With 2 injuries and 3 trades, the Canes lineup looks much different than it did this time last week. The last quarter of the season will represent an evaluation period for players heading into the summer and the 2016-17 season. A few players have committed slots, but for many players, the next 17 games could have a huge impact on if/where they end up for the 2016-17 season.
Here are the players with the most at stake (not in any particular order):
1) Derek Ryan
As a 29-year old rookie, he is not the normal first time call up who has time to go up and down from the AHL a few times while still developing. He is going to get 1 (right now) or maybe at most 2 shots to prove that he can stick as an NHLer and needs to make the most of the chance(s) he gets. His NHL debut was a great start with a goal and generally solid play.
2) Phil Di Giuseppe
As of right now, he is the forward not on the opening day roster who has risen up the depth chart the most. But the bigger try out starts more with more ice time and a bigger role for Di Giuseppe and also more competition from Derek Ryan and Brock McGinn. Now is the time for Di Giuseppe to capitalize on the opportunity in front of him and put himself on the “expected to be on 2016-17 opening day roster” list with Bill Peters and Ron Francis.
3) Eddie Lack
After struggling mightily out of the gate, he seemed to right the ship after the volume of tinkering with his game and mechanics was decreased. He has been better after the slow start but has yet to really seize, keep and thrive for any extended run as the starter. His best stretch was his 4-2 run leading into the all-star break. With Francis’ decision to extend him for 2 more years, he is slotted to be half of the Canes’ goalie tandem for 2016-17. It would be great to see him seize the reins and build confidence with Francis, Peters and his team down the stretch.
4) Chris Terry
His play last season earned him a 1-way contract for 2015-16, but he has been unable to seize an every-night slot and produce offensively. I think he is destined not to be qualified with a 1-way deal and maybe to get a 2-way contract offer to provide NHL/AHL fringe depth, but he has 5 weeks left to claim more.
5) Michal Jordan
He is in a similar spot as Terry except worse because of the readiness of the Canes young defensemen. Like Terry, I would be surprised to see the Canes qualify him on a 1-way deal, but if he finishes strong perhaps he gets signed to a 2-way deal that keeps him in the mix.
6) Ryan Murphy
He is not old, but as a player who turns 23 later this month, he is no longer a young prospect either. I think it is fair to say that he has been passed on the depth chart by Noah Hanifin, Brett Pesce and Jaccob Slavin. The situation has Murphy needing to make a strong impression down the stretch to convince Francis that he has a role with the team. If he does not, I think he could be offered in trade to add another forward either prospect or player.
7) Noah Hanifin
Unless the apple cart gets overturned, Hanifin should have a roster spot for 2016-17. But having spent the vast majority of the 2015-16 season in a third pairing role, the departure and injuries now see Hanifin stepping into a top 4 role next to Brett Pesce. The last 17 games of the season will be a chance for Peters and Francis to evaluate and project where he fits in the lineup for opening day 2016-17.
Go Canes!
I’d add Brock McGinn to this list as well. He likely won’t lose his status as a prospect, but he’s got to improve defensively and, in general, have much better ice awareness. Otherwise his destiny could be impacted. It’s time for Brock to play his best.
Agree. His draft year is only 1 year behind Murphy which puts him in that in-between stage. He is not really young but is not past the window to being old yet either. The Canes are lighter on high-end/nearly-ready NHL forward prospects which gives him an opening right now.