Today’s Daily Cup of Joe offers a series of quick hitters to provoke thought and spur discussion.
Is it possible that Andrei Svechnikov is on his way to becoming the team’s best offensive player surpassing even Sebastian Aho?
Both players are still young and rising, but Svechnikov is a bit earlier in his development and rising rapidly right now. Both players can finish, and Svechnikov has shown a much greater knack for playmaking in only his second season. One possible edge for Svechnikov in what could prove to be a fun race is the power forward element that he possesses that is outside of Aho’s skill set.
What happens with Alex Nedeljkovic with James Reimer playing so well?
Before the Hurricanes found a way to deal out of Scott Darling’s contract instead of buying him out, Alex Nedeljkovic figured to get a chance as a backup at the NHL level. But now with Reimer playing well in a 1B role, there is no clear path to NHL starts for Nedeljkovic. I could still see the Hurricanes trading Reimer next summer, but as long as he is playing well and winning, I do not see the team tempting goalie fate and trading him. As such, it seems to take an injury at the NHL level to get Nedeljkovic an audition. Does Nedeljkovic just keep honing his skills and waiting at the AHL level?
What is Dougie Hamilton’s ceiling for goal scoring?
With his goal on Saturday, Hamilton is now on target for 30 goals. That is a big number for a scoring forward and almost unfathomable for a defenseman. Logic would suggest that he will slow down at some point, but now 33 games into the 2019-20 season, Hamilton is still scoring at a scorching pace. What is his ceiling?
What say you Canes fans?
What are your thoughts on these three topics?
Go Canes!
Matt. These are things I think we have all pondered. I look forward to great points from all the others.
1) Svech/Aho. It is possible. I am really glad you limited it to offense, because Aho is becoming one of the best two-way centers in the league. I admit he has been beat noticeably a few times this year, but that is really just the exception that reinforces how Aho is becoming an excellent defender. What Aho does on the penalty kill is amazing.
Back to the question, Svechnikov is closing the gap. He does have the advantage in power and has a better shot. I would still say Aho is better overall offensively because of the way he can break down defenses with his skating/puck handling and his passing. This is evident in their 5-on-5 underlying numbers. Aho has 9 goals and 5 primary assists to Svechnikov’s 4 goals and 2 primary assists. Svechnikov’s advantage is with secondary assists where Svech leads the team with 13, Aho has 4. Also, Svech and Teravainen have been the team’s most productive players on the power play. Svech has 14 PP points to Aho’s 8.
I think what the Canes have on offense is a three-headed monster with Svech/Aho/TT. Each brings something a little different—all could drive a line if needed. Svechnikov may be a 40-goal 90-point winger soon.
2) I like Ned as a future NHLer. This year he will have to stay in the NHL unless there is an injury, which is probable. At this point Reimer has staked a claim to being the 1A, especially on the road.
3) This is just a guess, but I would think Hamilton ends with 26 or so goals. No D has scored 30 in a decade.
1. Without a doubt I believe Svech will be one of the greatest players to wear Hurricanes red. As it is, he is rapidly gaining to the point where I am not sure it is necessarily an easy selection for All-Star forward.
The thing that RBA always say about Svech, he wants to learn and he is constantly trying to improve.
2. Reimer has found his game – which is what we needed. And I can’t imagine trading Reimer without Ned having a chance to prove himself at the NHL level. And that will only happen if an injury hits either Reimer or Mrazek. I can’t imagine risking games on auditioning Ned if we are in the middle of the playoff hunt. Reimer’s success is Ned’s worse news.
3. Since last January, Dougie is in his comfort zone. Not going to worry about a ceiling for him – just sit back and enjoy the show; he is exhibiting pure pleasure in the way he is playing.
3.