Matt Karash: Canes 2013 Eval Part 11: Grading the defensemen for 2013

To put it ultra succinctly, the Canes defensive pairings for next season should be:

Faulk-Pitkanen
OFFSEASON ACQUISITION-Gleason
Harrison-Murphy
Bellemore as the 7th guy.

If health holds and Faulk and Murphy continue to develop, I don't think this defense (that was objectively dismal this season) is that far away.

Corvo should not be back. It's that simple. He should not have been brought back for a third time either.

Corvo should not be back. It's that simple. He should not have been brought back for a third time either.
- ward30nhl

We're at the point with the player budget that ever million counts. Heck, every half million counts. JR has to be extra diligent with how he spends this year. Based on that fact, I can't see a how or why he would be Corvo back.

We're at the point with the player budget that ever million counts. Heck, every half million counts. JR has to be extra diligent with how he spends this year. Based on that fact, I can't see a how or why he would be Corvo back.
- Gossler1

This might sound strange, but I think that is exactly why you might take Corvo back. To be clear, I am not advocating any program that puts him in the top 4. But depending on what kind of player we add for the top 4 spot, there could be room/need for a offense/power play player in the bottom pairing (with Harrison). For example, if the Canes managed to get someone like Scuderi, you now have only 2 power play capable dmen (Pitkanen, Faulk) in the top 4 plus Harrison who doesn't fit. You either need to play forwards (2 even) on the point or get an offensive guy for the remaing #5/#6 spot. Murphy could take this role but I am very skeptical that he will be anywhere near NHL ready by next October and with the bonus stuff in the rookie contracts his cap his is actually $1.4M. If McBain stays, he would be a serviceable (not great) option, but I think he could be gone via trade before the season starts. If that happens and if you need 1 more offensively capable defenseman and if Corvo wants to stay and will take a discount and 1-year deal to do so, he could work. I am thinking $1M for 1 year. With the scarcity of defensemen, I really don't think you will find better than Corvo even with his limitations in that price range. And at only $1M for 1 year you don't have a big problem on your hand if at some point Murphy seizes this role.

what would need to be added to this in order for the canes to accept? franson and leafs 1st (21st overall) + ? for canes 1st (5th overall)

Matt,

When you put it that way, I see where you're coming from with Corvo. Basically he slots back in as the 6th dman and Murphy begins the year in Charlotte playing top minutes with the hope he can make a Faulk-ian jump by midseason. If you can get Corvo for $900k-$1mil it makes sense.

JR could continue his recycling of players and bring Andrew Alberts back

what would need to be added to this in order for the canes to accept? franson and leafs 1st (21st overall) + ? for canes 1st (5th overall)
- matt1337

I'm thinking Gunnarson or McClement

JR could continue his recycling of players and bring Andrew Alberts back
- ward30nhl

Nooooooooooooooo

Matt,

When you put it that way, I see where you're coming from with Corvo. Basically he slots back in as the 6th dman and Murphy begins the year in Charlotte playing top minutes with the hope he can make a Faulk-ian jump by midseason. If you can get Corvo for $900k-$1mil it makes sense.
- Gossler1

I wouldn't win a big bidding war if someone else is confident that they can refind the Corvo of his prime and is willing to pay for it. He will be 36 starting next season. But he managed a 12-goal, 35-point pace (prorating his 40 games played over 82) in 2013 and finished with 8 PPP compared to the team leaders (Skinner, EStaal, Semin) at only 9.

It depends on what he wants to do. If he wants to get as much as he can for what could be his last contract then he might be able to find 2 years and more money from another team similarly with an opening for an experienced offensively capable #6. But if he and his family like Raleigh and just want to finish here (it's happened before), then I think he could be a very shrewd bargain in the right role at the right price.

I'm a big fan of faulk, but he didn't have a good year. He played 6th toughest minutes of players that played over 20 games. 7th best Corsi. His shot differential was good, and he pushed the play, but overall I think he underperformed this season.

To put it ultra succinctly, the Canes defensive pairings for next season should be:

Faulk-Pitkanen
OFFSEASON ACQUISITION-Gleason
Harrison-Murphy
Bellemore as the 7th guy.

If health holds and Faulk and Murphy continue to develop, I don't think this defense (that was objectively dismal this season) is that far away.
- Gossler1

Skinner for M Staal?

I'm a big fan of faulk, but he didn't have a good year. He played 6th toughest minutes of players that played over 20 games. 7th best Corsi. His shot differential was good, and he pushed the play, but overall I think he underperformed this season.
- TheNugeIsHuge

Did you watch Canes games? Or just sort through some numbers in June?

Did you watch Canes games? Or just sort through some numbers in June?
- CarolinaMatt63

to be honest I only say 2 CAR games, but numbers speak for themselves