Matt Karash: The case for Brock McGinn

Aren't you being just a little over-optimistic here? I don't know the kid but reading your assessment makes me wonder why he wasn't a first round pick.

On the other hand, it's always fun to find the guys no one thought could make it.

Aren't you being just a little over-optimistic here? I don't know the kid but reading your assessment makes me wonder why he wasn't a first round pick.

On the other hand, it's always fun to find the guys no one thought could make it.
- elcabong

He is definitely a long shot at this early stage of his career, but 2 things:

1) There is a BIG opening right now on the Canes forward lines. After jettisoning most of the 3rd/4th line veterans (Jokinen, Brent, Larose) and signing only AHL/NHL fringe forwards (Gerbe, Palushaj) there is room for someone to seize a spot if they earn it.

2) The Canes are light on his Tuomo Ruutu-ish run around and bang stuff style of play and Muller made it clear last season that he wanted more of that in the lineup..

Is McGinn a sure thing? Far from it. Is he more likely to end up back in juniors? Sure. But IF he can quickly transition his style of play to the NHL game, there is room and a need for it on the 2013-14 Canes roster.

He is definitely a long shot at this early stage of his career, but 2 things:

1) There is a BIG opening right now on the Canes forward lines. After jettisoning most of the 3rd/4th line veterans (Jokinen, Brent, Larose) and signing only AHL/NHL fringe forwards (Gerbe, Palushaj) there is room for someone to seize a spot if they earn it.

2) The Canes are light on his Tuomo Ruutu-ish run around and bang stuff style of play and Muller made it clear last season that he wanted more of that in the lineup..

Is McGinn a sure thing? Far from it. Is he more likely to end up back in juniors? Sure. But IF he can quickly transition his style of play to the NHL game, there is room and a need for it on the 2013-14 Canes roster.
- CarolinaMatt63

Thanks for replying Matt. I really enjoy seeing some of the kids come from nowhere and make a place for themselves in the NHL. On several occasions, these guys become far better than what their stats and scouts had slotted them for. I'll keep an eye on him in hope he does get a roster spot. Good write-up.

How about Justin Shugg? Where is he on the depth chart? He could really put the puck in the net with Windsor and Mississauga in junior.

While we're playing "which dark-horse wild-ass long-shot" makes the roster?...
my choice is Jared Staal! hey, when he played with his brothers late in the season, he didn't look out of place! His size could work well for him on a checking line, and he's still young and developing!

How about Justin Shugg? Where is he on the depth chart? He could really put the puck in the net with Windsor and Mississauga in junior.
- BIGBASSMAN

Until last year, I believe he was going between the ECHL and AHL. This year he should be a full-time AHLer.

While we're playing "which dark-horse wild-ass long-shot" makes the roster?...
my choice is Jared Staal! hey, when he played with his brothers late in the season, he didn't look out of place! His size could work well for him on a checking line, and he's still young and developing!
- randycane

If Jared can improve on his skating, he has a shot. He is s-l-o-w. Once he makes it to the proper end of the ice, he knows how to use his size.

any chance blanchard makes it on the 4th line? really liked the team with him in the lineup. a more willing to go with anyone kind of guy where as westgarth handles the heavys.

A couple quick comments:

--Justin Shugg. He would be a long shot just like McGinn. To be honest, he didn't stand out to me from what I saw of prospect camp, but the volume of openings make it possible for almost anyone to play their way onto the team.

--Nicolas Blanchard. His very clear desire to do whatever it took to contribute at the NHL level last season was impressive, but the current NHL does not allow much (usually 1) for roster spots for players with a limited role. From the list of options, I would not project him to be 1 of the best 12 forwards (+Westgarth for specific role) in training camp which is what it will take to make the team.

Maybe we could get Jamie McGinn and let the younger McGinn develop a little more