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Getting Closer to The Final 23 and Would GMRF Waive Ward? |
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The Hurricanes have been busy this week going 3-1-0 in four games. The game on Saturday was the first time many got to see more than just highlights from a Hurricanes preseason game.
They made two large cuts this weekend and the roster is now down to 33. One was before the game on Saturday, and the other was announced earlier today. Looking at the cuts, there really haven’t been any shocking ones. You can read about all of the cuts by following the link in the tweet below:
Here are my thoughts on the cuts, position battles, and weekend overall:
•Julien Gauthier: It isn’t shocking he was sent down, but I was hoping to see at least another game from Gauthier. He didn’t log a lot of TOI against the Capitals on Saturday, however, he did score on a nice move to find some ice with a well-placed shot. The best part was how he used his size and speed to get space on Niskanen.
I really can’t say enough about how much I liked that move. The Hurricanes need wingers with more size/speed, and Gauthier brings just that. I’m excited to see how he progresses in Charlotte this year.
•The D battle: There are ten remaining in camp and most likely five secured (Faulk, Slavin, Pesce, Hanifin, TVR) and only two spots open. The battle is between Carrick, Fleury, Dahlbeck, Chelios, and Bean. I still think the real battle is between Carrick/Fleury with Dahlbeck holding the 7th spot.
As of now, Carrick is making it a tough battle. In both of his games, he tallied two points. He let off an absolute bomb of a shot Saturday:
While his offensive capabilities certainly are impressive, I think the 6th spot will be decided on who provides the most consistent D. I need to see more of the remaining D before I can have an opinion on Carrick or Fleury. Slavin, Faulk, and Hanifin provide enough stable threats on the blue-line.
Last year, the third pair too often made mistakes and D errors resulting in goals. So while the offensive production is great, I do think whoever the coaches believe plays the best consistent D will win the battle.
The final question is whether the Hurricanes will keep Bean for a few NHL games before sending him to juniors. If so, this would shake up who is on the opening night roster, however, would also mean someone would get called up after a few weeks.
•Back-up battle: I’m surprised they didn’t send Smith down to join the Checkers today, especially as their training camp is set to begin tomorrow. Darling has been banged up, so that’s most likely the main reason.
I doubt it’s a possibility, but one could wonder if GMRF and coach BP would consider waiving Ward. Given what happened to Halak and Pavelec last year, I wouldn't say it is an entirely crazy question. It certainly wouldn’t be an easy decision, but it would most definitely send a message to the team regarding just how competitive it is to earn a spot in the line-up now.
Ward didn’t look great against Tampa but did have a strong game on Saturday. It’s been my feeling this year that Ward is playing to retain the back-up position, which isn’t necessarily guaranteed his.
There are three games remaining, and Darling is set to play Monday. I wouldn’t be shocked if Smith went Wednesday and then Friday’s game was split amongst the two for opening night.
• Youth movement at F: The Saarela/Necas/Koukkanen line mustered three SOG against the Capitals. This line brought a lot of excitement, as it was a good chance to see three of the top young forwards who are expected to be on the team in the next year or so.
Overall, the Hurricanes have tons of youth, and I don’t think there is much reason to push them to be NHL ready this season. Many of them would benefit from a year of developing, and I haven’t seen anyone that I sit there and say, “wow, he has to be on the team this year.”
There are some battles with PDG/McGinn and the fourth line as a whole, but beyond that, the roster seems pretty set. While all three of them survived both rounds of weekend cuts, I think they could be cut soon.
•Moving Closer to the Final 23: The next seven cuts I have are: G: Smith. D: Bean and Chelios. F: Saarela, Roy, Necas, Koukkanen.
I see Wallmark and Zykov as having a shot to play their way to the fourth-line, however, Jooris and Nordstrom both are known to be able to provide valuable PK time. I believe they both will be cut, but will most likely be late into this week. The final decision will be between Dahlbeck/Fleury/Carrick to get the Hurricanes to 23.
Carolina Hurricanes Blogger • 
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