Matt Karash: Hurricanes exit interviews // Fastest path to a better 2014-15

Staal isn't going to change. He's been the same player since he won the cup, and given the same exit interview for the past 5 years. This team, and organization, can't do it as is. You need young talent, and a coaching staff that can utilize it's young players, and a front office that isn't going to bury your talent in the AHL for their entire RFA period.

I give props to Bowman for being ridiculously honest in his interview. He says something to the effect of being pushed down the lineup or losing minutes for seemingly no reason--and I agree with him. He was noticeable before his injury, and once Manny came in, he was playing some of his best hockey as a pro.

I'm ready for a complete and total culture change in this organization, and if that means ousting the Staals, Ward, or whomever else, then so be it.

#7 pick in the draft. Who do we take?

#7 pick in the draft. Who do we take?
- ward30nhl

Nick Ritchie LW Peterborough (OHL)

When Ritchie goes into beast mode, it’s tough to stop the young winger. At 6-foot-3 and 229 pounds, he’s got the carriage to be an NHLer right now, but the Petes are happy he’s still with them.

Sounds like a Power forward to me.

Plus the Canes should know this kid well since he plays for the Petes!

I was wondering, what's your evaluation on Komisarek's season? Guy has been a complete mess during his time in Toronto.... was wondering if he managed to improve a little.

Just curious as I don't remember noticing him at all during the season when the Habs and Canes played each other.

I was wondering, what's your evaluation on Komisarek's season? Guy has been a complete mess during his time in Toronto.... was wondering if he managed to improve a little.

Just curious as I don't remember noticing him at all during the season when the Habs and Canes played each other.
- Scabeh

Played in 32 games, had 4 assists and was a -4. The only time I really noticed him was when he did something wrong.

From all accounts, Komisarek is a true professional, deals with adversity in a positive manner, and seems like a nice guy. So I give him all the props in the world for that.

However, if I were to rank our defensemen from this season, he'd come in dead last. And I honestly see no reason to bring him back next year.

From all accounts, Komisarek is a true professional, deals with adversity in a positive manner, and seems like a nice guy. So I give him all the props in the world for that.

However, if I were to rank our defensemen from this season, he'd come in dead last. And I honestly see no reason to bring him back next year.
- OMEGA919

Well said.

I watched the Penguins game last night, they looked pretty good, especially those guys Jussi Jokinen and Brandon Sutter. I wish the Canes could get guys like them......

E. Staal is so woefully out of position often enough that I would hate to see the number of odd man rushes he'd give up trying to be more physical. His role as a captain is to gain and keep the ear of the locker room. I like him and I like Muller, but if neither can consistently inspire the others, then a change is definitely needed.

I watched the Penguins game last night, they looked pretty good, especially those guys Jussi Jokinen and Brandon Sutter. I wish the Canes could get guys like them......
- grubber

Hurricanes will need big bodies to crash other big bodies in this division to compete. Sutter or Jokinen will not set you on the path to winning records. Took years of obscurity (and Gary Bettman) in Pittsburgh to get a mix of strength and skill.

Matt, think you're 1/2 right...we need some truculence, but Staal isn't the answer for that! Personally i think Eric's problem was a terrible start due to his knee surgery! His game is skating and using his size and strength down low, where he's a real beast with the puck! His skating power was missing for nearly 1/2 the season before he seemed to get comfortable and confident.
Think the Canes should consider trading the #7 draft pick for a good physical forward!