingel/Mark Stone Jakob Silfverberg - Slow season in Anaheim, but a quality
Contracts: Dzingel - $1.8 million, Stone - $7.35 million; Both track record. Could be a secondary option if all other fail to
UFA after season materialize.
With the Ottawa Senators waist-deep in their rebuild, and Players with term
with some arena and franchise uncertainty in the Canadian
Capital, the Sens will likely be looking to boost their build by Jeff Carter
dealing away one or more of their pending UFAs. While it Contract: $5,272,727 per season, signed through 2021-2022
looks increasingly likely that Matt Duchene will be retained at Jeff Carter remains an intriguing player, even as he recently
a top-dollar price, Ryan Dzingel and Matt Stone could be the celebrated his 34th birthday earlier this month. Despite a
trade chips that get played by GM Pierre Dorion. slow season (25 points in 49 games) and coming off of an
While both are pending UFAs, Stone’s salary (even with less injury-plague season a year ago, Carter could still have value
than a half-season remaining) is a possible issue for cap- for a team that is willing/able to take on his contract in search
strapped contenders to deal with, making Dzingel’s bargain of top-six scoring potential. With the Kings going nowhere
deal highly appealing for all teams, but especially the high out west, and the Jake Muzzin trade to Toronto likely to be
payroll contenders seeking one final top-9 forward piece. only the first escape from LA of the season, now would seem
Stone is the player with the longer track record of success, to be the best time to check in on the market for Carter.
posting two 60+ point seasons, and well on his way to While his attitude and performance has been mercurial in the
another with a greater than a point-per-game average this past - Blue Jackets fans are furiously shaking their heads at
season. The Sens will most certainly be looking to recoup this point - perhaps his relationship with fellow Stanley Cup
the first-round pick in this coming year’s draft for at least one Champion Justin Williams would lend him to viewing
of these players, and perhaps a prospect as well for Stone, Carolina as a quality landing spot to play out most, if not all,
based on his status a potentially the top offensive weapon of his remaining contract. The magic word “first-round pick”
available in the rental market. will obviously be a must for the Kings, but a prospect or two
Neither player is inhibited by a no-trade clause, meaning would likely be needed to close a deal. The Kings did just net
they are likely to be had by the highest bidder. With no cap a 2019 first-rounder from the Maple Leafs for Muzzin, so
restrictions and a wealth of pick and prospects, this can be perhaps a future pick would be in order as part of a Carter
Carolina if they decide to jump in with both feet. But the deal. If the Canes are willing and able to take on salary,
acquisition of multiple rentals would seem unlikely for the another veteran might be a good option to add scoring to an
Canes with a playoff bid far from a foregone conclusion. inconsistent lineup.
Kevin Hayes Tyler Toffoli
Contract: $5.175 million, UFA after season Contract: $4.6 million AAV, UFA after 2019-2020
While the New York Rangers are not too far behind the An in-his-prime former 30-goal scorer who has one year of
Hurricanes, the Rangers committed just last season to a term remaining at a good (not great) salary, playing on a
quick rebuild that was supposed to see them turn back into team increasingly headed towards a full rebuild. That sounds
potential contenders within three years or so, not like the kind of player that the Canes should be targeting,
immediately. As such, a pending UFA in Kevin Hayes would no? While there has not been much discussion regarding
seem to be more valuable to the Rangers in terms of what he dealing Toffoli, you would have to imagine the Kings willCAROLINA HURRICANES
NEWS CLIPPINGS • January 30, 2019
continue to be open for business if the right offer comes Sergei Bobrovsky/Artemi Panarin - Bobrovsky has a no-
along. They certainly have more pressing deals to make with movement clause, but has stated a desire to leave
some pending UFAs (Carl Hagelin) and players they may be Columbus. It would be difficult to imagine the Blue Jackets
looking to unload (see Carter, above), but Toffoli is the type dealing him within the Metro, especially to a team chasing
of player that could garner a real return, and could be a real them currently, or for the Canes and Jackets to be able to
piece for a team that acquires him. find common ground on trade terms. Panarin is a high-end
offensive player, but seems unlikely to re-sign with
Toffoli has slumped this season, posting only 20 points and Columbus. Would they even entertain the Canes on a
eight goals in 50 games, but offense across the board has possible deal? If he were dealt, it would seem more likely to
suffered in LA, as the Kings rank dead-last in offense. Surely be to a Western Conference contender.
that team-wide talent disparity must be coloring the
performance of Toffoli as well as a few other Kings Jonathan Quick - Lots of terms remaining, and a spotty
teammates that would otherwise have a more solid recent injury history. For Carolina, it would be a chance to
contribution in the points column? Any team looking to pry jump into the deep end in their attempt to solve their goal-
away Toffoli might have to part with multiple picks (perhaps tending issues for the next several seasons. Deals like this
only one first-rounder) and a prospect to start the typically are offseason deals though, and Quick is probably
conversation. Would Carolina be willing to bet on a Toffoli the face of the current Kings, for better or worse.
turnaround?
Eric Staal - Would a reunion even be welcomed? Staal has
Some Unlikely Targets been very productive in Minnesota, and perhaps a return to
Raleigh could now be beneficial to both. A true third-line
There is bound to be an abundance of talk about a number Center would add real depth to the roster and familiarity
of highly-intriguing players and possibilities that will likely would likely be an added bonus. But it does feel like it is
never come to fruition. Below are a few tantalizing possibly too early for this to occur, and the Canes are
candidates that are exceedingly unlikely to end up in unlikely to meet any sort of higher price tag.
Carolina or, in some cases, be traded at all.
Checkers Corner: Slumping No More
Charlotte broke out of a small skid with a win over Hartford Fire event. He finished third overall with a 99.4 miles per
before the All-Star break. hour shot in the hardest shot competition.
By Justin Lape In Monday night’s All-Star Challenge Tournament, Poturalski
was the co-leading scorer for the Atlantic Division, with one
Charlotte broke out of their 0-2-1 slump with a solid win over goal and three assists in the Atlantic’s four games. The
the Hartford Wolf Pack in a shortened week. It’s now a full on Atlantic couldn’t get past the North Division, though, finishing
push for the playoffs which Charlotte will almost certainly find second in the tournament after a shootout loss to the North
themselves in, barring an unthinkable meltdown. in the final (which followed what might have been the first
Weekly Recap scoreless regulation in the history of hockey all-star games).
Charlotte’s slump continued with a 5-3 loss to the Providence Thought of the Week
Bruins. Jake Bean scored a pair of goals for the Checkers As you may have seen, the Checkers are a streaky team.
but Charlotte couldn’t find the answer in net. Callum Booth Charlotte has strung together six win-streaks of at least three
was pulled after allowing three goals on ten shots and Scott games this season and it’s easy to see why they rest on top
Darling allowed two on ten shots in relief. Steven Lorentz of the standings with All-Star weekend wrapping up.
scored his first AHL goal in 16 total games with Charlotte
spanning the past two seasons. With the most recent streak, Charlotte found itself on the
opposite side of the score streak. A little adversity may go a
Charlotte finally broke out of their funk with a resounding 5-2 long way. It was the longest slump of the season for
win over Hartford. All-Star Andrew Poturalski scored the Charlotte so far but they were able to dig themselves out of it
game’s opening goal before the Wolf Pack tied it up. before it became too much. The playoffs may not come as
Charlotte scored three goals including a goal from easy for the Checkers so finding ways to get themselves out
defenseman Haydn Fleury, his first of the season. Aleksi of deficits could pay dividends once April comes around.
Saarela scored his 14th of the season and followed it up with
his 15th on the empty net to seal the game. Looking Ahead
Player(s) of the Week The Checkers return home this week after a brief break and
take on the Providence Bruins on Friday and Saturday night.
With not many games played this week, there was not a It’s the first two games of a four-game home-stand that will
standout player. Instead, the players of the week are Trevor wrap up conclude with a pair of games against the Cleveland
Carrick and Andrew Poturalski who represented Charlotte at Monsters on Tuesday and Wednesday. It marks the first
this weekend’s AHL All Star weekend. Poturalski participated meeting between Charlotte and Cleveland this season.
in the Puck Control Relay, Accuracy Shooting and
Breakaway Relay. Carrick participated in the Breakaway
Relay event as well but also showed his skills in the RapidYou can also read
