Today’s Daily Cup of Joe will probably be the last for a few days while I catch my breath and spend time with family over the the holiday weekend. Plan is to restart Daily Cup of Joe either Sunday or Monday, but weekly ‘The Pipeline’ prospect report, ‘Checking In’ Checkers report and a game preview for Saturday are already in the queue.
Thank you to all of my Canes family (whether you willingly signed up or not. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend and that it includes 2 Hurricanes hockey wins!
Here are a few more player-by-player quick hitters to dump the last of my random notes that have not made it into other posts and start anew next week:
Riley Nash. He has not done much offensively this season, but I still like him in Jay McClement’s slot (over Jay McClement) going forward. McClement’s speed/mobility is borderline NHL at this stage of his career. I think Nash could fill the exact same role as a fourth-liner and penalty killer but with better wheels and therefore better defense. The issue is that McClement is signed for 1 more season, whereas Nash is not which.
Michal Jordan and Chris Terry. I think both get 2-way deals at best from the Canes next season unless they surge during the second half of the season. Neither has showed enough so far to warrant holding a guaranteed roster spot for him.
Ryan Murphy. I have to believe that he will see more NHL ice time. As written previously, this is a tricky situation for Francis. If Francis decides that Murphy is not part of the long-term solution, then I think he needs to do what he can to showcase him favorably and then move on quickly. If Francis thinks Murphy is part of the long-term solution, then he needs to give him a chance to show it. Both of these require NHL ice time.
Andrej Nestrasil/Jordan Staal. At the forward position, I think this duo could win the award for most chemistry right now. Their ability to play the same kind of physical and rugged game continues to get better.
Go Canes!
