Opportunity Knocks … For Many
It’s the morning after, so to speak, and the shock has worn off … somewhat. To say the Carolina Hurricanes franchise is beginning a new era and starting over would be naive at best, downright silly at worst. It’s still “Our Team” and clearly Paul Maurice was still part of “Our Tradition.”
But at the same time, it would be just as short-sighted and foolish to say there isn’t an opportunity in this entire situation.
It starts with the most obvious opportunity: a chance for a team that has clearly struggled to regroup and return to a level of consistency and effort that will make the fans proud and turn the season around. Can Maurice and Ron Francis be the catalysts for that? That’s for time to tell and not for pundits to predict.
Peter Laviolette’s dismissal was not a shock, but Maurice’s return was. It’s easy to remember the 41-year-old coach’s clutch-and-grab successes and failures, along with the “Mo Must Go” chants. Right now, Maurice’s easygoing attitude, dry wit and pregame, in-game and postgame poise provides a change — one way or the other.
But Maurice has an opportunity, and that’s all that GM Jim Rutherford has given him. By bringing Coach Mo in for the balance of the season, Rutherford irked and perplexed many media and fans. But this decision has a built-in escape clause. Since Maurice was not signed to a multiyear deal, Rutherford has handed the reins of the team to a familiar face, one that knows how the organization works and can seamlessly transition into nearly every part of the job. But with few players left from his previous stint in Carolina, Maurice faces one key obstacle: coaching the team.
It’s in this setup that Rutherford made a good move. I won’t argue that Maurice’s return was a case of getting the best man for the job. But it was very possibly the smartest short- and long-term move the veteran GM could make.
First off, it kept Rutherford from miring the team in uncertainty and likely throwing away the 2008-09 season. His options were:
- Fire Laviolette and name a current assistant as the permanent head coach. Given the team’s struggles this year, who knows if the same voices (Tom Rowe, Kevin McCarthy or even Jeff Daniels) could motivate the team to succeed.
- Name an interim coach and perform a wide-scale coaching search, complete with interviews that could take an extended period of time. The team would have to play for an interim frontman, knowing another change was coming, then adjust again to a regime change. The new coach would also have to get his feet under him. The team could easily spend 10, 15 or 20 games doing all this — and at this point there’s not time for a learning curve.
- Simply offer and hire the best man available (whoever Rutherford deems that is … John Tortorella? Pat Burns?) and hope that your new big-ticket coach is worth the cost — all while still paying Laviolette, which likely played into the Maurice’s hiring.
With Maurice, if he stabilizes the team and leads them back to the playoffs, Rutherford can then assess the job done and determine if this blast from the past is the right man for the job. If the team continues to flounder, Rutherford and the team can walk away from Maurice, thank him for his help and perform an offseason coaching search that will allow the new coach — and the team — to transition more fluidly.
Rutherford is also given a few opportunities now. If the team does continue its downward spiral, he’ll begin to look at reshaping his roster. (Note: We’re dealing in hypotheticals here)
With several defensive prospects ready for the NHL now or as soon as next season, Rutherford could attempt to move many of his blueliners to make room for the new guys. Dennis Seidenberg, an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, could fetch a solid prospect or draft pick at the trade deadline if the team is not planning on resigning him. Anton Babchuk and Josef Melichar could lead to later-round picks and provide depth for a prospective playoff team. And maybe Nic Wallin, with just one more full season on his contract and seeing that a rebuilding team would keep him for another run at glory, would waive his no-trade clause and the Canes could get value in return. Frank Kaberle and Joe Corvo could even be shopped. In moving some of these players, the team would still have Tim Gleason and Joni Pitkanen to build around, with AHLers Casey Borer and Brett Carson and Wisconsin’s Jamie McBain and Notre Dame’s Kyle Lawson — along with a few others — in the wings.
Up front, the biggest decision this offseason — regardless of the on-ice results — will be whether to sign Tuomo Ruutu to a long-term deal. A lot of that decision will be based on whether or not the team thinks the emerging power forward can stay healthy. If the team decides not to give “The Finnish Crash” (I’m copyrighting this nickname ASAP!) a new long-term commitment, his trade deadline value would be through the roof, especially since he’ll still be just a restricted free agent this offseason. Like Wallin, Ray Whitney and Scott Walker might be open to waiving their NTC’s if it meant a shot to play for a contender for the next one-plus seasons until their deals expire. Matt Cullen (one full year left at $2.8 million) and Patrick Eaves (two full years left at a total of $3.1 million) could be options to clear cap room, though Cullen’s price tag may be too much for another team to take on, and Eaves’ play has been under par. That would still leave Eric Staal, Rod Brind’Amour (he’s not going anywhere, people), Sergei Samsonov, Justin Williams and Brandon Sutter — plus whoever is not dealt — as part of a solid foundation, along with a few prospects that could make the jump.
But all of this is based on the team’s and Maurice’s failure. And here’s where Rutherford has perhaps his best opportunity — to prove himself again.
Tuning in to XM satellite radio’s NHL Home Ice, I listened as James “Boomer” Gordon — for my money the sharpest and most insightful guy on the station — asked the same questions that baffled fans were asking: Why go back to Maurice? Does this make any sense?
But then Gordon uttered a statement that rings true for me. He said something along the lines of, “I’ve learned through the years that most of the decisions Jim Rutherford makes are the right ones and to not question them too much.”
And when you look at Rutherford’s track record, it’s hard to argue that point. He landed Brind’Amour in a blockbuster trade. He shipped out disgruntled prospect Jack Johnson and got Gleason and cap relief in return. He turned Andrew Ladd into Ruutu — seemingly another winner. He brought in Laviolette, along with free agents like Whitney and Cory Stillman. Sure, there have been stinkers (Sami Kapanen to Philly, the failed Marek Malik for Jan Hlavac trade). But for the most part, Rutherford’s good moves have far outweighed the bad.
As for Laviolette, he was clearly a defeated man the past few weeks. His press conferences and comments all reflected a coach that was searching for answers and couldn’t find them. Did Laviolette forget how to coach? Did the game, which was wide open immediately following the lockout and has tightened up some since, changed so much that his game planning doesn’t work? Of course not. Both defensive lapses and offensive struggles have crippled the team at points the last couple seasons, but Laviolette was behind the bench for not only a Stanley Cup winner, but he also coached a two-time Selke Award winner. The Laviolette era will be remembered for the positives, not the negatives. He will be given another chance elsewhere, and don’t be surprised if he’s successful again.
The final opportunity is with the players. The past few weeks, Ruutu and Walker have been front and center in the press, saying the team needed to play harder. It’s time for Brind’Amour and the leadership core to be the ones making those proclamations. It’s time for Staal — part of that core — to also do it on the ice.
It’s time for the team to become a team again. “Our Team.” If it’s Maurice or another face behind the bench for the foreseeable future, the responsibility still rests on the ones in skates. Maurice may be a return to the past, but it’s the players that are “Our Tradition.”
Now they have to go show that it’s a tradition worth building upon. And the fans need to support them and do the same.
About the Author: I'm a sports fan with a background in sports writing, editing and design. I grew up in Western Massachusetts and graduated from a college in Central New York with my degree in journalism. I moved to the Triangle in early 2000 and have been a season ticket holder since 2005. You can reach me at 
E | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Nice take Cory.
There are no sure things in this game and the Canes fate could be a lot clearer in the next 30 days. JR hasn’t locked himself into anything at this point.
Jonathan | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Good Article Cory,
One question that I have for you is goaltending. What/who do you think is the future of that for this team. With Ward and Leighton both having their contracts expiring next season do you expect to see one or both of them resigned for long term deals? If so, who? Ward will be a Restricted Free Agent and Leighton will an Unrestriced Free Agent. Any thoughts?
Bubba | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Jonathan
I know you were asking Cory, but I’ll chime in. Actually, both are signed for next season as well. Ward will be making 3.5 million and Leighton 600K.
Ward will be an RFA in 2010 and Leighton will be a free agent.
http://canescountry.com/salaries/index.html
Cory | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
I think the expectation is Ward will emerge as a quality No. 1. As for Leighton — that depends on him. He’s 27, so he’s getting to the point where he needs to prove he belongs in the NHL. With Manzato and Peters, I would think he’d have to be pretty good to hold on to it long term.
Regardless, I don’t see either of them going anywhere in the near future.
Tarheelicane | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
HEAR HEAR!!
wylde4canesHatesJR | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Cory,
I like article but it I do want to argue some of those great decisions made by JR. Alot of these brilliant moves were predicated by a need to undo a bad decision.
JJ was drafted by JR, knowing that he was unlikley to sign with us. We instead missed up on the following: Carey Price, Anze Kopitar, and Marc Staal.
Andrew Ladd deal was OK, but we are most likely unable to retain Ruutu for beyond this year, and may not even retain his services for that long.
The others mentioned were done just prior to our cup year, and I admit were great decisions, but if Lavi can be shown the door under the what have you done for me lately banner, then why not JR.
Since then we have been treated to mis-steps like our failure to resign Aaron Ward, a player we have yet to effectively replace, the revolving door used by Tanabe and Vasicek, Free agent madness like The Hutchinson experiment, followed up with it’s sequel the Hamilton Project, Letowski, Belanger, and let us not forget the sheer genious of trading for an injured Patrick Eaves, how many games has he played versus what he has watched? I wont bag on him for the Carter signing as it really was so low risk, why not take a shot at it. O but let’s not forget he opens the bank for Samsonov, who has a rep of playing for contacts ( deserved or not, the hang tag is there) yet flip flops on Ruutu leading to a short term deal.
Now he has chosen to mire us in further instability by hiring a coach for the remainder of the season, leaving himself with no idea as to what system the team will be playing next year, or what kind of players to target in free agency. He flirted with magic in 02 and got a brief hold on it in 06.
E | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
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I don’t think that’s farther from the truth. JR has said that his pre-draft conversations with Johnson gave no indication of what was to come. He said as much at a STH roundtable I attended.
MB | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Great article Cory. I will be in the stands tonight doing my part.
Cory | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Hindsight is 20-20 … Johnson was definitely the No. 1 guy after Crosby. The Ducks are still getting criticized for taking Ryan ahead of him. Price and Staal would’ve been reaches that high based on the info going into the draft, and Kopitar — also a reach that high — was a question mark b/c no one knew what to expect from the first Slovenian player.
The Ward decision was a tough one — he went with the younger guy (Wallin). The other moves were all minor third- and fourth-line moves. Those are always hit or miss … and Eaves is still just 24 and surely better than the nothing we would’ve gotten when Commodore and Stillman left. At least he’s still an asset. And I think the Samsonov deal will be worth it in long haul … lump me in with the minority.
Was the Cole trade a misstep? I’d vote no. Is this move the right one? Maybe not. But it’s worth seeing the method behind the madness, right?
repenttokyo | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
I don’t think Marc Staal is any great prize, and I think that Johnson will turn out to be a bust.
I feel Laviolette is taking a lot of the blame for the injuries of the past few years.
I agree that the Carter signing was low risk. I also agree it was a mistake to lose Ward - I watch him here in Boston and he is the definition of solid.
Paladin6 | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
W4C,
Some pretty good points, I would argue that Carter was the biggest waste of money I have ever seen, but it wasn’t that much to those people i guess. I like the article, I think I have echoed, whined, and snivvled through many of those points. JR is a pretty good GM, I think. Yup he’s boned a few and he also has made some stellar choices. I think what this article is saying is that this was a great way around a really bad thing. Even if Scotty Bowman decided he’d work for free he probably isn’t as well suited for this job. It’s not so much about coaching as it is about the players. Hence Ronnie (aka Mr. Player Developement)being involved. Mo brings in a relation with almost the whole upper managment crew. So no learning curve. He is also fond of the area and knows whats up and has friends. So then it boils down to whether the team is going to function under anybody. Well, now there is somebody new, this like training camp and everyone is trying out for the team. Win or lose JR still hasn’t commited long term money on the coaching change. He did solve the problem of a coach not being able to muster the troops. So for 2 mill and only maybe, for Lavi plus whatever he’s paying Mo and don’t think it’s much in the scheme of things. Mo is in tryouts, too. If you look at it like that it was one slap shy of brilliant. If it works out that the team get’s thier shit together and plays at expected levels, everyone but Lavi wins. Lavi will get a job and bet PDQ. Now if the teams falls off the cliff, we are no farther behind than we were last week. The team sucked, the fans were pissed and money was bleeding. JR allowed the org. to be in a position that if that is the case, we can can anybody at anytime. They have the ability to take a LONG time in a coach if needed or groom someone from in house. Bought months of time to make deals and see what other teams or doing and needing.
You know my stance on Lavi, JR I can take or leave, but I do have respect for him.
I think JR made a clutch save of a GM descision. He didn’t throw the baby out with the bath water. This team can still do something good. Now they have a brand new slate, how often does anybody get a clean shot like that?
Win or lose I expect the secondary guys to play like they are on fire. If the big guys can’t do the same the teams screwed, but if they put away the prozac and get pissed off and play some real team style hockey, these guys will get beat up, but they are gonna win some games, I would think enough to take the SE.
A
Paladin6 | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
BTW you forgot the draft pick I think it was Jiri Hudler was ours and we traded it. Not real sure, but I remember something along those lines.
A
wylde4canesHatesJR | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Cory,
I intentionally did not mention the Pits for Cole trade as I don’t think it was a great trade and i don’t think it was a bad trade.
I agree that JJ was the number one guy, but they all but said, stay away we aint signing here. Pretty big gamble to call their bluff, I think. Staal was a reach given the scouting at the time, and I can understand the apprehension around Kopitar, but I still think Price would have been a safe pick given that we still did not know then what our goaltending was going to be like post lockout.
I also agree that something is better than nothing in terms of #22 and #61, but I just thought we could have done better.
I am just disgruntled right now. I feel, a day later, worse about this than I did when the news broke.
wylde4canesHatesJR | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
P6,
I think at this point my biggest fear in this is that MO stinks up the joint and we miss the PO again (year 3) and then we start next year with a new coach, maybe Ronnie, with a new system and most likely a bunch of new faces, and that old rebuilding mindset. Rebuilding teams rarely go to the post season ( missed year #4). That kind of thing is fine if you are Montreal or TO, but our fanbase has too many other options for their entertainment $$$ (dwindling $, I should add), especially in the sports world. My main concern is the long term viability of this franchise in this market. The NHL wont make the Atlanta mistake twice, this is our only shot at an NHL franchise, if it leaves, say hello to AHL hockey again.
Paladin6 | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
Amen brother!!
That’s been my big point for longer than I’ve been posting here. I look at it like if Lavi stayed we were done. There was just something either going on or missing. So I look at this as asecond shot. Would Mo be my first choice? Nope, but I see the business logic (oxymoron?) in the choice. It all boils down to whether these guys are gonna play for real or not. I think you can bank on the fact that Rons on the bench looking at everything. He knows how a bench is supposed to feel. He will be looking at each player. This is the real deal, play or leave. I’m hoping these guys will play.
I hate all the talk about not being able to resign Ruutu. If it all goes well he may be easier to retain, I think he’s exactly what this team needs. He’s got a following and he is playing his butt off and hitting anything in a differant color. Now if that will only catch on…
If they do go into rebuild mode, it’s gonna be a bitch to get good players. Nobody will want to come.
I hate acc bouncy ball stuff. This is all I got!!
Keep an open mind, JR may just impress us with Mo and company.
If not, can’t be much worse than the start of the year.
A
Andrea | Dec 4, 2008 | Reply
No Kidding, P6 - I would be upset to see Ruu go anywhere. The energy that guy has shown CONSISTENTLY since he got here just makes me happy. I kept hearing in the offseason that he was really happy here, and that he was a big part of getting Pitkanen here because he liked it here. I hope the team turns it around and he keeps being happy here and wants to stay.
I also wish that Brookbank would be playing. I mean, it’s nice to have Williams back. But Walker is out, and Brookbank is on the roster for a reason. He needs to play, darnit.