CANES MAKE WILD MOVE
The idea of adding center / left winger Cory Stillman seemed to be a popular one for several CLUTCH teams, but in the end, one team made an offer the Carolina Hurricanes could not toss up.
The Minnesota Wild, known for their pugilistic style and ability to strike fear in the opposition, came at the Canes with more than fury on this occasion. They came with the basis for a significant offer.
No doubt the idea of adding Stillman on a line with Clutch superstar Vincent Lecavalier, the most noted free agent acquisition in the offseason, was one the mighty Wild could not turn down. Stillman brings a bonafide point producer, a terrific playmaker and a stabilizing influence at both ends of the ice. A power play wizard, Stillman has maintained a point a game pace throughout much of the regular season on a team who looked to him as their offensive threat night in and night out.
"Losing Stillman will be a hard blow for this team to swallow early on," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "I made few attempts to hide my disappointment of losing such a quality guy. This does not make me happy because he is so important to us. I wish him well and I know he will be a big time producer in Minnesota."
The Canes also sent an undisclosed amount of cash to the Wild and in return acquired a few more pieces to the puzzle. Veteran center Bryn Smolinski, a two way pivot has been added to solidify the top four lines with capable centers. Junior prospect Marc-Antoine Pouliot was also acquired. Pouliot, 19, is also a center and has the makeup to be an important member of the hurricanes in future years.
The playmaker is also a capable two way centerman and could easily compliment the wealth of talent at center in the Canes junior program. The third and final piece was Brad Boyes, the dynamic youngster with a flash for making the pretty pass. Boyes has been hyped up for his potential but in Minnesota, he has neither found the ice time, nor the opportunity to prove himself and the Canes hope to rectify that situation.
"The assumption is Boyes will be able to step up his game next year and hopefully realize his talent then," said Quenneville. "I think he has the tools to be a top line guy. He is strong in both ends and he has a high level of competitiveness that I generally look for in kids his age."
The Canes will struggle on without Stillman, but the next season seems to be bringing more promise for the Canes. With the top 4 lines seemingly set for next year, as well as the top 8 defensemen, the Canes could repeat another solid season and hopefully compete for the ultimate title, the CLUTCH Championship.
The Minnesota Wild, known for their pugilistic style and ability to strike fear in the opposition, came at the Canes with more than fury on this occasion. They came with the basis for a significant offer.
No doubt the idea of adding Stillman on a line with Clutch superstar Vincent Lecavalier, the most noted free agent acquisition in the offseason, was one the mighty Wild could not turn down. Stillman brings a bonafide point producer, a terrific playmaker and a stabilizing influence at both ends of the ice. A power play wizard, Stillman has maintained a point a game pace throughout much of the regular season on a team who looked to him as their offensive threat night in and night out."Losing Stillman will be a hard blow for this team to swallow early on," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "I made few attempts to hide my disappointment of losing such a quality guy. This does not make me happy because he is so important to us. I wish him well and I know he will be a big time producer in Minnesota."
The Canes also sent an undisclosed amount of cash to the Wild and in return acquired a few more pieces to the puzzle. Veteran center Bryn Smolinski, a two way pivot has been added to solidify the top four lines with capable centers. Junior prospect Marc-Antoine Pouliot was also acquired. Pouliot, 19, is also a center and has the makeup to be an important member of the hurricanes in future years.
The playmaker is also a capable two way centerman and could easily compliment the wealth of talent at center in the Canes junior program. The third and final piece was Brad Boyes, the dynamic youngster with a flash for making the pretty pass. Boyes has been hyped up for his potential but in Minnesota, he has neither found the ice time, nor the opportunity to prove himself and the Canes hope to rectify that situation."The assumption is Boyes will be able to step up his game next year and hopefully realize his talent then," said Quenneville. "I think he has the tools to be a top line guy. He is strong in both ends and he has a high level of competitiveness that I generally look for in kids his age."
The Canes will struggle on without Stillman, but the next season seems to be bringing more promise for the Canes. With the top 4 lines seemingly set for next year, as well as the top 8 defensemen, the Canes could repeat another solid season and hopefully compete for the ultimate title, the CLUTCH Championship.
posted by Lohaus at 11:07 AM
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