Jeff O’Neill Decides to Move On
The Carolina Hurricanes and Jeff O’Neill had a meeting of the minds after the Flyers game on Sunday and O’Neill has decided to end his comeback bid with the Hurricanes. The forward’s departure cuts the roster down to 32 players and more or less assures that the other free agent tryout, Dan LaCouture will make the team.
The Hurricanes made the announcement this morning.
O’Neill still has some skill and had the backing of the fanbase, but he didn’t seem to have the energy required to play in Laviolette’s up-tempo style. This decision would appear to put an official end to his NHL career, but we will see.
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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 
Cory | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
This seems like a logical move. But I wouldn’t count out Dwight Helminen yet, since he already has a deal in place.
Good luck to Jeff.
Bubba | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
I agree, Helminen has looked very good. But has he been better than LaCouture?
janeybell | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
I really liked what I saw of LaCouture at the Red and White game. He seemed to have the hustle needed to play our style. Helminen, too, but maybe not quite as much. I’d love to see LaCouture against a real opponent and on a line with some of our more A-list players, but I don’t see me getting up there for any preseason games.
Mateo | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
I honestly have not even noticed Helminen in any of the games… I guess that means he hasn’t really screwed anything up… but it also means he hasn’t been noticeable…
I wanted O’Neill to make the team as much as anyone… but it is true that he looked old out on the ice. I wonder if perhaps his career could take a different turn into perhaps broadcasting or something of that sort. He has a great personality and he certainly has enough opinions to be stimulating to viewers or listeners….
Best of luck to him… And I officially put my vote in For Dan (#20) to make the team!
Ivan | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
I think that this says a lot about O’Neil. At least he left on his on accord and didn’t make a scene or cause trouble. I was hoping he would make it to, but now is LaCouture’s chance.
Good luck #92!!
Bruce | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
I think all he wanted was a black jersey.