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notbob
His defensive game is under rated, but thats probably because his effort is inconsistent. When he wants to he is actually pretty good defensively.
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The Hurricanes are not desperate at all, and one year at $7 million is not an overpayment. Semin fits in wickedly with their top-6 which is now one of the very best and most varied in the Eastern Conference with the Staal boys, Skinner, Ruutu and Jokinen. Tlusty is about to breakout too. Semin plays Hurricane-style hockey, and this was one of the better fits for him on the market. I'm a little surprised he didn't draw more serious interest from Detroit.Originally Posted by LOSTcauseZERO
What I meant by desperate was that Carolina isn't a traditional hockey market, although they have been a pretty good one, and needs to be making splashes in the market they play in. They were 22nd in attendance last season, and missed the playoffs (last in their division). I would think not making the playoffs the previous season and not making an addition to the team to improve wouldn't lead to a better attendance record in a non-traditional hockey market. I don't disagree with him being a good fit at all. If he plays to his abilities, the Hurricanes will be a really strong team. I think the Hurricanes can challenge quite well to win their division with their additions they have made. I'm not changing my opinion on the over payment aspect though.
Just because the Hurricanes have a TON of cap space doesn't mean $7,000,000 for one season is not an over payment. I would be surprised if any of the other 29 teams in the league would even consider offering that contract, especially to an off-and-on player like he is. As I said though, he is a good fit for the Hurricanes assuming he plays up to his abilities.
I think what people tend to miss about Carolina is that Rutherford has a near perfect way of handling a small market team. He doesn't overspend or tax his own resources to try and remain Cup-competitive every season, which would be damn near impossible. Nashville is proving that, sadly - they have spent themselves into a tight spot to remain consistent, but haven't had the resources to get over the top.
Carolina is perfectly fine with peaks and valleys. They haven't been able to give more than lone longterm deal or two at a time, so Rutherford identifies key players and locks them in. The rest of his plan is dependant on the team at the time. If he doesn't feel like the team can compete at a high level from within, he deals away veterans and loads up on kids. When he feels those kids are ready to challenge, he strikes and brings in quality temporary players on shorter term deals. He doesn't waste time trying to develop defenseman either - very few Carolina Hurricane blueliners come from within. There is usually no more than one or two on the roster at a time.
They have won a Cup and made deep runs following this formula. Look at their history - its wildly up and down, but its by design. They are definitely on an upswing, and Rutherford is striking again now. Staal, Staal, Skinner, Semin, Ruutu and Jokinen is a terrific top 6, probably the best in the East. Tlusty, Larose and Brent are those prototypical Carolina up-tempo, aggressive forwards, and they have a mobile puck-moving defense. Ward is always solid, and often spectacular.
They may need to add a piece or two as the year goes along, but the Canes are my bet to win their division.
I don't know if I'm prepared to give Rutherford and the Hurricane's that much credit. Looking at the past 15 years I think their drafting has been subpar. Eric Cole may have been their best later pick. If you're gonna have peaks and valleys you should take advantage of those valleys and find some players to develop, specially if you are a small market team. I think Nashville has done a much better job with that formula.
I love the Jeff Skinner pick and agree with OP that Semin helps them reach the floor and a one year deal is good insurance. I see them moving up with that top six and Kirk Muller will have the chance to open up camp with a new roster playing his style of hockey. He went 25-20-12 in 57 games but there's still a lot up in the air with an unproven head coach, new pices and extended travel. They got a lot of nice pieces in place but do they have enough size, dept and cohision to withstand injuries to their top 6?
It's gonna be great seeing the Staal brothers together and how Semin responds to Muller.
BTW I still love the old Whalers uniform.
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