Today’s Daily Cup of Joe goes off on a bit of a tangent naming specific skills for Canes players that are near elite or close.
Jordan Staal
He is as good as anyone at winning 40/60 pucks (more or less 50/50-ish pucks where the other player has a small head start or advantage in winning it). Staal is so incredibly good at using his size, strength and reach to tie players up on the way to the puck or just after he gets it to sort of restart the battle which very often is one that Staal wins. A second area where Staal is incredibly good is being able to advance pucks by himself out of the defensive zone to gain the offensive blue line still with control. That ability amazes me sometimes because Staal is not lightning fast which would seem to be a key ingredient for that skill. Instead he utilizes some combination of is size/strength/reach, vision and shifty skating ability to navigate the middle of the rink protecting the puck.
Jordan Martinook
Martinook has an uncanny sense for knowing what the team needs both on the ice and off the ice. On the ice, he seemed without fail to understand when the team was maybe coming off a flat effort and needed a bit of a spark and sure enough Martinook was always physical and dialed up early in these games to help get everyone going. Off the ice, he even more so possesses a gift for sensing whta the team in total or individuals need. Martinook was at the forefront adopting Andrei Svechnikov as a kid brother and in the process helping the 18-year old quickly get comfortable in what could be a challenging transition. His ‘Marty party’ was cheesy but also sneaky powerful in helping create the fabric that made the relationship between the players something beyond what is the norm even on good teams. His Ray Whitney-like sense for how and when to lighten things up and push fun to the forefront during the playoffs was also subtle but at the same time critical for a young team learning its way in the first playoffs for many players. Players do have to be 100 percent dialed in for playoff games under immense pressure, but I think that actually makes it even more critical to be able to completely let it go and have fun in between games.
Brock McGinn
Nathan Gerbe has always been my measuring stick for measuring players’ consistency level for effort and intensity. Gerbe was so incredibly consistent at bringing it every single game that it was underappreciated. Brock McGinn is similarly top of the class in that regard. His scoring can fluctuate a bit. His role also changed a bit at times. But with incredibly consistency McGinn also showed up on time and with his intensity level in gear each and every game.
Petr Mrazek
What jumps out about Mrazek’s game when he is on is his level of anticipation. When he is playing well, his combination of reading the play and using his quickness to move makes him look like a character of The Matrix. He repeatedly just seems to have teleported forward by a second to be waiting exactly where he need to be when the puck arrives.
Jaccob Slavin
Obviously Jaccob Slavin does a number of things well, but if I had to pick one skill where he is truly elite, I think it would be his acceleration and quickness to quickly close any kind of gap. That ability permeates Slavin’s game and is a foundation for many specific things that he does well. Slavin is as good as anyone in the NHL at defending an opposing player coming in one-on-one from the neutral zone in largely because of this skill. He regularly uses his acceleration and quickness to step up on a player receiving a pass inside of the center line to take away time and space and eliminate any chance for the opposing player to do something before he even has time to figure it out. His acceleration also makes him incredibly good at covering 20ish feet in a hurry to recover in situations where he steps up in the neutral zone and also in cases where his defensive partner gets caught up ice.
Brett Pesce
Pesce’s greatest skill is a subtle but significant one. He reminds me of the younger Glen Wesley in how infrequently he makes anything more than a tiny mistake. In terms of steadiness, I think Pesce is the best on the team trumping even Slavin. Maybe what is most impressive about this is that Pesce does not come by this mostly by playing a conservative, sit back type of style. He is nearly as aggressive as Slavin stepping up at the blue line or even in the neutral zone to aggressively play the puck yet hardly even gets caught out of position. He also rates very well at not making costly turnovers. When I net it out, Pesce is elite in terms of a ‘big oops’ per minute of ice time non-fancy stat.
Dougie Hamilton
At the highest level, Hamilton’s calling card is his ability to score from the back end. Many would probably credit that skill set to having a great shot. Hamilton does have a good shot, but I really think the driving force behind Hamilton’s scoring is his ability to know when, where and how to step up into the play in the offensive zone as a fourth forward. That is what regularly nets him grade A scoring chances and in the process goals.
Micheal Ferland
In a 2019 NHL that mostly frowns on old school hockey and fisticuffs, it is increasingly difficult for a player make a difference with that brand of hockey. But Ferland is a new breed nasty player. He can fight anyone if needed, but more significantly his ability to bump a player three days forward on the calendar like he did Marcus Johansson with a clean check makes the game dangerous for opposing players. The potential for Ferland to line someone up and drill them changes the way opposing players handle the puck making it more likely that a player will discard the puck instead of holding on for another second or two and possibly being hammered for doing it. In a league that has no room for players that cannot contribute offensively Ferland is a rare breed who can match NHL pace and finish at a high enough rate to be a top 6 forward but also bring as much old school enforcer as is needed.
Warren Foegele
The sample size is incredibly small, but when the chips were down during the 2018-19 season, Foegele rose up. He played most of his best hockey of the 2018-19 season, in the final weeks when every game was critical. In addition, without his performance in games 3 and 4 of the Washington Capitals series, I do not think many people realize how close the Capitals series came to ending up like the Bruins series. Some players, captain Justin Williams being one of them, just have an uncanny knack for rises up when the pressure is the greatest. Foegele showed that he might have this ability. I cannot wait until the next round of huge games to see if Foegele can again vault his play to a higher level.
What say you Canes fans?
1) Which of these elite (or close) traits are most interesting and most significant to you?
2) I only touched on nine players and left some really good ones. Who has elite (or close) traits for other Canes players?
Go Canes!
Adding one more…Turbo’s stick handling is pretty elite, which goes along with his high-end passing skills.
Speaking of, I know the AHL is more of an ‘open ice’ game, but Charlotte is a very, very good passing team. If there was another thread for the Calder Cup series I’d mention it there, but this team is a treat to watch. Necas, who should be on the Canes next season, has elite elusiveness and a super wrist shot. Bean can defensively fight for the puck and then move it up ice smoothly, then find seams from the point to shoot through. I’ve been down on Sarella, but his GW goal last night showed off his electric shot (still think he’s a long shot for next year). Ned is just “big game”, calm and cool. Overall, Checkers up 3-1 and hoping to clinch Saturday! Good for them!
Matt good job of analyzing subtle but important aspects of the game. As always.
1) Staal is one of the main reasons for the Canes being Corsi darlings for several years. Yes the team takes shots but part of the story is extra opportunities due to Staal maintaining possession.
I liken Pesce to Darrelle Revis in his prime. Revis never led the league in interceptions or forced fumbles. But QB rating on passes thrown against him was unbelievably low. As you mentioned Pesce makes subtle yet aggressive plays at both blue lines and behind the goal. As my son likes to say when Pesce defends a player with the puck only one makes it through.
Even focused Canes fans don’t realize how good Pesce is. I saw this posted elsewhere. Slavin and Pesce both played the same 5-on-5 minutes with Aho. Slavin/Aho = 13 GF/12GA. Pesce/Aho = 23 GF/7 GA.
It wasn’t just with Aho. With Martinook they played close to as many minutes 5-on-5. Slavin/Martinook = 6GF/11GA. Pesce/Martinook = 12GF/7GA. The numbers were similar for most forwards. This past season Pesce made the Canes better than any other defenseman according to both goals against AND goals scored.
2) I don’t know if you would call it an elite trait, but McElhinney has to be one of the calmest athletes in any sport. Even his post-game interviews were amazingly calm. I enjoyed them, but I also enjoyed Martinook’s unbridled enthusiasm in interviews.
Great summary.
I think it’s thanks to these small characteristics that the team catapulted over the playoff hump.
The gritty, persistent and never-give-up characters were sorely absent in the Canes of recent years.
We stil need more pure goal scoring and special teams skills to go all the way, but those might be found down in Clt.
Speaking of which, it’s awesome to see our AHL team within a single W of the ultimate AHL prize.
MF has no end of praise for Ned’s calm, professionalism, puck handling and work ethic.
I think it’s downright inevitable that Ned will get a role with the Canes next season.
If he keeps developing like he has over the last couple of years we might have a longterm #1 goalie.
Takarski has yet to lose a game with the Checkers. I wonder if the Canes might go all in and sign him (I know he is on loan from the Rangers so I don’t know the contract specifics). It’s a longshot and I would prefer more proven NHL experience, but this duo has been nothing short of elite.
Tokarski is a UFA at the end of the season (on Sunday??). Even if he doesn’t see ice time in Raleigh he is the perfect veteran goaltender to support a young goaltender – whether it is Ned, Booth, or Helvig. You have to imagine he is going to try to parlay his success with the Checkers into serious consideration for an NHL job next season. The iron is hot so it is best for him to strike it.
That said, he is lights out with the Checkers – but his numbers with the Wolfpack this season were less than stellar and consistent with his overall performance the past several seasons.
Very good analysis Matt. You put all these traits together and it makes for a very good team. I think Foegele has Gerbe in him also. I agree with the comments, nice adds. Mac has total calmness, which is amazing for a position which is so reactive. Our goalies were fire and ice. They balanced. We very well could see Ned based on how resigning goes.
The reason I have not been too much on trading is because of what we have coming from the AHL. Will it all work, no, but give them the chance. I think that is why we see teams bring in their young guys and you wonder how they keep getting stars. We have not been in that position. We are now.
CT, agree with your Staal and Pesce comments. I believe Pesce is our best defender.
I still cannot imagine why the wild traded for Rask. Monster GM move. Sure hope we can resign Ferland. Big difference maker.
Nice summary of the positives of those players. A few comments.
Foegele: Yes, Foegele showed up in the playoffs. I’m not sure that’s a big game thing, or just a guy who finally got his confidence back (along with a little puck luck) and was able to show what he can do. The change in his game from midseason where he looked like a chicken with his head cut off on the ice, to the playoffs was dramatic. He had the confidence to actually hold on to the puck and try to make a play. I still think Foegele can be a top-9 or even possibly a top-6 forward at some point down the road.
Ferland: On the other hand I soured on Ferland as the season continued. Injuries? Maybe so. It seems to be a consistent issue with him. Frankly, he was downright awful in the playoffs. I would be shocked to see him resign with the Canes. He wants big money, but can’t stay on the ice long enough to warrant the pay.
I can’t argue your points about Ferland the last half of the season. I do believe injuries slowed him down. The thing to me is when he is on the ice other teams have to be on the lookout. He can smash you if you try to take advantage of anyone. His physical presence keeps other teams very cautious. But he can score as well. There are not too many like that. My opinion is I want him on the team. He wants big bucks and could bolt but others also see that he gets injured. He may not get the mega offers. I believe he wants to be here so there is the possibility we could resign him. If somebody ponies up the big bucks, he could leave. I believe his presence and capabilities means a lot. Time will tell what happens.
Underlying every decision to be made about signing anyone this summer will be who in Charlotte is ready to be in Raleigh come October 1st. Having watched most of the Checkers playoff run, I am looking at next season’s roster differently than right after the Boston series. There will need to be slots available for 3 or 4 current Checkers ready to move up to the NHL. Ferland, due to his contract expectations, and fragility may be a player who needs to go simply because his slot is needed for a current Checker.
As far as the Charlotte guys go you also have to consider for how long the Canes control their rights. If they can stash players, they will. Keeps things cheap.
Ned may come up if the Canes can’t sign both Mrazek and McElhinney. Bean may come up if Faulk won’t sign an extension and the Canes trade him. Necas will probably get a shot, but he is no sure thing. After that…not much is there that would push out a current NHL player.
Could 3 or 4 Checkers play in the NHL? Maybe. Will they? Likely not.
Very enjoyable article Matt, I have now read it 3 times.
Another way to say that Pesce “doesn’t make mistakes” is to say that he is elite at transitioning the puck. One of the best defenseman I have ever seen in transition, it is what drives his impressive stats. The puck gets to our offensive end more often when he is on the ice.
What amazes me the most about Slavin is his ability to reach with his stick while maintaining defensive body position. He knocks away the puck a lot without giving up position – at NHL speed. It is like his brain runs a little faster than normal and “slows the game down”. I don’t know if that’s a thing, but many top athletes talk about the game slowing down at crucial times when the game is obviously going at top speed. Perhaps it is their perception that is on hyperdrive. It is the opposite of freezing or being overwhelmed in that situation.
Good call on Slavin’s stick. I think that is actually 2 parts. First is that has the courage, instincts, ability, etc. to maintain the tiniest of gaps defending one on one. That makes it possible, but I also think there is something to his ability to slow the game down or something such that even against elite players who know how to move/protect the puck, he still is a quarter second ahead of them more often than not.
Indeed. There is something there that may be important to quantify and consider in recruiting and drafting.
Tomas Jurco has been to the Checkers and Necas as Martinook was to the Canes and Svechnikov. Here is some info about his future next season. https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2019/06/snapshots-chiasson-sabres-jurco.html Like Tokarski he has no contractual relationship with the Hurricanes just the Checkers.
Another good Tomas Jurco article: https://www.nhl.com/news/tomas-jurco-leading-charlotte-checkers-calder-cup/c-307743590
Thanks for those links. We got Jurco for Pu so at the very least Skinner may provide a Calder Cup to the Checkers. Time will tell on that.
But he has been so good since he joined the Checkers and I agree with your assessment of him.
I really think the Canes should sign him – but he won’t sign just to play in the AHL; he wants a clear path to the NHL (he is good enough for it) and I just don’t see where we can provide that. Svech and Nino aren’t going anywhere. Foegele is RBA’s type of player and isn’t going anywhere. And I expect we would replace Ferland, if we do, with another proven NHL veteran. No room for Jurco there. And that is a shame.
Jurco will (and should) be in the NHL next season. Our issue will be making a slot for him. Logically it could be McKegg’s (pending UFA) slot if the team choses to go that route.
Well, the bunch of Jurcos did it, congrats!
I think the Canes should find a way to sign Jurco. I’d imagine he may be amenable to sign a 1 or 2-year “prove it” deal for 1.5M or so.
Jurco and Necas were like chicken and waffles, better together, down in Clt. I think Necas could do with the familiar face and mentor during his first serious stint with the Canes, and I would eat my hat if that doesn’t happen next season, if I had a hat that is.
Walmark or the Keg could be the syrup and center the chicken and waffles line, there’s chemistry and familiarity, or, if the Keg is traded, Poturolski might come up and show us what he can do, that’d be the Checkers line, though it won’t necessarily be a checking line.
Given TD’s tendency to not go in for the costly deals (at least so far) this could be the type of sgining the Canes could make over the summer. It’s far from a sure bet, Jurco has won the cup before but has never turned out to be a difference making NHL player, but he dealt with serious injuries, seems rejuvinated and know this is his last shot to demonstrate that he is deserving of a lucritive contract (hence the bridge deal).
I think we can all agree that the Checkers/Canes have surpassed any but the most optimistic expectations this year.
After a good season, and an outstanding playoff performance Poturalski is a Group 6 UFA able to sign wherever he choses, making it 3 playoff standouts unburdened by any contractual status to the Canes. (Jurco, Poturalski and Tokarski) Here’s and article that summarizes Poturalski’s status. https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2019/06/ahl-notes-calder-cup-champions-poturalski-christoffer.html (Additionally it should be noted he played the playoffs with a broken foot.)
Is Potsy the real deal or the new Zykov (great in the AHL but his talent does not translate to the NHL)?
That’s the 2 mill/year for 2 years question.
If he can take his game to an NHL level he could be that upgrade at center we’ve talked about (optimistic I know).
He has earned a serious look and it would feel weird if Carolina decides that look is not going to happen.
I expect a lot of interesting news over the next month or so.