Here is a quick drop of a few mini-topics that did not make it into a blog this week and also a short introduction to a longer blog I hope to post soon that looks at potential areas for the Canes to improve via trade and push into the playoffs.
1-When we look back on the Liles/Gleason trade in 3 years, the greatest benefit could prove to be the impact on Ryan Murphy’s development. Ironically, I think there is also a chance that the trade could see Murphy spend some time in Charlotte soon when the next round of the roster numbers crunch happens. But Murphy will spend time at the NHL level and will benefit greatly from Liles experience in a very similar role at the NHL level and also in training camp next year.
2-The complete transformation of the defense without having to use the word rebuilding is utterly astounding. The Canes have played games recently (and won) with exactly 1 (Faulk) out of the current 8 D/G slots carries over (realizing that 2, Harrison and Ward, are out to injury). That is utterly amazing.
3-Zach Boychuk’s story is impressive. He could easily have become the mopey, bad attitude older rookie who did not work out after what he went through last season followed by a great training camp that still left him on the outside looking in. Instead, he went the other direction and just kept working hard, taking direction from coaches and improving his game.
4-Rutherford needs to stay hard at work. The recent trend is positive, but the Canes are currently in the vicinity of a playoff spot, but teams in the Metro Division are starting to play better. With no playoffs in 4 years, the goal is not just to stay in the hunt but rather to look for ways to push above the fray and to a position that is working on seeding the last week of the season not on the cut line. Anything less than a playoff berth will be a disappointing end to this season. Any move left on the table that might have put the Canes over the top would be a shame.
5-The biggest area for potential improvement remains the C3 slot. Malhotra is doing a fine job in this role, but the team gets better if he and his solid checking line crew can drop to the 4th line and if the team can become 3 lines deep offensively.
6-Could an internal option be the answer? I realize that Skinner’s move to center was mostly out of necessity with EStaal and Nash being out, but is there a chance that the choice of Skinner and not 1 of the other options to fill in for EStaal was also a strategic decision by Muller/Rutherford to get a feel for whether Skinner could fill the C3 slot? If Skinner becomes LW or C, the options for building a 2B scoring line expand and the shopping options to add a player become more flexible. There are also a couple other options. With a restart after the WJC’s, can Lindholm seize the spot that was originally his? Could Ruutu fit here? There are some internal options to try 1st, but if none of those work, I still think this is Rutherford’s next trade.
7-Finally, I present Matt Cullen. I hope to put up a longer blog detailing trade options to improve the team fairly soon, but I really like Matt Cullen. Starting back with my 1st evaluation in November, I noted to areas for potential improvement. First was adding a #4 defenseman with more offensive/puck-moving/power play ability. Bellemore’s continued strong play enabled Rutherford to address the need a little differently adding a player in Liles who at least initially slots into the 3rd pairing. Second was adding a 3rd-line center with offensive ability who could complement Skinner. I think there is a chance that Skinner could ultimately return to the 2B scoring line once he cools down, but even if he does not building a 3rd line with scoring punch is still the biggest area for improvement. It balances the scoring and enables Malhotra’s line to focus on the defensive side of the puck which is where it excels. Cullen’s combination of veteran experience, skating/offensive ability, 2-way play, faceoff prowess and role (either special teams)/position (center or wing) are matched by almost no one else who might be available. The only negative is that his contract goes through 2014-15 which makes him a bigger commitment than a playoff run rental.
Twitter=@CarolinaMatt63
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