With both new roster additions via trades and a number of young guns from Charlotte ready to compete for NHL roles, the upcoming preseason figures to be an interesting one in terms of roster battles, especially at the forward position.
Today’s Daily Cup of Joe takes an early look at Carolina Hurricanes players who will be on the spot come September.
Goalies
I do not see either goalie being just handed the starting role. In an ideal world, Scott Darling will rise up and become the goalie that the team thought it obtained last summer. But after his struggles last season, he will not be guaranteed the starter’s crease but rather will have to earn it. By the same token, Petr Mrazek does not enter with any guarantees either. The situation is likely to be fluid early in the season, but whichever, if either, goalie impresses in preseason is likely to get the first and greatest chance to be the #1 when the regular season starts.
Defense
The blue line is actually one area where the NHL roster is mostly set. If Justin Faulk is still with the team (which I see as highly doubtful), then the situation changes, but in a Faulk-less scenario, the top 6 is set. The potential does exist for a battle for the #7 slot but if the team is healthy to start the season that slot is likely to be spent on an older player (i.e. Trevor Carrick) versus a younger prospect who will benefit significantly for NHL ice time.
Forwards
So whereas things are mostly set at least in terms of roster in goal and on defense, the forward position has the potential to be an all out battle for NHL ice time in September. As such, there are multiple players who I see as being on the spot come September.
The coveted slot with Aho/Teravainen
Valentin Zykov
Valentin Zykov enters training camp as the player who has had the most actual success playing alongside Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen. In 10 games late in the 2017-18 season, Zykov posted a respectable three goals and four assists in 10 games primarily playing with the Finnish duo. The 24-goal/57-point pace are pretty good and at least in the neighborhood of what would be targeted if the Hurricanes ultimately look internally to fill this slot. Maybe more so than the scoring totals was the visual on how Zykov’s ‘to the crease’ style of play meshed well with the skill and puck play of Aho and Teravainen. I think Zykov is definitely capable of playing in that slot as a fill in at a minimum, but with competition arriving in two forms, the questions are twofold. First, is Valentin Zykov the best player for this important slot? And second, if not, is there still another place in the lineup for Zykov? As a 23-year old who is gradually aging out of the prospect category and needing to cross the bridge to become a regular NHLer fairly soon, this training camp is a huge one for Zykov. He did all he could do at the AHL level in 2017-18 and impressed enough that he will certainly get a chance in preseason. He might never get a better opportunity to land in the top half of an NHL roster. As such, Zykov is very much a player on the spot come September.
Micheal Ferland
Filling Elias Lindholm’s slot on the right side is power forward Micheal Ferland who could also contend for the slot next to Aho and Teravainen. My check in with knowledgeable hockey sources from Calgary suggested that at least at times Ferland looked very capable of providing a crash the crease/power forward element to a scoring line. Inconsistency plagued Ferland in 2017-18, but the good version of him was a strong complementary player with a similarly skilled duo of Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau. Ferland is likely to get a chance next to Aho and Teravainen at some point in preseason. How Ferland performs in that audition determines if he starts in the top 6 or falls back to be just another depth forward near the bottom of the roster. As such, Ferland is very much a player on the spot in training camp.
Andrei Svechnikov
As a player touted as being NHL ready and not having the option of going to the AHL, Svechnikov is a high probability to stick at the NHL level. But perhaps what is more significant is where he lands in the lineup. As a high ceiling right wing who projects to have scoring prowess, the projected version of Svechnikov is exactly the type of pure finishing that I think Aho and Teravainen need to push up to the next level and become point per game players. The question is whether or not Svechnikov is ready for such a role now or if instead he will need to adapt and develop in a slightly lesser role. So how ready Svechnikov looks in preseason in NHL-ish competition will play a huge role in the makeup of the Hurricanes forward lines. As such, Svechnikov is clearly a player on the spot during training camp and preseason.
That three-way roster slot battle is incredibly intriguing. The combination of a young player who worked his way up, a veteran and a high-ceiling 18-year old makes for three strong and very different options.
Carving out longer-term roles
As I noted above, the volume of players who might be capable of playing at the NHL level has grown by leaps and bounds recently. The young Hurricanes forwards who had NHL ice time in 2017-18 better not rest on their laurels. If they do, they will most certainly be trampled by the pack of young forwards on the way.
Brock McGinn
In addition to leading the NHL (literally) in posts hit, McGinn also had 16 shots find the back of the net for a goal. For a player with limited ice time and minimal power play time, that represents impressive depth scoring. Combine that with McGinn’s every shift intensity, and he currently sits in good position to maintain a roster slot regardless of what shakes out around him. He does not so much need to win a roster spot in training camp, but he does need to remind the coaching staff what he brings in terms of compete and at time production. So for Brock McGinn, training camp will be important for him to reassert what he did in 2017-18 as lineup decisions are being made.
Phil Di Giuseppe
Di Giuseppe is another forward who successfully matriculated from prospect to NHLer. His one-way deal signifies the team’s intent/expectation that he will remain at the NHL level in 2018-19. In training camp, Di Giuseppe will be aiming to show that his mini surge scoring-wise for nine points in nine games to close out the 2017-18 season were what to expect and not the scoring-lite version from the rest of the season. Di Giuseppe’s one-way contract gives him a high probability to stay at least as an extra, but to carve out something permanent will require a strong season with some offensive production. That being the case, Phil Di Giuseppe will be a player on a the spot in this fall’s training camp.
Jordan Martinook
Martinook, who was obtained for Marcus Kruger, brings a much-needed physical edge to the Hurricanes lineup. But just like with Di Giuseppe and McGinn, Martinook will need to fairly quickly carve out some kind of meaningful role to be more than a one-year rental before he leaves. Martinook does not offer the high-end scoring potential of younger contenders for roster spots, but his physical play is still something the Hurricanes lack. As such, Martinook will get a close look in preseason to determine where he fits for 2018-19 and possibly beyound.
Warren Foegele
Of the young guns, the player who looks most like a solid around depth forward is Warren Foegele. He had a really short tw0-game audition and performed well in those games. Possibly with some scoring upside, Foegele has a really good chance to earn NHL ice time for 2018-19. In other words, Foegele’s skill set could replace McGinn or Di Giuseppe, but at the same time at least the potential to boost scoring.
Saku Maenalanen
Parachuting into the already crowded depth forward fray is Finnish forward Saku Maenalanen. Maenalanen is a unique situation. Though he is new to North America, he is already 24 years old and well past the young prospect stage. As such, Maenalanen will need to absorb information and adapt quickly to chart a rapid path to NHL-readiness. As a good all-around forward who can skate, Maenalanen could be immediately in the mix for depth forward ice time. Maenalanen is on the spot come September as a bit of an unknown but with NHL skating ability.
A center for today and for tomorrow
Martin Necas
The Hurricanes figure to have one center position open to be won if the team does not add a higher-end center before training camp. By most accounts, Martin Necas will the front runner to win that slot. He did what he needed to do to rise above the young group at prospect camp. And at least in terms of trying to project July prospect camp play to an NHL try out in September, Necas did all that he could do to begin charting a course toward the NHL in 2018-19. If Necas is not ready, he could head to Charlotte. But one has to figure he will be in the mix for NHL ice time and therefore a player on the spot. Players destined to be stars often rise up and seize opportunities before schedules. That is what I and many will be watching for Necas to do this fall. But if Brind’Amour keeps his word which I think he will, ice team will be earned not gifted. As such, Necas is very much a player on the spot trying to burst onto the NHL scene.
Lucas Wallmark
Lost in the hubbub about #2 overall pick Andrei Svechnikov and the rapid rise of Martin Necas is the strong work by Lucas Wallmark in 2017-18 in Charlotte. He is arguably the most polished and NHL-ready player from the Checkers’ roster. But even with a good track record having worked up to an NHL chance, Wallmark will enter the 2018-19 very much a player who needs to do something noticeable to win an NHL roster spot. Wallmark maybe needs to be out Necas to win an NHL center slot to start the season. That could prove to be a tall task but also the only that Wallmark pushes up to hockey’s highest level. Though maybe under the radar right now, Wallmark is very much a player on the spot trying to convert his strong 2017-18 season into NHL ice time.
The math at forward
Only including the players noted above and NHL roster players, the total is 16 forwards competing for 13 roster slots. Injuries could also open up more slots at different points during the season, but as of right now September shapes up to be a heated battle for roster slots and ice time at forward.
What say you Canes fans?
1) If you take the groups/categories as I laid them out, who wins each of the three forward roster battles?
2) How many rookies make the opening day lineup and which ones?
3) Who has other players who are on the spot for training camp for 2018-19?
Go Canes!
Right now my take is this:
1. Ferland ends up starting the season with Aho and Terravainen.
2. Longer term roles will go to McGinn and Foegele. McGinn is already established and Foegele steps in by having penalty kill abilities.
3. Center for today and tomorrow. Necas will start season with a slot and probably hold on to it. Wallmark will be the insurance in case Rask is not ready to go 100%.
Rookies to make squad to START the season: Necas, Foegele, Svechnikov, Zykov as things stand right now.
1) Zykov will win the LW spot with Aho and Teravainen. Other posters mentioned that the most impressive thing about TAZ was several of the shifts they had where they didn’t score but kept the puck in the offensive zone for an entire shift. Zykov is not just a bull in front of the net, he is also strong on the puck behind the net and in the corners. My favorite play was a pass he made to Derek Ryan–Zykov won a battle for the puck in a corner then placed the puck perfectly on Ryan’s stick for a quick shot that the goalie got a tiny piece of to just keep out of the net. That one play showed that Zykov has both the hands and vision to be a top scoring line forward.
It appears that Necas and Svechnikov may start as line mates. Of the players on the roster, I think McGinn might be best suited for a Necas/Svech-fest. While I haven’t seen Ferland much (just when he played Carolina), the fact that he never played on the penalty kill makes me wonder if he is as well-rounded as McGinn. The rookies will need as much defensive support as possible–I think we all hope either Faulk or Skinner returns a solid two-way left-winger. If not, I would think McGinn is the best option.
I can’t say if Martinook or Maenalanen will win a spot. My guess is that Martinook is 13th to start the season. Because I think Foegele gets an opportunity to earn a full-time role in the NHL, which I expect he won’t relinquish.
Finally, my guess is that Rask might start the season out of the lineup. A) It gives his shoulder more time to heal; B) It gives Wallmark a chance to get more NHL play C) If Wallmark is productive it either increases his trade value or makes Rask expendable to a team that needs center depth. While prospects have value in trades, that value is significantly increased by success in the NHL. Thus far Wallmark has shown he is serviceable at the NHL level, but he hasn’t displayed the ability to be a regular middle-6 center. If he can do that, the options for Carolina are greatly improved.
2)Based on what I just said–four. Svechnikov, Necas, Zykov, and Foegele. If Rask does start on IR, then Wallmark would be five.
3) I would think the 7th D spot is between Carrick and Fora if Faulk is traded.
I’d expect Zykov to start on the Aho line until people start beating up on Turbo and Aho. We’ll see a Ferland addition after that.
I’d like to see Ferland on the line with Staal and McGinn. That is a dirty, hard hitting, and scoring capable checking line. Reminds me a lot of the BBC line!!!
I’d expect a roster spot is what holding the Wallmark situation. Williams would move down on his line with Foegele on his line.
The left side of Necas and Svech would be interesting. If Skinner was more of a 200 ft player and uses his linemates more, that could be a scary scoring line. Since he isnt, trade Skinner and start Rask there. he’ll be able to take big faceoffs. Of course that roster spot would be a big target at the trade deadline and move rask down to the 4th line.
I shoot for as many rookies as possible. I know it doesnt lead to great success because of the inconsistency of rookies. The team could be highly exciting to watch. I shoot for Zykov, Necas, Svech, Wallmark and Foegele on offense. Let Martinook and PDG be the 13th and 14th forward (unless Rask is moved). The positive of that is Kuok, Geekie, Roy, etc get more PT in Charlotte.
1. CT and RR both lay out compelling cases, but I’m going to go with Ferland. I think Zykov ultimately has the long-term advantage, but it would not shock me at all to see Rod put some power hitting on the ice to clear out more space for TT and Aho at least at the outset. I will not be the one to break up NachoSvech
2. Well let’s count: Zykov, NachoSvech, Foegele, Carrick. That’s five right there. I think Kuokkanen and Wallmark will push very hard to make that seven and Fora eight, though I’m guessing they’d want Fora to take some AHL time to acclimate to non-international ice, but this is a straight guess. I’m going to average it out and take six, and say Kuokkanen as the 6th.
2. Well if you’re including Wallmark and Necas, you should probably include Kuokkanen too. I mean yes, he can stay at the A this year and be perfectly fine, but I doubt he wants to do that. But no the person who will be most on the spot, by far, times ten if he’s still around is Jeff Skinner. Where will he fit? What attitude does he come in with? How does he play with the kids vs. vets? I think we all know Skins is a very good player, but whether or not he fits here going forward seems to be up for debate. From pure hockey goals, I would looooooove to see him play alongside NachoSvech, but we’ll see if he’s up to that challenge.
1) Zykov on a line with Aho and Turbo makes sense – as they played so well together.
That said, it could be Ferland. I expected Ferland to duplicate his role here that he had in CGY – a wing on offensive-minded line that can open space and play around the net. Whether it is Aho/Turbo or the speculated Necas/Svech line doesn’t matter.
It bums me out that Wallmark is blocked from the NHL – but I expect he will be first center up if injury or if Aho moves back to wing or if Rask gets traded.
2. Rookies definitely in the lineup – Necas, Zykov, Svech (all 3 were named Calder possibilities lately by one news source or another). Foegele and Wallmark are possibilities.
3. This is PDG’s time to show whether he is truly an NHL player or borderline. The pressure is on Carrick and McKeown as well to show they deserve a place on NHL ice.
If the Canes do not acquire a centerman this summer that puts Wallmark under the spotlight. I assume Rask will be a definite due to his experience taking draws from the right side and his defensive competence. Unfortunately, Rask’s poor skating will keep him off the PK. If Wallmark can succeed on draws and play on the kill he becomes even more valuable to the Canes.
I would be shocked not to see Necas start in Carolina. What would not shock me would be to see him start on the wing. If he isn’t doing the things he needs to do defensively that’s where he’ll start. Hopefully he won’t be there long.
Finally, if Skinner isn’t traded it will be a big story in camp. What is his attitude? Does he keep his letter? Hard to tell, but it will be interesting.
It would appear that Zykov, Necas, and Svechnikov will be on the opening night roster. All very talented players. I can’t see a circumstance now where one line does not have two rookies. I would like to see Foegele on opening night but Martinook may have the upper hand due to experience.
Putting together lines is fun. Yet not sure who may depart or arrive in the next two months. I hope Ferland is on an offensive line to get the most out of his strengths of speed and heavy shot. It is exciting in that this preseason may be one of the most competitive the team has seen in a while.
1/2). I won’t make a prediction, but rather state what I hope for. The four rookies called out by Red, CT, and others make the roster. Why?
There are 2 steps to making a cup run.
Step 1). Assemble a team good enough to make the playoffs, with salary cap restrictions etc. Put your team in good position for step 2.
Step 2). At the deadline, trade picks and prospects for rental veterans. After the playoff run, return to step 1.
Oddly, the biggest mistake is to skip step 1 and try to do everything before it’s time. For example, you generally cannot trade for a top 6 center over the summer, but you can often get a rental at the deadline.
To be in best position for step 2, trade some veterans for picks and prospects and play the rookies up front.
Imho, we have flipped the veteran/rookie model to the correct polarity: veterans in the back, speedy ELC players in the front. We have been backwards, trying to cover for rookies in the back with veterans up front. That doesn’t work nearly as well.
We are good enough in the back (assuming at least one goalie comes to play) and good enough up front with speed and skill, with the rookies. Now stock up with what rebuilding teams want and we are thinking at least one move ahead.
An interesting way of approaching things. I have NOT got a better one that has proven to work, so why not try yours? As is the case with all the different suggestions and ideas, the “assuming at least one goalie comes to play” is a common denominator and a most critical part.
I agree with you on this assessment. I go back to what PHI did last year (and they fooled me!) by going young with some vets (up front even), surviving rookie mistakes early before putting it together to make the playoffs.
I agree with you on the backend – we are much better.
And the forward corps will have a nice mix of young player, including the rookies, and veterans (Staal, Williams, Ferland, even Turbo???).
I really think this team is going to avoid the D-zone breakdowns that struck us last season.
If at least one goalie shows up and if RBA can actually coach, I like where we are.
One of the Flyers vets also rebounded and had a MVP type season.
One more thing I agree with you on…process. Trade for your high-end rentals at the deadline with the picks you got for trading veterans now. We’ll be paying Aho and Turbo big money after this season.
I think we need to look at things differently. Yes, it’s fun to dissect the team into its parts and to predict how each component (player) will perform. Yes, if the goalkeepers do this and the rookies do that and we find a 1c somewhere, then everything will be just swell.
I know that I have probably missed some of the “ifs”, but you get it.
If you look around, you will see that we have a rather motley crew of hockey players. These young kids (trust me when i tell you that even Roddy and Willy are “kids” to me) are individual human beings.
They come from different countries (Russia, Finland, Czech Republic, Sweden, Canada, US, etc.). They speak different languages and come from different cultures.
Many are used to playing on different sized rinks and under slightly different rules than they will encounter here.
Roddy’s job is to bring these kids together to see themselves as a team. To see themselves as a winning team. To look around themselves and find that they are essential parts of a winning culture. To trust their teammates to each do their job. And all that jazz.
In 2005, I watched Peter Laviolette take the reins of his new team and before the pre-season began, he had them participate in activities contrived to build a team attitude in the participants.
We went on that season to win the Cup.
Last season, I watched with interest as the fledgling Las Vegas Knights prepared for their inaugural season. Nobody gave them a chance to succeed in the first season or ten. But I knew that George MacPhee was not your run-of-the-mill GM. I had not heard much about the players he was choosing. The deals he was making made little sense to me. How could they make sense to me? MacPhee knew exactly what he was doing.
When I saw Gerard Gallant jettisoned from the Florida Panthers, I had to smile.
One of the first things he did as the first head coach of the new team was involve the motley crew into team building activities.
He had a group of kids much like ours. Both he and they each had something to prove to the mocking media, the world, and themselves. Just like us. Gallant played that one thing they all had in common like a harp. They surprised everyone. They came close to taking all of it. What a coup!
I aver that we have much more talent than they do. Yet, we have much to prove to the mocking media, the world, and ourselves.
Are you listening Roddy? Let’s take the kids outdoors for some team building.
Go Roddy! Go Canes!
Powerless, the team building observations are spot on. The Canes will be a different team next year, and team building excercises would be a step in the right direction.
Note that many ideas are complementary and not mutually exclusive!
for 1 and 2, I see Zykov, Necas, Svech on the forward side, Carrick on D. I love Foegele, but I think they want him in Charlotte next year. I see him as the Ferland replacement next season. If we didn’t sign PDG, I’d have more hope for Wallmark making the team. I can still see a Rask/Skinner/PDG (Martinook) line coming together (gain, baring any trades).
The one guy I think has an outside shot is the new Finn, Maenalanen. If he had/has chemistry with TT/Aho, he could be their third winger. I could also see him as a compadre for Kuokkanen in Charlotte, pair of Finns, maybe to help Kooks along as a center.