FRIESEN KING OF THE O IN C-TOWN
Carolina
When the season began, most of the offensive hype of the Carolina Hurricanes centered around a quartet of players. Cory Stillman and Alexei Kovalev, the clubs top offensive duo up front and veteran blueline gunners Scott Niedermayer and Oleg Tverdovsky. The quartet did not last long in Carolina, in fact, the last to go was center Cory Stillman in a deal which brought in young gun Brad Boyes.
During that time, however, one player has consistently provided offense and has been the Canes go to guy. Jeff Friesen, 29, has been that player. With 35 goals and 41 assists, Freeze has been more than a key member of the club.
Acquired last season in a deal that sent Maxim Afinogenov, Friesen has stepped up and been the clubs top offensive weapon all season long. Playing the majority of his time with sophomore center Kyle Wellwood and newly departed Darcy Tucker, Friesen has made himself a fan favorite and leading scorer of the Canes.
"This has been a great season for not only myself, but also the team," said Friesen. "A lot of things have changed around here but I was told mid way through the season that I was here for the duration, and apparently only myself, Jay McKee, mike Fisher and Shane Doan received that sort of hand shake agreement. I think is speaks volumes to me that I am wanted here while so many other quality players have left."
Friesen will be a restricted free agent this offseason and is one of the priorities of Canes management to resign.
"Losing Jeff would be a monster hit for this club," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "He is my weapon and I have requested he not be dealt. I think upper management and myself are on the same page with him. He is crucial and he makes us a better club, bar none. I do not see a deal for him happening and I really hope he gets the contract he deserves."
With only a couple games left for the Canes, Jeff Friesen and his agent cannot look to the offseason for a possible deal just yet. Friesens goal at the moment is to bring the club a Stanley Cup and had this to say.
"There are rumours of bringing in some more help for a late run. I cannot say I would disapprove. Signing Brad Ference was a solid addition and maybe one more big name forward could help. We shall see though, I do not understand a lot of moves this club makes."
When the season began, most of the offensive hype of the Carolina Hurricanes centered around a quartet of players. Cory Stillman and Alexei Kovalev, the clubs top offensive duo up front and veteran blueline gunners Scott Niedermayer and Oleg Tverdovsky. The quartet did not last long in Carolina, in fact, the last to go was center Cory Stillman in a deal which brought in young gun Brad Boyes.
During that time, however, one player has consistently provided offense and has been the Canes go to guy. Jeff Friesen, 29, has been that player. With 35 goals and 41 assists, Freeze has been more than a key member of the club.
Acquired last season in a deal that sent Maxim Afinogenov, Friesen has stepped up and been the clubs top offensive weapon all season long. Playing the majority of his time with sophomore center Kyle Wellwood and newly departed Darcy Tucker, Friesen has made himself a fan favorite and leading scorer of the Canes.
"This has been a great season for not only myself, but also the team," said Friesen. "A lot of things have changed around here but I was told mid way through the season that I was here for the duration, and apparently only myself, Jay McKee, mike Fisher and Shane Doan received that sort of hand shake agreement. I think is speaks volumes to me that I am wanted here while so many other quality players have left."
Friesen will be a restricted free agent this offseason and is one of the priorities of Canes management to resign.
"Losing Jeff would be a monster hit for this club," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "He is my weapon and I have requested he not be dealt. I think upper management and myself are on the same page with him. He is crucial and he makes us a better club, bar none. I do not see a deal for him happening and I really hope he gets the contract he deserves."
With only a couple games left for the Canes, Jeff Friesen and his agent cannot look to the offseason for a possible deal just yet. Friesens goal at the moment is to bring the club a Stanley Cup and had this to say.
"There are rumours of bringing in some more help for a late run. I cannot say I would disapprove. Signing Brad Ference was a solid addition and maybe one more big name forward could help. We shall see though, I do not understand a lot of moves this club makes."
posted by Lohaus at 12:26 PM
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