LUPUL WAITING IN THE WINGS
Acquired in an early season deal which sent top notch defenseman Scott Niedermayer to the San Jose Sharks, the Canes picked up several assets including gritty rearguard Jeff Woywitka and a first rounder. Another player who was picked up was right winger Joffrey Lupul.
An Edmonton native, Lupul has had a insignificant season for many onlookers of Clutch, however, for the Carolina Hurricanes, his stock has constantly been rising.
A gigantic second season for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, had Joffrey lead the entire WHL in goals with 56 and was second in the league in points. His season led to a spot on the CHL prospects game and Joffrey did not disappoint. The gritty right winger potted two goals and earned game MVP status.
The former Medicane Hat put up 41 goals in his final year of junior hockey in the Western Hockey League. His season, coupled with his notoriety around the hockey circles, earned the talented winger a shot on Team Canada's world junior squad in 2002. Lupul played second line minutes and managed to pot 2 goals in the tournament and earn himself a silver medal.
Lupul's greatest asset is his ability to get pucks on net. The Carolina Hurricanes foresee the younger sniper to eventually fill the spot currently held by Marian Cisar on the team's top line. With a quick release and deadly accuracy, the potential for Lupul to become a 40 goals man in CLUTCH is a realistic goal for him to set. A undisclosed scout of an opposing team suggested "Cisar may only be the top right winger because of lack of depth at the position" but regardless, Cisar is there for now.
Lupul, however, is currently second fiddle on Detroit where speedy small forward Brian Gionta continues to rule the roost. Lupul's goal is to show he belongs up with the big boys.
"Right now, I just want to prove my worth," said Lupul. "When the Canes dealt to get me I was told right away that I was not going to be seeing any time up there and that I needed to prove myself on the farm. I didn't mind. Detroit is a great hockey city and I like it there, but I need more. I want to be in the CLUTCH, it is my dream and until I get the call, I won't be satisfied."
Lupul has made huge strides this season and the likelihood for the gunner to make the squad next season are high. With Darcy Tucker and Shane Doan currently on the second and third lines, and grinder Matt Bradley on the fourth, the chances for both Gionta and Lupul to get the call and play significant minutes is low. Tucker is said to be thought of as moving to the left side, to make room, but time will tell.
"These are not decisions that need to be made today," said Joel Quenneville, "We are currently in a season race and at the moment, who is coming up to us next year is about as significant as Matt Walker."
The Canes look to tangle with the Edmonton Oilers tonight, the hometown of Lupul.
An Edmonton native, Lupul has had a insignificant season for many onlookers of Clutch, however, for the Carolina Hurricanes, his stock has constantly been rising. A gigantic second season for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, had Joffrey lead the entire WHL in goals with 56 and was second in the league in points. His season led to a spot on the CHL prospects game and Joffrey did not disappoint. The gritty right winger potted two goals and earned game MVP status.
The former Medicane Hat put up 41 goals in his final year of junior hockey in the Western Hockey League. His season, coupled with his notoriety around the hockey circles, earned the talented winger a shot on Team Canada's world junior squad in 2002. Lupul played second line minutes and managed to pot 2 goals in the tournament and earn himself a silver medal.
Lupul's greatest asset is his ability to get pucks on net. The Carolina Hurricanes foresee the younger sniper to eventually fill the spot currently held by Marian Cisar on the team's top line. With a quick release and deadly accuracy, the potential for Lupul to become a 40 goals man in CLUTCH is a realistic goal for him to set. A undisclosed scout of an opposing team suggested "Cisar may only be the top right winger because of lack of depth at the position" but regardless, Cisar is there for now.
Lupul, however, is currently second fiddle on Detroit where speedy small forward Brian Gionta continues to rule the roost. Lupul's goal is to show he belongs up with the big boys.
"Right now, I just want to prove my worth," said Lupul. "When the Canes dealt to get me I was told right away that I was not going to be seeing any time up there and that I needed to prove myself on the farm. I didn't mind. Detroit is a great hockey city and I like it there, but I need more. I want to be in the CLUTCH, it is my dream and until I get the call, I won't be satisfied."
Lupul has made huge strides this season and the likelihood for the gunner to make the squad next season are high. With Darcy Tucker and Shane Doan currently on the second and third lines, and grinder Matt Bradley on the fourth, the chances for both Gionta and Lupul to get the call and play significant minutes is low. Tucker is said to be thought of as moving to the left side, to make room, but time will tell."These are not decisions that need to be made today," said Joel Quenneville, "We are currently in a season race and at the moment, who is coming up to us next year is about as significant as Matt Walker."
The Canes look to tangle with the Edmonton Oilers tonight, the hometown of Lupul.
posted by Lohaus at 12:44 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home