SB Nation - Zach Boychuk

Canes Send Zach Boychuk Back To Albany

Cory Lavalette — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:21:38 -0000

Rookie forward Zach Boychuk was reassigned to Albany this morning after collecting his first NHL point last night, an assist on Tim Gleason's third-period goal in the Hurricanes 3-2 loss at Columbus.

With both Carolina and Albany off until Wednesday, the Canes must be banking on Ray Whitney being ready to return to the lineup when the team hosts the Kings at the RBC Center.

Here is the release from the team:

HURRICANES REASSIGN ZACH BOYCHUK TO ALBANY

Forward played in Carolina's last two games, earned first NHL point

RALEIGH, NC — Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has reassigned forward Zach Boychuk to the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Boychuk, 20, was recalled to Carolina on Thursday, Nov. 5, and made his NHL-season debut on Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the RBC Center. The Airdrie, Alb., native then collected his first NHL point on Saturday at Columbus with an assist on Tim Gleason's third-period goal. Along with the assist, Boychuk (5’10", 185 lbs.) registered six shots on goal and an even plus/minus rating in the two games, while averaging 14:35 of ice time per game. He returns to Albany where he has scored four goals and earned five assists (9 points) in 12 AHL games thus far in this, his first full professional season. Carolina drafted Boychuk in the first round, 14th overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Late Penalty Dooms Carolina: Leafs 3, Canes 2

Bob Harwood Waeghe — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:02:45 -0000

More photos » by Karl B DeBlaker - AP

about 1 month ago: Toronto Maple Leafs' Jason Blake (55) celebrates his goal with teammates John Mitchell (39), Tomas Kaberle (15), Phil Kessel (81) and Lee Stempniak during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. The Leafs won 3-2. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

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Good teams find a way to win. Bad teams find a way to lose, and that is exactly what the Carolina Hurricanes did as they dropped their 11th game in a row, this time by a score of 3-2 to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday night at the RBC.

The Canes jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the opening period then watched as the Leafs tied things up in the second, a period which has been a thorn in the side of the club all season long. The Hurricanes have now allowed 22 goals during the second period this season, more than any other period.

With the evenly matched teams tied at two, they battled back and forth in the third period until Rod Brind'Amour was called for holding behind the Leaf's net. Then the usually reliable Carolina penalty kill allowed an opening and Jason Blake buried his opportunity, giving Toronto a 3-2 lead and the eventual win.

After that key goal the Canes would try and try but could not put the biscuit in the basket, regardless how open the net seemed. They poured 18 shots on goal in the third period and at times had Jonas Gustavsson faked down and out, but they could not lift the puck over the sprawled goalie.

"The Monster" did have a very good game though and certainly outplayed his counterpart, Cam Ward, at the other end of the rink.

The loss solidified Carolina's spot in last place in the NHL, at least until they can muster a couple of wins. But most fans are probably wondering exactly when that will happen.

Brandon Sutter scored again for Carolina, his third goal in the last four games. He's proving that it was a huge mistake sending him to Albany after training camp as he is now one of the leading goal scorers on the team. Sergei Samsonov scored the other goal, on a rebound opportunity.

The Leafs opened the second period on a mission as they held the puck in the Carolina zone for over a minute just like they were on a powerplay, until scoring their first goal of the game just 1:12 into the period. About six minutes later they scored again, this time on a rush as Nikolai Kulemin beat the Canes defense to the front of the net.

The Canes had a bit more jump in the third period, but again the Brind'Amour penalty turned out to be the key play of the game. After the game Paul Maurice stated that he was not happy about the call. There were only three penalties called in the entire game up to that point, but the penalty was called, the winning goal was scored, and the home fans went home disappointed once again.

After the game, lockers were being slammed and things were being thrown around the Carolina dressing room. But most players disappeared very quickly once the press entered the room.

Zach Boychuk and Brandon Sutter stayed behind and answered a few questions.

I asked Boychuk how he felt he performed in the game and asked him to describe the play where he intercepted a pass and broke into the clear for a breakaway. He said that he felt like he had a pretty good game overall and had several good scoring chances. The puck was bouncing on him a bit during his breakaway, but the goalie made a good stop on him as he got his shot off as best he could.

You can listen to that interview here: Zach Boychuk interview

Sutter said that the team is very frustrated. The video of his interview is at the bottom of the page. Both youngsters got decent ice time, (Sutter 17:29, Boychuk 15:11), so the coaching staff got the memo from the front office.

Zach Boychuk showcased his skills pretty well. He gives the team a lot of quickness and possible game changing speed as he showed on his breakaway as he out-skated two Leaf players who were initially even with him. The youngster led the team with five shots on goal. He is also not afraid to get into the dirty areas on the ice, despite his relatively small size.

The Canes will try to forget about the last 11 games and put themselves into the victory column with a win in Columbus on Saturday night.

Game Notes:

Carolina went 35:37 without a penalty, the second longest span of the season for them. They were called for two minors, but the one in the third was the killer.
The Canes were 0-3 with the man advantage, including just 23 seconds of a partial powerplay at the end of the game. They are now 0-25 in the last five games.
The team has now given up two consecutive goals for the 15th time in 15 games this season.
Their faceoff percentage was much better as they won 60% of draws. Brind'Amour won 100%, (7-7) and Sutter was at 64%, (7-11).
Erik Cole led the team with five hits. The Canes out-hit the Leafs 29-19.
Cole and Cullen kept trying to set up Boychuk for his first NHL goal, but it was not meant to be this time around.

When will the pain end? One thing is certain, it will not be easy for the team to dig it's way out of this hole.

Canes recall Zach Boychuk

Bob Harwood Waeghe — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:04:51 -0000

More photos » by Karl B DeBlaker - AP

3 months ago: Carolina Hurricanes' Zach Boychuk (11) has his shot blocked by Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne, top, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Sept. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

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The Carolina Hurricanes announced this morning that they have recalled forward Zach Boychuk from the Albany River Rats. Boychuk was one of the final players cut from training camp and impressed coaches with his speed and hustle this past fall. The forward has 4 goals and 5 assists in 12 games so far for the Rats.

The team is also reporting that Ray Whitney has an upper body injury and is likely to miss a few games. Boychuk will fill in for Whitney in the Hurricanes lineup this weekend. Tuomo Ruutu also missed practice this morning, but his injury is not expected to be as serious. Both Whitney and Ruutu will undergo testing and treatment later today.

Unfortunately, Trading Ray Whitney Makes Sense

Cory Lavalette — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:07:22 -0000

More photos » by Gerry Broome - AP

Carolina Hurricanes' Tim Gleason, upper left, and Ray Whitney (13) celebrate Whitney's goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. Pittsburgh won 3-2 in a shootout. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

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The Carolina Hurricanes are 11 games into the 2009-10 NHL season, 11 games filled with frustration, penalties, poor play and ... well, more penalties. It's hard to point the finger in any one direction. A combination of offensive ineptitude, special team struggles and untimely defensive errors have all sunk the Canes at different moments in this still-young campaign, with the mistakes coming from all corners of the locker room.

Coach Paul Maurice has tried just about every trick in his repertoire: shuffling lines, repositioning players, focusing on avoiding ill-advised infractions, preaching defense, praying for offense. Nothing is working. So it's time for Jim Rutherford to step in — and boldly. It's time to trade Ray Whitney.

Rutherford has tried subtle tactics to motivate his team, including sending newcomer Stephane Yelle through waivers and calling up Brandon Sutter from Albany. The first was a warning shot to every veteran on the team. The second was a reminder that there are young, hungry players waiting for a chance. Neither seems to have worked. If Rutherford wants to save the season, he needs to make a move that will rock his team the core. Enter Whitney.

There's no denying that Whitney has been one of the players holding up his end of the bargain this season. Like last season, he's atop the Canes scoring leaders with four goals and four assists. He's had several momentum-shifting goals, tallies that mostly failed to get his teammates to rise to the occasion, but nonetheless provided hope. He's been a leader and producer for Carolina. and horribly underrated — look no further than The Hockey News leaving him off the list of the NHL's top-20 left wings, behind inferior players like Ryan Malone (15), Scott Hartnell (16) and fellow underappreciated forward J-P Dumont (20).

But while the Canes have struggled, Whitney has continued to play like a player a decade younger than his 37 years. He skated in his 1,000th NHL regular season game Oct. 21, a milestone few would have expected from a 5-foot-10* winger who filled the scoresheet in juniors but lacked the size to make NHL scouts drool. (*generous listing)

On Sunday, the Canes will honor Whitney's achievement at the RBC Center prior to the team's game against the San Jose Sharks, the team that selected Whitney in the second round — 23rd overall — in 1991. So you give Whitney the honor he deserves. Then you thank him, and send him to Chicago on Monday.

In the final year of his deal, Whitney makes sense for the cash-strapped Blackhawks. With Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane all due new deals following this season — and each should get at least $5 million a season, if not significantly more — Chicago needs to prepare for the inevitable: you can't keep everyone.

Departed GM Dave Tallon made several mistakes in assembling this team: he overpaid Brian Campbell, a very good offensive defenseman, giving him No. 1 d-man money for a No. 3 guy; and he screwed up in signing journeyman goalie Crisotal Huet to a four-year, $22.5 million deal to be his No. 1 netminder, a job he has yet to firmly grab a hold of. Then, Offer Sheetgate, with Kris Versteeg and Cam Barker earning big paydays (more than $3 million annually each) because of a paperwork error that would've kept the two emerging stars on the cheap for another season. Sprinkle in the signing of injured Marian Hossa and several other players looking for new contracts after this season, and you have, simply put, a mess.

Acquiring Whitney could alleviate some of the money problem while improving the Hawks' chance at winning the Stanley Cup this season. First off, he's in the final year of a contract that pays him $3.55 million annually. Second, he's an upgrade at left wing, where ex-Cane Andrew Ladd is the only natural playing in the spot. On top of adding a left wing, the Blackhawks would get an elite passer up front, something they lack outside of Kane. In return, Carolina could get back one of the $3 million-club youngsters (Dave Bolland, Versteeg, Dustin Byfuglien or Cam Barker) or sniper Patrick Sharp, who is set to take up $3.9 million in cap space through 2011-12.

Bolland, frankly, is overpaid. And while Sharp's scoring prowess, Versteeg's creativity, Byfuglien's size would all help the Canes patch up an area of need, it's Barker who would add the most to the Hurricanes.

Barker would add offensive punch to a struggling blueline, and also serve as the long-term replacement for Joe Corvo, whose deal expires following this year. At 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds, Barker has desirable size and isn't afraid to use it. His ability to play the point on the power play — he had six goals and 40 points last season — would allow Eric Staal to return to the front lines with the man advantage and free up fellow point patrolmen Corvo, Joni Pitkanen and Matt Cullen. Plus, Barker' is no slouch in the point shot department himself.

With a $3.083 million cap hit through 2011-12, the Hawks may need to offset more cash, perhaps in the way of recent waiver claim Andrew Ebbett ($500,000 this year). They also will likely want a premium for the talented Barker, who was chosen after only Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in the 2004 Entry Draft in — you guessed it — Raleigh. A draft pick and/or mid-level prospect (Bryan Rodney? Nick Dodge?) might be enough. Or maybe a swap of Brent Sopel (too pricey at $2 million this season and next, $2.33 million cap hit) for Andrew Alberts ($1.05 million cap hit this year and next) would be desirable to Chicago?

The Canes could then carve out a more significant full-time role for Brandon Sutter or even Zach Boychuk — a player Whitney himself said would take his spot one day — while shaking up the team and adding a valuable piece for now and the future. Chicago would improve their chances at a title this year and, though lose a valuable young asset, clear cap space to re-sign Toews, Kane and Keith.

With Campbell untradeable, Seabrook valuable and Keith irreplaceable, the Hawks simply can't afford to shell out more than $3 million a year to Barker as a No. 4 defenseman. And in Whitney they'd get a winner, a player who knows how to overcome the odds and spur his team to victory.

And the Canes — despite losing an important and admired player and man — might just turn things around.

Tidbits — Preseason Edition: Boychuk, Carson And More

Cory Lavalette — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:12:34 -0000

More photos » by Jeff McIntosh - AP

8 months ago: Edmonton Oilers' Patrick O'Sullivan, centre, gets pushed off the puck by Calgary Flames' Adam Pardy, right, as goalie Curtis McElhinney looks on during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Calgary, Alberta Saturday, April 11, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jeff McIntosh)

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Here's a couple loose ends from around the league, including some comments from a couple of the Hurricanes top prospects following last Friday's preseason opener, and some eye-opening stats.

I had the chance to talk to defenseman Brett Carson and forward Zach Boychuk following the Canes' 4-2 loss to Nashville last Friday. Here's a what they had to say:

Brett Carson on...

Trying to make the team: I just want to show them I can be relied upon defensively. To play in this league, I’m not going to be the flashiest guy out there. I’m just out there almost trying not to get noticed.

On his offensive upside: There’s that offense I have to my game, but right now I’m worried about playing defense and making the reads. Once you get established like that in this league, your offense will come.

Zach Boychuk on...

Playing alongside Brandon Sutter: We’ve been playing together for quite a few years with Team Canada, and we played together in Albany last year and a little bit for Carolina last year, so we’re definitely pretty familiar with each other. I think both our talents complement each other. He’s such a strong skater up through the middle who’s really solid defensively, and I like to use my speed and drive wide and all those types of things. It’s good to have a guy like that hopefully you have chemistry with and you can take it out here and have some pretty dominating shifts.

On his health after battling injuries last season: I feel 100 percent. It’s been great summer. My wrist healed exactly the way I planned. I had a good summer for training and good summer for some on-ice stuff. I’m definitely at 100 percent right now and trying to make this team.

* * *

Yes, it's the preseason — and the beginning of it, at that — but there are some surprises from the boxscores.

Patrick O'Sullivan, who was part of the three-team deal that sent Justin Williams to L.A. and brought Erik Cole back to Carolina, is trying to earn a spot on the Oilers' top line. So far, so good. The Winston-Salem native leads the league in preseason goals with four in three games, plus has registered a staggering 43 shots (14.3 per game, if these numbers are correct), which is more than twice what NHL shot leader Alex Ovechkin averaged last year (528 shots on the season).
Also out of Edmonton, Mike Comrie is making GM Steve Tambellini look smart for taking a flier on him. He leads the league in points and assists with seven. Not too shabby for a guy who many thought was close to being out of the league. He'll need to replicate it in the regular season to save his career, but right now he looks like a top-six or top-nine forward.
I think there's going to be a real battle for the starting goaltending job in Minnesota this year, even though Niklas Backstrom got a new four-year, $24 million deal right before the trade deadline. But with Jacques Lemaire gone and back in New Jersey, Backstrom will need to prove he isn't a system goalie. Rest assured Josh Harding will be hot on his heels. Both are proving a point in the preseason: Backstrom and Harding have each not allowed goal; Backstrom in 69 minutes of play, Harding in 30.
A dark horse rookie-of the-year candidate? How about Rangers forward Artem Anisimov. I thought he'd get a chance with New York last season, but only made it up for one game after tearing up the AHL last year in Hartford (37 goals, 44 assists for 81 points in 80 games). The Blueshirts are pretty good down the middle with Chris Drury, Brandon Dubinsky and Vaclav Prospal leading the way and Brian Boyle an option as a fourth-line pivot, but Prospal has played the wing a lot in his career and Anisimov could earn a job because of it. Through three preseason games, the 21-year-old Russian has two goals and two assists in three games and is making it hard for John Tortorella to send him back to Hartford.

Canes Drop "Practice Game" to Predators, 4-2

Bob Harwood Waeghe — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:00:46 -0000

More photos » by Karl B DeBlaker - AP

3 months ago: Carolina Hurricanes' Nicolas Blanchard, left, exchanges blows with Nashville Predators Triston Grant, right, during the second period of an NHL preseason hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Sept. 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)

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The Carolina Hurricanes opened their preseason schedule at the RBC with a 4-2 loss Friday night to the Nashville Predators. The team had more bad moments than good, but the results ended up making the coach happy because he now has something to use as a tool. You have to work hard in order to win hockey games.

The Preds started out with more jump early in the game, but the Canes drew a couple of penalties and Erik Cole opened the scoring on a rebound play. Just 58 seconds later though, Nashville tied the score.

It was an ugly second period for the home team as the Preds scored twice to open up a 3-1 lead. But early in the third, Eric Staal knocked in a missed Ray Whitney shot and the Hurricanes finally started to put on some consistent pressure in the Nashville zone. They were unable to score again though and the Predators buried an empty netter with just 16 seconds left to close out the scoring.

Game Notes:

It was one of the smallest crowds I remember seeing at the RBC. Official attendance was 8,495.
The powerplay had mixed results and at times looked very good and at other times looked completely disorganized. Matt Cullen and Joe Corvo started at the points with Bryan Rodney, Aaron Ward, and Brett Carson also taking turns. They ended up 1 for 6 with the man advantage.
Paul Maurice was not totally unhappy with the game because he now has an example of "what not to do". When asked if four preseason games were enough to prepare the team, he quipped, "ask me again three to four games into the regular season".
Tim Conboy left the game early but it is a minor injury and he should not miss any time.
Nicolas Blanchard fought Triston Grant to a draw as neither player left their feet during a long bout.
The kids, Zach Boychuk and Brandon Sutter, both finished with a -2. Boychuk had a bad turnover leading to the second Preds goal early in the second period. But both of them had jump and had positive moments while playing offense.
Cory gave the new video scoreboard, "First star of the game", but it does have some numbers in odd places that will take time getting used to. The graphics and videos though are tremendous.
Next up for the Canes is a game in Atlanta on Monday night.

Canes' Prospects win Tournament, Mike Murphy is the Real Deal

Bob Harwood Waeghe — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:11:01 -0000

Carolina Hurricanes prospect Mike Murphy stretches at conditioning camp in July, 2009. (photo via LTD's site)

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The Carolina Hurricanes took a brief look into the future this past week, and the future looks bright. Even though they played short two men, (Michal Jordan and Justin McRae), they defeated Minnesota for the Traverse City Tournament Championship last night, 4-1. While Brandon Sutter, Zach Boychuk, Jamie McBain, and Matt Kennedy all took turns playing the hero during the week, goaltender Mike Murphy stole the show.

Murphy, who was named OHL goalie of the year two years running and CHL goalie of the year this past season, ended up with a 3-0 record. He had a GAA of 2.45 and save percentage of .933. In most of the games, the "Junior Canes" were being outshot, but he kept his team in the thick of things every time.

Zach Boychuk led the team with 4 goals and Matt Kennedy was next with 3. Several players had 3 points each.

For a complete list of stats for the tournament, check out pointstreak.com.

The Canes have more information at CH.com.

Brandon Sutter blogs about it on NHL.com.

Hockey's Future has a tournament recap here.

Nine of the players have been invited to Hurricanes training camp, although there are few, if any spots available. In the meantime, Carolina's draft record is starting to look much better since Tony McDonald took over three years ago. Murphy's selection in the sixth round could be the steal of the 2008 draft.

"Junior" Hurricanes win game one, take on Wings Today - Update

Bob Harwood Waeghe — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:01:03 -0000

Drayson Bowman had been working out informally with the Carolina Hurricanes prior to traveling to Traverse City. (photo via LTD's site)

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The Carolina Hurricanes prospects opened up their tournament with a 5-3 win on Sunday over last year's tournament champions, the New York Rangers. The Canes worked their way to a 3-1 lead, watched it evaporate into a tie, then scored the last two goals of the game to lock up the win. Chip Alexander has a story in today's N&O.

Goals were scored by Drayson Bowman, Matt Kennedy, Zach Boychuk, Elgin Reid, and Brandon Sutter. The Rangers also have a very good review of the game on their team site.

Hockey's Future has a video which includes Canes footage at about the three minute mark. The players were just taking the ice and coach Jeff Daniels was asked a couple of questions. Daniels said that Nick Dodge would be team captain.

The Hurricanes will take on Detroit in a game starting later today at 6:30. The Wings also won their first game, beating Atlanta, 6-4. Canes Country will be tracking this on Tweeter and on the scoreboard just like we did yesterday. It's not as good as watching the game, but it's better than nothing. Thanks to all who participated and helped out with links yesterday.

Here is the roster for both sides. Justin McRae has a groin pull and sat out yesterday leaving the team short one forward. He is day-to-day. It looks like Rasmus Rissanen from Finland could not make it. There is no official word from the Canes about this.

(UPDATE) - Markus just sent me an email, it seems that Rissanen is injured and had offseason surgery. Here is a partial quote from the article he sent.

Rissanen will not participate in training camp, however, as he’s recovering from an upper-body injury that required offseason surgery. He’s expected to be cleared for full contact within the next two weeks

Many thanks to Markus!

Happy Labor Day to all.

A History of Round 1, Pick No. 27 Of The NHL Entry Draft

Cory Lavalette — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:19:07 -0000

More photos » by Gerry Broome - AP

8 months ago: Carolina Hurricanes' Niclas Wallin (7), from Sweden, and New York Rangers' Scott Gomez (19) battle for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, April 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

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Assuming the Carolina Hurricanes stand pat and select in their assigned position at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft on June 26, it will be the first time the franchise — as the Hurricanes or Whalers — will select the 27th player. When Nashville became the NHL's 27th team prior to the 1998-99 season, the pick became a first-rounder. The selection that year — made by New Jersey — is arguably the best taken at No. 27 since pick became part of Round 1.

Here's a look at the players who have gone 27th since the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, plus Carolina's first-round pick that year.

1998

New Jersey Devils: Scott Gomez, C, Tri-City (WHL) — With their second straight pick at the end of Round 1, the Devils selected Gomez. One could argue that outside of No. 1 overall pick Vincent Lecavalier, Gomez was the best player taken in the first — and perhaps the entire draft. With 706 games, 148 goals, 430 assists and 578 points, Gomez's numbers are impressive. So are his two Stanley Cups. Grade: A+

Canes took at No. 11: Jeff Heerema, RW, Sarnia (OHL) — Heerema only played 10 games for Carolina and just 32 total games in the NHL. He now plays professionally in Germany. Grade: F

1999

New Jersey Devils: Ari Ahonen, G, JyP HT Jyvaskyla (FNL) — The Devils weren't so lucky the following year. Ahonen was the second-to-last pick in the first round (expansion to Atlanta made for 28 teams) but never made it to the NHL. He had five unspectacular seasons in the AHL before heading back to Europe. The Finn now plays in the Swedish Elite League. Grade: F

Canes took at No. 16: David Tanabe, D, Wisconsin (NCAA) — Tanabe was one of the more successful picks the Canes had in the past 10-plus drafts, but that's not saying much. Tanabe played more than 400 games in the NHL before injuries put him on the shelf. Some would argue he was rushed to the NHL and was never fully prepared for the rigors of the pro game. A bonus to the Canes for landing a serviceable player because this draft is arguably one of the worst in the modern era. Grade: B

2000

Boston: Martin Samuelsson, RW, Modo (SEL) — Who? Exactly. He came to North America in 2002-03 and spent the majority of the season with the Bruins' AHL affiliate in Providence, plus eight games in Boston. The next season was more of the same — 56 games with the Baby B's, six in Beantown. But Samuelsson never made it back to the NHL. After two more years in the A, he returned to Sweden and is currently playing the in the second league of the SEL. Grade: D-

The Canes did not have a first round pick.

2001

Philadelphia: Jeff Woywitka, D, Red Deer (WHL) — Woywitka, now with the St. Louis Blues, finally got a prolonged shot at playing in the NHL this season. The Blues are his third team. He went to Edmonton as part of the Flyers' acquisition of Mike Comrie in 2003, then was dealt to St. Louis in a package that brought Chris Pronger to Edmonton in 2005. He played 64 games with the injury-riddled Blues this year, but will need to fight for a roster spot next year. Grade: B-

Canes took at No. 15: Igor Knyazev, D, Moscow Spartak (Russia) — Kyyazev is the definition of bust. The only good that came out of Knyazev's selection was his trade to Phoenix (along with Tanabe) for gritty d-man Daniil Markov and a fourth-rounder. After playing well for Carolina, Markov was traded for Justin Williams, a key part of the 2006 Stanley Cup champions. Knyazev played eight games in the KHL this year with HC MVD. Grade: F

2002

San Jose: Mike Morris, F, St. Sebastian's High School (Mass.) — After four years at Northeastern, Morris moved on to the Sharks' affiliate in Worcester. He's played two abbreviated seasons there, dressing for just 26 games due to injuries. Surely the Sharks can't be faulted for unfortunate injuries, but Morris was considered a surprise pick and doesn't look like he'll pan out. Grade: D

Canes took at No. 25: Cam Ward, G, Red Deer (WHL) — Carolina fans know who this guy is. Anytime you land a Conn Smythe winner and franchise goalie in the first round, it's a great pick. Grade: A+

2003

Los Angeles: Jeff Tambellini, LW, Michigan (NCAA) — Tambellini has been a dominant AHL scorer but has been unable to translate that to the NHL with the Islanders, who acquired him from the Kings in a four-player trade in 2006. Tambellini is still just 25, but given the players selected right before and after him (Ryan Kesler, Mike Richards, Corey Perry, Patrick Eaves) he has been a disappointment. Grade: C

Canes took at No. 2: Eric Staal, C, Peterborough (OHL) — Like Ward, Staal has been a home run selection. It's easy to say you can't miss at No. 2, but Carolina could've taken Nathan Horton or Nikolai Zherdev instead. Grade: A

2004

Washington: Jeff Schultz, D, Calgary (WHL) — Schultz has developed into a reasonable NHLer, but he's not much more than a bottom pairing defenseman. Luckily for the Caps, they took another blueliner four picks later and ended up with Norris Trophy finalist Mike Green. It would be a lot tougher to accept Schultz at No. 27 if Green had wound up elsewhere. Grade: B

Canes took at No. 4: Andrew Ladd, LW, Calgary (WHL) — Ladd wound up being a good selection in an otherwise thin first round. He was a contributor to the '06 Cup-winning team, but later struggled with consistency and injuries. He was dealt to Chicago straight up for Tuomo Ruutu at the 2008 trade deadline, a deal that looks like it will benefit both squads. Grade: B+

We now reach the territory where it becomes a lot tougher to grade players because they're still in the early stages of their development.

2005

Washington: Joe Finley, D, Sioux Falls (USHL) — Finley just completed his fourth season at North Dakota, and the monstrous 6-7 d-man will likely spend time in Hershey with the Caps' AHL affiliate starting next year. But the fact Matt Niskanen was chosen with the next pick — and already has 158 regular-season games under his belt — hurts the grade. Grade: C

Canes took at No. 3: Jack Johnson, D, Michigan (NCAA) — There might not be a tougher analysis out there. Johnson is immensely talented and shows signs of promise with Los Angeles, but he's earned a bit of a reputation as a difficult player to deal with. The Canes grew tired of trying to sign him and dealt him to the Kings in a package that included Tim Gleason. Now there are rumors L.A. would be willing to move him for the right return. The Canes had to take Johnson after he fell in their lap, and the trade to get Gleason looks good now, but could they have gotten more? Grade: B

2006

Dallas: Ivan Vishnevskiy, D, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL) — Vishnevskiy had a good first pro season this year, registering 19 points in 67 games with Peoria (the Stars were without their own AHL affiliate this year) and getting two assists in three games with the Stars. Pegged as an offensive d-man, Vishnevskiy could find significant time with Dallas next season. Grade: B+

The Canes did not have a first round pick.

2007

Detroit: Brendan Smith, D, St. Michael's (OPJHL) — Smith has moved on to Wisconsin where he was the team's No. 2 blueline scorer behind Canes prospect Jamie McBain. Smith has the size, toughness and skills to become an all-around defenseman in the future. Detroit's history of being patient with their prospects can only help. Grade: B+

Canes took at No. 11: Brandon Sutter, C, Red Deer (WHL) — Chances are Sutter will never wow anyone with his skill, but one can't deny that he has the look of a long-time NHL role player at worst. Wise beyond his years and still filling in, Sutter showed flashes of what's to come this season with Carolina. One could argue the Canes could've upgraded by taking Colton Gillies (who was chosen 16th by Minnesota) instead, but I wouldn't underestimate Sutter. Grade: B+

2008

Washington: John Carlson, D, Indiana (USHL) — The big defenseman was a top-notch point producer for the OHL's London Knights this year, scoring 16 goals and adding 60 assists in just 59 games. But his numbers might be a bit inflated seeing that he played with likely first-rounder Nazem Kadri and possible No. 1 overall pick John Tavares (24 regular season games with London following a trade). Still, Carlson's combination of size and skill is intriguing, and he's the Caps' No. 2 defensive prospect behind Karl Alzner. Grade: A-

Canes took at No. 14: Zach Boychuk, C, Lethbridge (WHL) — Boychuk's speed and skill should have Carolina fans drooling in anticipation. Despite battling through injuries this year, Boychuk scored 28 goals in 43 regular-season games and was clutch at the World Juniors for gold medal-winning Canada even though he was playing hurt. He will get a long look at Carolina's training camp this year and could be in the starting lineup in Raleigh come October. Grade: A-

Kings release Moller to world juniors

James Mirtle — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:56:10 -0000

The Los Angeles Kings have re-assigned forward Oscar Moller to the Swedish Junior National Team for participation in the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championships --which will be held Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Ottawa -- and have recalled forward Trevor Lewis from the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi announced today.

Moller is one of four Kings players/prospects scheduled to play in the upcoming World Junior Championships. Moller (Sweden) joins defenseman Thomas Hickey (Canada), defenseman Colten Teubert (Canada) and defenseman Viatcheslav Voynov (Russia) in the prestigious tournament. In addition, forward Andrei Loktionov has been invited to participate in Team Russia’s camp for this event.

>> team release

A great move by the Kings, one that more teams should really think about doing. What sense is there in having a teenager sit on an NHL bench when he could be playing against top competition for a gold medal?

Moller is averaging about 13-14 minutes a game this season, but has seen his ice time really drop in December. He still has six goals and 13 points on the year, so this isn't a completely insignificant loss.

Some players have already been sent down and will play in the tournament. Zach Boychuk, a Hurricanes prospect, and Alex Pietrangelo, from the Blues, both will skate for Canada, for example.

Sixteen players that are eligible to play in this tournament have played at least one game in the NHL, a group that includes Steve Stamkos (13:47 ice time, minus-12, three goals in 30 games), Kyle Turris (12:50 ice time), Jakub Voracek (11:53), Josh Bailey (15:24), Colton Gillies (8:51) and Brandon Sutter (10:50). Atlanta's Zach Bogosian is also eligible for Team USA, but he's still out with an injury.

Sam Gagner, Luke Schenn, Drew Doughty, Mikkel Boedker and Luca Sbisa are all playing key roles on their team but could technically play for their home countries.

There's no question in my mind at least Bailey and Gillies should be there. Why teams insist on pushing 18- and 19-year-olds these days is beyond me.