Matt Karash: Developing the youth: Ryan Murphy, Elias Lindholm, Brock McGinn, Riley Nash

what about rask?

Matt, I like your assessment on those four prospects. My take on Nash is that if he doesn't claim a role this season we need to look elsewhere. I feel he played well last year in his 30+ games, but was a bit over slotted (and soft... well, the entire team is too soft). I don't think he is a natural 3rd liner, but hopefully a solid 4C and PK cog. IMO, his time is running out as he was an 06 1st rounder. His time to prove he's an NHLer vs AHLer is now.

The depth of this team is what concerns me the most. Last year showed a lot of things: you need depth in your organization to win. We had a lot of injuries and when we had to bring up the Checkers team to fill in, it showed, at least to me, where those players are in terms of their own development... they're just not yet ready. Looking at Ottawa as an example (and I believe you touched on this in a past blog) they were decimated with injuries, but their Binghamton call ups got the job done and they were playing games in April and May.

Boychuk and Dalpe are 2 other guys that since drafted in 08 have 5 years pro and can't crack the Canes line up with a role. IMO, Boychuk is all but done. When you get claimed by Pittsburgh and play 7 games on a line with Malkin and Neal and have no points to show for it... really?? I mean, you could put a garbage can out of the ice with Malkin and Neal and that would put points on the board.

Going forward will be interesting for the Canes. With a lot of money spent up front and no big name addition to improve the Defense I think you are asking too much from a lacking prospect pool. There are essentially 4-5 spots in the bottom 6 forward group to be claimed. If the team can stay healthy and a few players continue to progress with development (Lindholm, Skinner, Faulk) I feel this team can make the playoffs, and if they can't... it's going to be a long year.

Murphy is one of the most selfish over-rated prospects
in years....ruined the Canadian WJC team as Steve Spotts
bum boy....small,big shot, make him a forward or forget

Matt, I like your assessment on those four prospects. My take on Nash is that if he doesn't claim a role this season we need to look elsewhere. I feel he played well last year in his 30+ games, but was a bit over slotted (and soft... well, the entire team is too soft). I don't think he is a natural 3rd liner, but hopefully a solid 4C and PK cog. IMO, his time is running out as he was an 06 1st rounder. His time to prove he's an NHLer vs AHLer is now.

The depth of this team is what concerns me the most. Last year showed a lot of things: you need depth in your organization to win. We had a lot of injuries and when we had to bring up the Checkers team to fill in, it showed, at least to me, where those players are in terms of their own development... they're just not yet ready. Looking at Ottawa as an example (and I believe you touched on this in a past blog) they were decimated with injuries, but their Binghamton call ups got the job done and they were playing games in April and May.

Boychuk and Dalpe are 2 other guys that since drafted in 08 have 5 years pro and can't crack the Canes line up with a role. IMO, Boychuk is all but done. When you get claimed by Pittsburgh and play 7 games on a line with Malkin and Neal and have no points to show for it... really?? I mean, you could put a garbage can out of the ice with Malkin and Neal and that would put points on the board.

Going forward will be interesting for the Canes. With a lot of money spent up front and no big name addition to improve the Defense I think you are asking too much from a lacking prospect pool. There are essentially 4-5 spots in the bottom 6 forward group to be claimed. If the team can stay healthy and a few players continue to progress with development (Lindholm, Skinner, Faulk) I feel this team can make the playoffs, and if they can't... it's going to be a long year.
- CanesJKG

what about rask?
- jerbear53

I am on record as thinking that Rask could make the NHL team. I just focused on players where I had something (reasonably) new to say in today's blog.

I think the challenge for Rask could be what to do with him. If you assume Staal-Staal-Lindholm down the center possibly for a long time, then I think Rask could be the player who has to move to wing. With decent size and skating ability, I think he could make the transition. But as I pointed out from the prospects camp, the game is a bit different as a puck possession type of center versus NHL wing where you spend a lot more time without it than with it.

Also absent is Dalpe. He should get as much of a chance as anyone to be part of the NHL mix if he earns it in training camp, but I think he is past the "development" phase and getting closer to the "now or never" phase with the Canes. Dalpe is now a waivers send to the AHL, so if he does not make the big club there is a decent chance that he will instead get an audition with another team who claims him off waivers.

Also absent is Dalpe. He should get as much of a chance as anyone to be part of the NHL mix if he earns it in training camp, but I think he is past the "development" phase and getting closer to the "now or never" phase with the Canes. Dalpe is now a waivers send to the AHL, so if he does not make the big club there is a decent chance that he will instead get an audition with another team who claims him off waivers.
- CarolinaMatt63

Here's to hoping he makes the team. I've always liked him and I really think he can make it.

Matt Karash: Developing the youth: Ryan Murphy, Elias Lindholm, Brock McGinn, Riley Nash
- CarolinaMatt63

Great pick this year on Lindholm
At the very least,
He'll be a 3rd line guy that's feisty enough to go against othe teams top forwards
And that works out perfect for the future of Carolina with the Staal brothers already pencilled in on the first two lines
Could've gone for needed defense at 5
But now you're set at Center for a long time
Very nice job IMO

And even though u have us too much for him,
Sekera is a quality Dman that will be an upgrade for u guys
He's respectable in his own end
And (if u let him) he can skate with the puck & move it up ice quite nicely to your skilled forwards
Watch him this year in the Olympics
Last two times he's played internationally he's been the best defenseman for Slovakia (and yes, that includes Chara on his team)
Maybe it's the bigger ice surface, but that wasn't me being a homer... He really was that good
I think u guys will be happy with him

With a healthy Ward,
U guys should make the playoffs
And if u can acquire 1 more decent defenseman at the deadline, I think Carolina has a group that can surprise some teams and make a nice run

Great pick this year on Lindholm
At the very least,
He'll be a 3rd line guy that's feisty enough to go against othe teams top forwards
And that works out perfect for the future of Carolina with the Staal brothers already pencilled in on the first two lines
Could've gone for needed defense at 5
But now you're set at Center for a long time
Very nice job IMO

And even though u have us too much for him,
Sekera is a quality Dman that will be an upgrade for u guys
He's respectable in his own end
And (if u let him) he can skate with the puck & move it up ice quite nicely to your skilled forwards
Watch him this year in the Olympics
Last two times he's played internationally he's been the best defenseman for Slovakia (and yes, that includes Chara on his team)
Maybe it's the bigger ice surface, but that wasn't me being a homer... He really was that good
I think u guys will be happy with him

With a healthy Ward,
U guys should make the playoffs
And if u can acquire 1 more decent defenseman at the deadline, I think Carolina has a group that can surprise some teams and make a nice run
- jdfitz77

You are a rarity on the Canes thread. A Buffalo fan that adds to the conversation rather than trying to pour gas on a fire.

I like your assessments of the four players, but I question your role for Lindholm. Although he was listed as a 'center', it is my understanding that he played more (a lot more) wing in the Swedish Elite league than center. Assuming that is true, I think he would be best suited to stick there and either let Skinner move to center or allow one of the other center prospects get more playing time at that position. We are overstocked at center and if he can play the wing, it would help the club out more.