Blind Faith - Hurricanes To Keep on Truckin’
Now that the Captain of the Hurricanes is out for the duration, some fans are ready to throw in the towel on this already frustrating season. Conventional wisdom would agree with them. How can Carolina possibly make it to the playoffs now, without their leading scorer and team leader?
Jim Rutherford says that he hasn’t given up yet. According to Lord Stanley’s Blog, management will be looking to get another warm body in here, sooner rather than later. In all practicality, they have to. Currently on the roster there are only 3 centers, Eric Staal, Trevor Letowski, and Keith Aucoin.
So what are the options? They need to bring up another center from Albany for the short-term. Nic Blanchard or Bobby Hughes could be possibilities.
There are a few things that they won’t do. Even though they have been talking to Brandon Sutter about coming to the big club after the junior season is finished, they certainly won’t rush that along because of this current need. If Sutter plays more than 10 games this season, then it would count as a full year against the total allowed in his restricted free agency period. One less year of RFA status could end up costing the Canes millions in future negotiations, so coming here early will not an option.
I also would not look for a major, blockbuster type of move. The Canes really can’t afford all of the draft picks and prospects that an acquisition of stature would require. I’d look for them to pick up someone for a lower range draft pick, say a 3rd or 4rth rounder.
Some names that have been kicked around include, Michael Peca, Sergei Fedorov, Jarret Stoll, or Yanic Perrault.
If last night’s game is any indication, it doesn’t appear like the team has given up. If anything, it has driven them to new heights. Can they keep it up?
It certainly will be interesting to see what happens now and who the next new Hurricane will be. What do you think?
About the Author: Bubba is a hockey fan/citizen journalist who has always wanted to be a sportswriter and is pursuing his dream. He also writes a Hurricanes blog for 
SHADY80 | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
I think the River Rats are providing the wake up call the rest of the guys need-start banging bodies instead of sitting around waiting to be hit. Also, this is a great time for Staal to develop into a true team leader. If they win tonight that’ll be the first three game string in along time and will hopefully give them the confidence that they’ve lacking for a long time. There is still a lot of talent on this team and as long as they can keep the rest of the D healthy and play smart they can definitely win some some close games. Getting a 3rd or 4th line center is crucial to keeping them in the Southeast running, but I’m sure JR will figure something out here in the next few days. The team is at a point injury-wise where it almost can’t get any worse so the guys have their backs against the wall and nothing to lose. I think they’ll come out fighting tonight. Should be an interesting one to watch ’cause I think this one will set the tone for the remainder of the season. Go Canes!
John | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
Um…is Ron Francis willing to come out of retirement? :/
Can any of the Canes wingers fill in at center? Erik Cole, perhaps, or Andrew Ladd? What about Brandon Nolan?
If the Canes trade for Peca then they’ll just end up with another guy on the IR.
Whatever happens, it’s going to be rough here on out.
Bubba | Feb 16, 2008 | Reply
Welcome to the blog Shady80.
I agree, the River Rats have provided some great energy and have been a huge help when they have been called upon.
Anonymous | Feb 17, 2008 | Reply
Thanks, man. This blog rules.