The Hurricanes' 'Run It Back' Strategy: Genius or Mistake?

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Well, an abbreviated training camp is over, and now the season starts in earnest for the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.
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The Canes made few roster moves in the summer and will lace essentially the same team as last year for the 26-27 season.
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What changes will there be on the Canes this year?
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Should the Kanes have done more in the off-season?
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What's the impact of Bradley Nadeau and Felix Angresor not starting the season with the Canes?
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And what's the latest on the Alexander Nikishan saga?
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I'm Tom Marie and joining me.
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I'm delighted to welcome in a new member of the Storm Tracker team, formerly of Sound the Siren podcast, Darren Wynn.
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Hey Darren, welcome.
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Hey Tom, thank you so much for having me.
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I'm really excited to join.
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Well, this is great.
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And you know, I followed your great work on Sound the Siren for a long time.
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You've had incredible guests.
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I mean, I've seen uh Pierre McGuire and uh Mike Maniscalco and Shane Willis and gosh, uh, you know, Jeff Daniels.
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I can go on and run.
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Yeah.
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So you've really had a good run there.
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Yeah.
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It was really, really fun.
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Uh, you know, my buddy Chris and I did that for a couple of years.
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And um, yeah, I mean, what an unbelievable joy it was to be able to meet the people that we got to meet and interview the people we got to interview.
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It was it was really special to be able to have to have that opportunity to to meet the people we did.
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Hockey's such a really good community.
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Uh, you know, except for maybe one or two.
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Uh we we had such great guests, you know, join the show and they were always so kind to us.
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So yeah, um, but yeah, so it's I'm really excited to join Storm Tracker and uh just itching, itching to talk hockey.
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You know, it's interesting you mentioned the community, and and you know, I've gotten to know a lot of different folks in the in the hockey community, of course.
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Uh, this is our third year here on Storm Tracker, so uh starting our fourth, and and this is exciting.
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And and you know, up at uh Prospect Showcase, gosh, I met several folks out there, and I had the chance, of course, to meet with you as well.
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And it's just great.
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They're they're just great people, they really are willing to spend the time, they love to talk about the game and talk about themselves, and and uh I just don't think there's another sports community quite like like the the hockey community and certainly the NHL crew.
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So yeah, yeah, I I agree for for sure.
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I totally agree.
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But I was I was gonna tell you that you know how I kind of ended up stumbling into the game.
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Uh in the hockey.
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Well, it's you know, I I married a Pittsburgh girl, but before I but before I I I met my wife, I um uh a buddy of mine introduced me to the early 90s Pittsburgh Penguins, you know, Mary Lemieux, Yamair Jagger, Ronnie Francis, Kevin Stevens, you know, Ralph Sanielson, Tommy Brass.
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I mean, go down the list of just that Scottie Bowman, the coach, you know, and Pierre you mentioned uh Pierre Maguire, who we've gotten to be really friendly with too.
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And uh, you know, got just getting to watch I be totally spoiled watching those teams play, uh, and and just the dominance of a guy like Mario just kind of just roped me in into uh just the sport in general.
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And then from there, it's just you know, it's just been just enjoying watching not only just the game, but then the evolution of the game.
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Yeah, I mean it's it is a different game.
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I mean, you talk about uh you know that that group of players were incredible, but I mean the game has changed so much.
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What have you seen that that you think has changed?
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Oh, the the first thing that popped out to me is the speed.
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Uh the speed of the game.
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It's so fast, it's it's so skilled.
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I mean I was just watching uh you know last year a guy like Jackson Blake, a smaller player, yeah, and looking at his stick handles and in tight space and to see how certain players just have this unique ability to handle a puck, keep their head up, and still maintain their their pace.
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It that's the kind of stuff that just like that just gives me the gives me the goosebumps watching these guys play.
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It's like, wow, this, you know, to just watch that in in this sport is just such a joy, and it's so cool to watch.
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Well, you know, we're we're really fortunate uh on Stormtracker because of course we're covering the Stanley Cup champion team, which was really incredible.
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And of course, we cover very closely the Chicago Wolves.
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Uh we're uh doing a lot of good work with those guys as well.
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And they had a tremendous season last year, and of course, following prospects right around the globe.
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But you know, I think I think this is gonna be great from our perspective too, Darren, because what we're gonna be doing is a segment called Hurricane Watch.
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And what we're gonna be doing is we're gonna be spending time with some of those folks that uh that you talked about and some new folks that that I think are gonna be of great interest to the folks who uh who watch and listen, and hopefully uh they'll have as much fun as we do uh when we have these uh very special guests on.
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If they have half as much fun as we do, Tom, they're in for a treat, no question.
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Well, lots to talk about tonight, Darren.
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But before we get started, I'm delighted to welcome in the host of the Adam Gold Show and 99.9 The Fan and Raleigh and Kane's Corner Podcast, Adam Gold.
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Hey Adam, welcome.
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Thank you guys for having me.
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It's uh uh it's fun.
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Only one game down.
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We only got an E3 to go.
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Isn't that the truth?
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And I know you work uh feverishly through the hockey season, and we'll talk a little bit about that.
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You know, for the folks, uh tell us about yourself and how you got into sports broadcasting and how this all got going.
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Got into it by accident.
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Uh I went to uh went to school at College Park, Maryland.
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Thought I was going to go be a lawyer.
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Uh as a kid, though, I grew up, you know, listening to sports on the radio.
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And when I got to school, I found out there was a campus radio station, and I thought, man, that'd be fun to just kind of do that as uh just for giggles.
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I was uh so I messed around there for four years, changed my major from uh poli sci to speech communications, and I I it was never an intent.
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My intent was still to go to law school.
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Uh, and I got out of school and uh a national radio company offered me some part-time work, and nice.
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Like it just sort of it snowballed.
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Uh, and ultimately I moved down here really without a job, moved to North Carolina without a job.
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Wow.
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And uh no prospects, nothing.
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I was here three weeks and hooked on with a station that was turned into all sports.
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So very serendipitous.
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Uh I moved down here the same year the hurricanes moved down here.
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I showed up in February 1 of '98.
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That was the middle of their first year here.
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Uh I didn't even realize there was a team here.
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I grew up in Allen.
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And then I moved to DC and I was living in Baltimore, and I kind of lost touch with the game uh for a few years.
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I hadn't even realized that Hartford moved here.
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I really didn't.
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When I got here, I'm like, what, we have hockey?
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Awesome.
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So it was uh yeah, I it was very easy to get back into because I had left the Islanders a a while back.
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Okay.
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Uh it was very easy to become a Hurricanes fan.
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2001 really did it for me.
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Although, honestly, I would I would say that my fandom sort of uh coincides with the arrival of uh of that Rod Brindamore guy.
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Ah, that's amazing.
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You grow up an Islander fan, you know who Rod Brindamore is.
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True.
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And or you spent some time covering the capitals, which I did for a bit, and you know who Rod Brindemore is.
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Oh, yeah, for sure.
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So yeah, it it was pretty easy.
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Like, wait a second, we got who?
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Really?
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All right, let's do it.
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So yeah, three more basically.
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Yeah, that was a big deal.
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You know, it's interesting.
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It's interesting you mentioned Hartford.
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Uh that's how I started with the Canes.
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I actually started cheering for the Hartford Whalers.
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I was living in Canada.
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I'm Canadian.
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I was living in Canada and and following uh what was happening with Hartford and I liked them, and then I thought, hey, I'm just gonna stay with these guys.
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You were living in Canada and you liked Hartford?
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I know, that's hard to believe, but it's all right.
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The great logo, I'll give you that.
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Yeah, I and I love the uh you know the uh theme, the anthem whenever they score nuts like that.
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Let me ask you a question, Tom.
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Yeah, I told in total seriousness, because I mean I did a uh a 25th anniversary podcast series on it, and I talked to a lot of people who don't like the fact that the Hurricanes utilize the Whalers logo and make money off it, which is they're right.
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Um, how do you feel about it?
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I like it.
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That's a great logo.
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Hey, uh, I talked, I spent uh about an hour talking with the uh the guy who was the president of the Hartford Whalers fan club.
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Still, still is the president of the fan club.
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He loves it.
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Yeah he loves it.
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Told me that once a year, sometimes twice, but once a year it feels like the uh they get their team back.
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Yeah, yeah.
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No, I I think it's great.
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It's it's great nostalgia.
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And for those of us who actually cheered for for the Whalers, it's uh it's like deja vu.
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Um yeah, so talking a little bit about that, you know, we saw you know the Canes winning in 2006, and then a whole bunch of tough years and and knots before then, of course.
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Um, you were covering the team in 2006, right?
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Yes, yeah.
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All but all but two games, Tom.
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You want to take a stab at the two games I didn't cover?
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No.
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Aaron, you want to take a stab?
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Were they the Islanders?
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The only no no no no no.
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There were only two games.
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Well, I mean, I didn't do road games during the regular season.
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Oh, okay.
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I did road games during the playoffs.
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Okay.
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There were only two games that I was not present for in the playoffs.
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Yes, game six and seven.
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I was just gonna say the winning games.
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Oh, were you gone?
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Yes, I was in Charleston.
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I was at the King Street Bar and Grill.
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Oh, you were on vacation?
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Uh yeah, watching my friend Eric Cole uh play two games that you probably shouldn't have played.
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And that line with Cole and Pentagli and oh please.
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Those guys were incredible.
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Um, so so yeah, so you've been covering through this period.
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You've had fun with uh the first cup and and then the second one here.
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Um what are some of the highlights of that period?
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I mean, what jumps out at you when you think about those years?
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First of all, this this current team that won the cup, I would say last year's team, but it's the same team.
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Yeah.
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Um and 06 were dramatically different.
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Just there's very, very little except there was a stall on each team.
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Yeah, yeah.
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Uh there's very, very little similar, in my opinion, yeah, about those two teams.
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Yes.
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Um the that 06 team was uh incredibly veteran.
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Yes, it was.
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There were probably when we got right down to it, there were probably 10 guys that could have worn a letter, maybe more.
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I mean, the only letters who who uh it was Brenda Moore, Adams, and Wesley.
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They wore the uh they wore the letters.
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Good memory.
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But Cole could have worn a letter, Whitney could have worn a letter.
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Um, I mean, Stahl was you know their best player.
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He was great.
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Uh Colin Williams was still young, so I wouldn't put there's so many guys.
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Yeah.
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Hedekin, Hedeken was a Hedeken.
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I loved Hedekan.
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Again, how about the guy with the towel?
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Or the robe.
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Sorry, the robe, Mike Commodore.
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Oh, Mike Commodore was a failure.
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Tremendous.
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He could not have worn a letter.
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Uh but that team, that team was like grizzled and all business.
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I mean, they were dead serious.
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I remember them walking out of the locker room in game three in Edmonton when they got beat, and they were sour.
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Yeah.
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Sour.
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They thought they should have swept that series.
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Uh, even though they probably should have lost game one.
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Yeah.
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Uh they thought they should have swept that series.
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Um, and then they came back and you know, they were by far the better team in game four, which is what made game five so disappointing because home ice, chance to close it out, don't have to put your body at risk again going up the road.
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Hey, Kevin Adams, I believe, played game seven with a broken wrist.
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Yeah, he I remember he was injured, yeah.
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Yeah, so um, but he played.
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I mean, he and he played well.
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Uh, it was uh, you know, but that team was fun to cover, and as it turns out, uh, I have you know two pretty good friends, actually, maybe more than that, because Chad LaRose is a friend.
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Uh, you know, Cole.
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Cole, yeah, Cole and I are friends, Kevin Adams and I are friends.
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Um uh and it was cool to be able to make connections with those guys.
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Um and I mean they're just they're it was such a good room.
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Um, and I'm friends with Hedekin too.
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And uh I've got good relationships with a lot of guys who uh you know wore that uniform.
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Uh and obviously the head coach, but I wasn't really friends with the head coach back then.
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I really wasn't.
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I mean uh Rod and I didn't didn't become friendly.
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Forget about friends.
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Friendly.
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Yeah, and this is serious until um gosh, it was probably 10.
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2010.
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And even then it started it started fairly contentiously um because I mean we have a job to do.
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I host a daily radio show, I've got a job to do, I've got to assess uh what we see in front of us.
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And I happen to say that man, it really looks like Rod's at the end.
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And I mean he was.
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And I mean he knew it.
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And it was the year before he called it quits.
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Yeah, it was so it was the summer we had those we we'd you know, the team would be available for before right before training camp.
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Or actually made no, you know what?
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It was the exit meetings.
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And it was, I think, after the 2010 season.
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Okay.
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And uh the you know, the we have the exit meeting, and um Rod comes out and he goes, Well, you count it, you count me out.
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I'm like, what are you talking about?
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I don't count you out.
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We don't I said we we we have to be honest with our listeners, that's all.
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I don't count you out.
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Uh so so it started off uh pretty contentious, but it's all right.
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And by the way, Adam, that roster was you want to talk about depletion.
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Uh I mean that's what in uh in in 10?
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In 10, yeah.
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I mean Oh yeah.
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The after oh after 09, exactly uh the rosters were terrible.
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Yeah, yeah, exactly.
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I mean there's there's there's a definite reason why they went nine years in a row without making the playoffs.
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Yep.
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I have my reason.
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I mean of course Eric Stahl got blamed for it.
00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:54.159
Of course it wasn't his fault.
00:16:54.399 --> 00:16:55.120
Drove me crazy.
00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:55.680
Yeah, you're right.
00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:56.560
Wasn't his fault.
00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:58.879
Wasn't his fault, wasn't Cam Ward's fault.
00:16:58.960 --> 00:17:03.519
No, those those guys were the like the two best players on those teams.
00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:06.240
They just didn't have a good team.
00:17:06.399 --> 00:17:09.519
Yeah, they didn't have prospects that were worth anything.
00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:18.879
Hey, um, I'm good friends with Jim Rutherford, that's another uh person from that era that I I can legitimately claim as a friend.
00:17:19.039 --> 00:17:22.399
Um, and Jim and I have had our rows before.
00:17:22.639 --> 00:17:26.480
Um, but I mean they drafted poorly.
00:17:26.639 --> 00:17:29.200
Yeah, they they didn't do a lot well.
00:17:29.440 --> 00:17:32.879
Um Teter Prime Mano's to me, no.
00:17:32.960 --> 00:17:34.159
Uh no.
00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:38.559
Wouldn't sp wouldn't spend money, but you could draft better.
00:17:38.720 --> 00:17:39.519
Yeah, yeah.
00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:40.240
100%.
00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:42.160
They didn't draft, they didn't draft well.
00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:43.680
They drafted very poorly.
00:17:44.240 --> 00:17:49.200
So that was that led to the nine year uh nine years in the desert.
00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:54.960
When did uh McDonald, what's his name, McDonald, who was handling the scouting for them for a long time.
00:17:55.279 --> 00:17:58.880
Um remember uh he was he was the guy before Darren York.
00:17:59.359 --> 00:18:01.519
Um trying to remember his first name, Turn.
00:18:01.680 --> 00:18:01.839
Yeah.
00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:05.279
Um I don't know.
00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:08.160
Old Ronald, I don't know.
00:18:08.240 --> 00:18:08.880
I don't remember.
00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:10.079
I don't remember the first name either.
00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:10.799
But you're right.
00:18:10.880 --> 00:18:17.599
But yeah, I mean you have such a you have such a great memory, uh, I think Adam, I thought you were don't talk to my wife.
00:18:17.839 --> 00:18:18.319
Don't talk.
00:18:18.720 --> 00:18:20.240
I do not have a great memory.
00:18:20.400 --> 00:18:23.120
Um that they didn't draft well.
00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:24.400
No, they did not.
00:18:25.120 --> 00:18:35.920
So, but eventually they got a little bit better when you get into the uh you know the teens, the fifth 15, 16, 17, it's starting getting better.
00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:42.000
Uh then all of a sudden you get uh Slavins and Pescies and Ajos showing up.
00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:49.200
And uh yeah, they it's it's much they had so much magic later rounds.
00:18:49.279 --> 00:18:52.480
I mean, you think about Pesci and Slavin, for goodness sakes.
00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:55.759
Um you know, and and even Aho coming in the second round.
00:18:55.839 --> 00:18:56.960
I mean, it's crazy.
00:18:57.279 --> 00:19:03.920
It's the still the only great thing that Ron Francis did as an executive.
00:19:04.079 --> 00:19:06.559
And I'm not that's a great thing.
00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:13.440
Yeah, yes, I mean uh Aho is a legitimate, you know, he's a he's a number one center in the NHL.
00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:17.359
Yeah, he's not one of those, he's not a McDavid-ish guy.
00:19:17.519 --> 00:19:18.240
We know that.
00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:26.160
Uh, you know, he gets here's another guy that like even last night, like the most overrated player in the league.
00:19:26.319 --> 00:19:31.440
I'm like, you can't make you can't put me in a in a bad mood in game one.
00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:32.559
You're just not gonna do it.
00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:34.640
I'm not falling for your garbage.
00:19:34.799 --> 00:19:40.079
Uh he is an outstanding player, does everything you need.
00:19:40.240 --> 00:19:42.559
Uh, I'm sorry, he didn't score last night.
00:19:42.720 --> 00:19:44.000
Get in line.
00:19:44.480 --> 00:19:48.079
No, but but you might as you said rightfully at the start, too.
00:19:48.160 --> 00:19:51.039
I think, Adam, it's we got 83 to go.
00:19:51.279 --> 00:19:55.120
He's gonna have an opportunity to uh to contribute as he should.
00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:56.720
And and boy, it's a long season.
00:19:56.880 --> 00:19:57.200
Yeah.
00:19:57.519 --> 00:19:58.319
Yeah, man.
00:19:58.480 --> 00:20:01.279
Uh, and you know, he'll win the con Smite this year.
00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:02.480
Oh, that oh wow.
00:20:02.640 --> 00:20:03.200
They're okay.
00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:04.240
We've heard it here.
00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:07.839
Okay, I'm gonna record that part you were here first.
00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:10.400
I thought they'd I thought they'd win it last year.
00:20:10.640 --> 00:20:12.720
I that people are like, what are you talking about?
00:20:12.880 --> 00:20:15.120
Like, yeah, I ain't worried about anybody.
00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:17.279
Uh I was confident throughout.
00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:19.279
I really was confident throughout.
00:20:19.440 --> 00:20:19.839
Yep.
00:20:20.160 --> 00:20:21.519
Nice, nice.
00:20:21.759 --> 00:20:24.720
Well, yeah, that's uh that that's some good background for sure.
00:20:24.799 --> 00:20:31.359
And and you know, you've had the pleasure of uh being close to the game for for a while.
00:20:31.519 --> 00:20:40.000
And those of us who who love the game and are now in recent years have been able to join the podcasting side and have some fun and talk about the game like we do.
00:20:40.160 --> 00:20:43.839
Hey man, I can only envy the the opportunity you've had, Alan.
00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:44.799
It's just incredible.
00:20:44.960 --> 00:20:45.200
Yeah.
00:20:45.440 --> 00:20:50.079
It's it's been uh honestly, it's been a privilege to be able to be around it.
00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:50.880
So yeah.
00:20:51.200 --> 00:20:57.279
Uh and uh it's I've been fortunate because Rod does have a level of trust in me.
00:20:57.359 --> 00:20:58.000
Yeah, yeah.
00:20:58.160 --> 00:21:04.559
Um he will text me if he thinks that I've said something that is out of my freaking mind.
00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:06.720
Um that's happened before.
00:21:07.200 --> 00:21:09.440
Uh and that's okay, it's fair.
00:21:09.680 --> 00:21:22.559
Um, I you know, and I have never made any bones about the fact that I look at hockey from uh really, I don't look at it from a technical stuff uh standpoint.
00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:26.000
Okay, I'm not entirely sure whose job it is.
00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:34.799
Like when I listen to Sirius XM and Cooleus, Steve Cooleus is going F1, F2, F3, and he's I'm like, dude, you're making my head hurt.
00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:37.440
I don't, I don't really get what you're saying.
00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:42.079
I know what the hurricanes are supposed to do, I know what it's supposed to look like.
00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:48.960
Um, but how it looks like that, sometimes I don't really like was it whose assignment was that guy?
00:21:49.120 --> 00:21:49.359
Right.
00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:49.759
Yeah.
00:21:49.920 --> 00:21:51.839
Like I look at it almost from basketball.
00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:55.120
Like you you you weren't you supposed to rotate over?
00:21:55.359 --> 00:21:55.839
Well, no.
00:21:55.920 --> 00:21:58.400
I'm like, all right, well, I got that wrong then.
00:21:58.480 --> 00:22:02.960
But yeah, uh I I I know the way the hurricanes are supposed to look.
00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:06.559
Yeah uh I thought last night they were about half of a team.
00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:07.680
Oh, sure.
00:22:07.920 --> 00:22:10.240
They're like, but both teams are the same way.
00:22:10.400 --> 00:22:13.759
You say the exact same thing about Florida as you could say about Carolina.
00:22:13.839 --> 00:22:14.400
Yeah, exactly.
00:22:14.720 --> 00:22:16.240
There was no surprise, Adam.
00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:19.440
For goodness sakes, the you know, the cup hangover and so on and so forth.
00:22:19.519 --> 00:22:21.120
I thought it was because I don't even think it was that.
00:22:21.599 --> 00:22:26.799
Yeah, and it's funny because uh Dan Levitard in uh Florida Don't get me started.
00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:32.000
Talking about, well, they we've never finished.
00:22:33.279 --> 00:22:33.440
Yeah.
00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:37.200
And um and so he completely took it out of context.
00:22:37.359 --> 00:22:37.519
Yeah.
00:22:37.759 --> 00:22:41.519
Basically, Rod was saying that we'd had four preseason games.
00:22:41.599 --> 00:22:43.120
This group has only played one.
00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:46.079
You can't simulate what Florida does in practice.
00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:47.759
Nashville's no good.
00:22:47.920 --> 00:22:49.759
Of course, it was going to feel different.
00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:50.079
Right.
00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:50.960
But never mind.
00:22:51.120 --> 00:22:52.960
It's not it's honestly not a big deal.
00:22:53.120 --> 00:22:53.599
Don't really care.
00:22:53.759 --> 00:22:55.200
No, I um I don't think it is.
00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:58.880
I don't think it is either, but you know what?
00:22:59.120 --> 00:23:02.000
It's yeah, it's it's fun to talk about it for sure.
00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:06.559
But yeah, let's talk about some of the hockey stuff on the ice because that's always fun too.
00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:09.120
Um that's why we're here.
00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:15.680
So um, okay, Eric Tolski, you know, he's done so much and some great things.
00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:21.279
He didn't do really anything this summer, and you know, it's kind of a kind of quanderous in a way.
00:23:21.440 --> 00:23:23.519
But uh, what do you think about that?
00:23:23.920 --> 00:23:36.240
Well, I'll tell you what, he certainly didn't care much for uh my content because because they didn't do anything, there wasn't a lot to talk about, right?
00:23:36.400 --> 00:23:45.359
Like there's only so many times I can do the same, you know, summer podcast wither Alexander Nikishan.
00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:46.400
That was it.
00:23:46.559 --> 00:23:49.359
Yeah there's literally nothing else to talk about.
00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:58.000
Yes, they made no other moves, other than essentially not doing anything, and it does appear that Nikitian won't sign.
00:23:58.079 --> 00:24:01.200
Yeah, uh, and they will move him in the next however many weeks.
00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:01.680
Who knows?
00:24:01.839 --> 00:24:05.680
Maybe by the time we're done, uh there will be a trade with the St.
00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:09.440
Louis Blues or breaking news, or the Nashville Predator.
00:24:09.920 --> 00:24:12.000
I definitely want to delve into that one a little bit more, Adam.
00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:18.640
But it's interesting what you're saying is that I actually was able to take a couple of weeks off.
00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:20.799
Because I had nothing to talk about.
00:24:21.039 --> 00:24:22.240
Yeah, well, I did too.
00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:27.440
I did too, but uh, there's always this because we go so hard during the season.
00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:28.400
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:49.200
And you know, when you do this, when I do it after every game, I know you do, and and the days become long, and then you get into the playoffs and the games get longer, and because I also do post game on the radio, yes, uh, those get longer, then the podcast, and like it just becomes longer, longer days.
00:24:49.440 --> 00:24:58.079
When uh when they don't when you're doing that every day, you know, and you go four weeks without a podcast because there's nothing doing.
00:24:59.440 --> 00:25:06.160
There's like something tugging at you, and I get people I get people on Twitter going, Hey, are we gonna do a podcast again?
00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:08.319
I'm like, I'm just waiting for something to talk about.
00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:23.039
The players were were basically still hung over, so I couldn't get a hold of any of those guys to talk, uh, talk to me for 15 minutes to just say, I'm gonna BS for five minutes, I'm gonna talk to Taylor Hall, then I'm gonna BS for five minutes, and there's your podcast.
00:25:23.120 --> 00:25:24.000
I couldn't even do that.
00:25:24.160 --> 00:25:24.480
Yeah.
00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:32.000
So um, yeah, so like but my my read on what they did during the summer was the right thing.
00:25:32.319 --> 00:25:32.799
Sure.
00:25:33.120 --> 00:25:40.079
And for me, I know they're ultimately gonna trade Alexander Nikishan.
00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:40.559
Yeah.
00:25:41.120 --> 00:25:44.319
Um, I I just think it's at this point.
00:25:44.480 --> 00:26:00.880
I mean, I think initially I think they probably wanted to keep it um and figure it out and give him uh, you know, essentially what I talked about was trying to buy a year, you know, give him a two-year bridge deal, buy a look at year two, see what it was gonna look like.
00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:05.759
And then if you thought it that he was gonna be what you think, then you could have given him a whole bunch of money.
00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:07.359
And I think they would have done that.
00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:11.279
Um, but ultimately, um, they didn't want the bridge deal.
00:26:11.359 --> 00:26:13.279
And I don't think he's gonna sign a bridge deal.
00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:15.839
I think the shortest deal he signs is five years.
00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:18.240
Yeah, uh, which is that's their prerogative.
00:26:18.319 --> 00:26:25.279
That's I I'm surprised more players don't sign short-term deals and hit the market, hit the market again.
00:26:25.440 --> 00:26:29.359
Yeah, they the Connor McDavid by just signing a two-year extension.
00:26:29.599 --> 00:26:36.160
Uh, when he is up for that next contract, uh it's gonna be 25 million.
00:26:36.400 --> 00:26:38.000
It's 20 million plus, yeah.
00:26:39.120 --> 00:26:42.960
Well, the other thing, too, I think that also comes into that's the thing.
00:26:43.039 --> 00:26:50.000
I I think it's I always get a little careful about going into these Twitter wars, even though I jump into them at times.
00:26:50.079 --> 00:26:57.120
It's hard to get that context because then I'll I'll jump into my first question, but there's so many layers to me.
00:26:57.440 --> 00:27:04.160
Organational aspect, you got player aspect, player window for opportunity is is tiny.
00:27:04.240 --> 00:27:08.880
Yeah, so I mean, Adam, you know the average length of time that an NFL player is in the league.
00:27:08.960 --> 00:27:10.480
Is it three years, maybe?
00:27:11.359 --> 00:27:12.400
Yeah, a little over three.
00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:22.480
So it's I mean, even you know, even guys that are considered to be above average to even get one window of an opportunity for a payday is really tiny.
00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:25.680
So I in a way, I don't blame him for just you know.
00:27:27.359 --> 00:27:29.039
So we talked about it all summer.
00:27:29.120 --> 00:27:33.839
Yeah, I completely understand the Keishin's point of view.
00:27:34.079 --> 00:27:44.880
When you see all the young defensemen, uh from uh Lane Hudson to Jackson Lacombe, uh to Bowen Byrum, is not really a young defenseman anymore.
00:27:45.599 --> 00:27:54.799
Yeah, yeah, and the Zeeem, the Z uh the Ziv Boeing, yeah, that's the one I think that really got Nikishan.
00:27:55.359 --> 00:28:01.839
Because Nikishan was a more at least productive player than Boeing was this year.
00:28:01.920 --> 00:28:08.400
But here's the rub, and it's something that I tried to point out, and why it's tar hard to compare the two.
00:28:08.559 --> 00:28:08.720
Yeah.
00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:12.559
Steve Boeim was the return for Quinn Hughes.
00:28:12.720 --> 00:28:13.359
Yes.
00:28:13.680 --> 00:28:18.880
Vancouver is looking at that kid and saying, you are our face.
00:28:19.359 --> 00:28:19.759
Yes.
00:28:20.000 --> 00:28:22.799
We just gave up, gave up, arguably.
00:28:22.960 --> 00:28:29.120
I'm not arguing that he is, but he's certainly when you make the argument, who's the best offensive defenseman in the league?
00:28:29.440 --> 00:28:31.359
Quinn Hughes is on that, is in that debate.
00:28:33.440 --> 00:28:41.680
And they just gave him up for this guy, and there were other things, but this guy, so he's got to be our face.
00:28:42.400 --> 00:28:44.079
And they paid him as such.
00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:47.920
I'm sure he'll end up being the captain if he's not uh already.
00:28:48.079 --> 00:28:51.279
Um, I don't know if he's there's no captain there, is there?
00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:52.400
I I have no idea.
00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:55.599
Yeah, I don't think there is, but I know they won.
00:28:55.680 --> 00:28:56.960
I know, I know they won last night.
00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:57.359
Good for them.
00:28:57.519 --> 00:28:58.240
Yeah, they did.
00:28:58.480 --> 00:29:02.400
But uh and former uh hurricane Manny Malhotra.
00:29:02.720 --> 00:29:03.519
Malhocha, baby.
00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:05.279
Woo! Behind the bench, man.
00:29:05.440 --> 00:29:06.400
Yeah, Manny.
00:29:06.880 --> 00:29:10.079
Um, but uh, you know, they had to pay him.
00:29:10.319 --> 00:29:17.279
Yeah, and the the hurricanes were never in a position to have to pay Alexander Nikishan.
00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:24.480
And as it turns out, if what's been reported is true, that they offered him eight years at between five and a half and five and a half and six.
00:29:24.640 --> 00:29:25.519
Are you kidding?
00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.960
Well, that's typical.
00:29:27.039 --> 00:29:29.279
That's Hurricanes option to a T.
00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:32.160
That's Hurricanes negotiating to a T.
00:29:32.480 --> 00:29:33.039
Yeah, I know.
00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:41.519
If you know the history of their uh contract negotiations with Aho, um that's that's par.
00:29:41.920 --> 00:29:44.640
That's a par in Tom Dundan's world.
00:29:45.039 --> 00:29:46.079
That's the way he does it.
00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:47.039
Yeah, yes.
00:29:47.279 --> 00:29:50.880
I don't think that they don't expect Alexander Nikishan to sign that contract.
00:29:51.039 --> 00:29:51.599
No, of course not.
00:29:51.920 --> 00:30:00.720
But what they want is when Nikkeish's asking for nine and they're offering, let's just let's just say six, they're hoping to settle at seven and a half.
00:30:00.880 --> 00:30:01.680
Yeah, yeah.
00:30:01.920 --> 00:30:06.880
Which honestly, from the hurricane's perspective, that's where I'd go for.
00:30:07.120 --> 00:30:09.440
Yeah, I wouldn't go higher because I don't know what it's gonna be.
00:30:09.839 --> 00:30:10.640
Listen, we're right here.
00:30:10.720 --> 00:30:12.000
Let's just stay with Nikishian.
00:30:12.160 --> 00:30:16.640
I'll jump back up to my questions later, Tom, but we're here, so let's go.
00:30:16.960 --> 00:30:27.839
You've Adam, I correct me if I'm wrong, you've been pretty vocal on the radio about Caroline's, they don't need a a Connor Hellibuck.
00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:28.799
Is that fair?
00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:29.599
Okay, yes.
00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:32.880
Um, so you know they might want him, but they don't need him.
00:30:33.120 --> 00:30:34.160
Okay, okay, that's fair.
00:30:34.240 --> 00:30:39.359
I'm glad that you unless Kachekov plays tomorrow and stakes, in which case, maybe.
00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:41.279
That's fair too.
00:30:41.359 --> 00:30:50.319
But I the reason I think that we're kind of tying this in because you know that the the rumor mills and the and everything that's gone with a three-team trade and the whole thing.
00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:57.519
And uh let's just do this what if scenario if Connor Hellebug ends up in a Carolina Hurricane uniform.
00:30:57.839 --> 00:31:04.079
Um, I'm really kind of curious if what this quote unquote balance of power could look like.
00:31:04.160 --> 00:31:06.480
Brandon Buske looked fantastic last night.
00:31:07.359 --> 00:31:07.599
He did.
00:31:07.680 --> 00:31:09.839
And he looked great in the last preseason game.
00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:10.799
Oh my gosh.
00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:13.039
So great.
00:31:13.440 --> 00:31:15.359
So I mean, it might be.
00:31:15.440 --> 00:31:18.720
So uh, and that's why I think you uh you allow for the possibility.
00:31:18.960 --> 00:31:32.480
So Connor, you know, Connor Hellibuck making I I the only reason I'm throwing the cost in there is is strictly from a potential balance issue with games played, game, you know, how this could work out.
00:31:32.640 --> 00:31:35.680
Is Connor Hellibuck gonna be okay with a split?
00:31:35.839 --> 00:31:36.640
You know what I'm saying?
00:31:36.960 --> 00:31:37.759
So no, no.
00:31:39.200 --> 00:31:41.279
You don't bring in Hellebuck for him to play.
00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.319
That's what I'm saying.
00:31:42.400 --> 00:31:43.599
So 48 games.
00:31:43.839 --> 00:31:45.839
If he if he's that okay, so thank you.
00:31:45.920 --> 00:31:50.880
That I'm sitting there thinking to my mind, I'm like, if you bring a hellibuck in he's gonna play 65 games.
00:31:51.039 --> 00:31:53.440
He's gotta play 60, 60, at least 60 games.
00:31:53.680 --> 00:31:57.680
Okay, so um you pretty much answered my question.
00:31:57.839 --> 00:32:02.000
What do you think uh what that's no need to even talk about the question?
00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:10.400
But if if not hellabuck, what uh what would you think that that deal could look like as as far as moving Niksian?
00:32:12.000 --> 00:32:14.960
I can't imagine that that would be the only piece going.
00:32:15.839 --> 00:32:20.400
Uh it all depends on what Carolina wants to get out of it.
00:32:20.880 --> 00:32:22.720
Like here's what I'm looking at.
00:32:22.960 --> 00:32:33.039
I think the Hurricanes have one need, legitimate need, and everything else is a want or a luxury.
00:32:33.279 --> 00:32:33.599
Okay.
00:32:34.079 --> 00:32:42.559
The only need because my own feeling is that Charles Alexis Lego is fine.
00:32:42.880 --> 00:32:43.519
Yeah.
00:32:44.880 --> 00:32:53.120
I mean, every team in the NHL has a defenseman who's in th in their lineup, who's fine.
00:32:53.359 --> 00:32:53.599
Yes.
00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:56.240
My opinion, Florida's got two of them.
00:32:56.559 --> 00:32:59.519
They're just veterans, Dimitri, uh, Kulakov and Goodis.
00:32:59.680 --> 00:33:00.720
And good as fine.
00:33:00.880 --> 00:33:01.519
They're fine.
00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:04.799
But but they're they're veteran players, right?
00:33:05.519 --> 00:33:07.759
You know, Caroline is fine.
00:33:08.079 --> 00:33:09.839
Lego is a rookie.
00:33:10.160 --> 00:33:12.559
And I thought he was fine last night.
00:33:12.720 --> 00:33:15.200
Didn't do anything bad, only played 12 and a half minutes.
00:33:15.920 --> 00:33:21.039
Um, but I don't know how good, how many times he's gonna make impact in the game.
00:33:21.279 --> 00:33:25.440
So I I would love to see them get a right shot defenseman.
00:33:25.519 --> 00:33:25.680
Yeah.
00:33:25.839 --> 00:33:31.039
It would also give him a little bit of leverage when Jalen Chatfield is up for renegotiation.
00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:38.559
Well, my feeling is he will be a hurricane uh for the next, I'll just say, three years.
00:33:38.720 --> 00:33:42.000
I think three times five million gets him done.
00:33:42.160 --> 00:33:49.440
Uh, I wouldn't be surprised if Shane Gostas Bear is back on a two or three-year deal in about the same number.
00:33:49.920 --> 00:33:53.839
Um, I don't think it'll, I don't think either deal will be longer than three.
00:33:54.000 --> 00:33:57.279
Um, and I could even see Gastas Bear even doing two.
00:33:57.440 --> 00:33:57.759
Two.
00:33:57.920 --> 00:33:59.599
Um, it's worked out.
00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:03.599
Sometimes players, this goes for every sport.
00:34:03.920 --> 00:34:11.839
Sometimes players fail to recognize that where they are impacts how they play.
00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:15.279
And I'm not just talking about the I mean, it's everything.
00:34:15.839 --> 00:34:27.759
It's the community, it's the friendships, it's uh the role that you have settled into, and then anytime you change teams and upset all of that, you just never know how it's gonna work out.
00:34:27.920 --> 00:34:34.159
And this goes for every level of player, it goes for superstar level players, and it goes for role players.
00:34:34.319 --> 00:34:39.199
Uh, they never see it, it's always about dollar, I want this opportunity.
00:34:39.359 --> 00:34:41.599
Maybe you're exactly where you're supposed to be.
00:34:41.759 --> 00:34:49.599
I would argue that other than maybe his rookie season or the season where he exploded, has Shane Gostas Bear ever been this good?
00:34:50.399 --> 00:34:50.959
I don't think so.
00:34:51.039 --> 00:34:52.559
No, on both ends of the ice, right?
00:34:52.639 --> 00:34:52.719
No.
00:34:52.879 --> 00:34:57.119
Jalen Chatfield, obviously, this is where it's the only place he was ever good.
00:34:57.279 --> 00:34:57.599
Yes.
00:34:57.759 --> 00:34:59.759
Um, and I think there is something to that.
00:34:59.839 --> 00:35:01.759
I think they'll ultimately both be here.
00:35:01.919 --> 00:35:06.000
Um, but the right shot defenseman to me is the only need.
00:35:06.559 --> 00:35:10.319
I would love to have a big winger.
00:35:10.879 --> 00:35:21.199
I would love to have uh a legitimate another, because I think Logan Stankoven, I think we have to put in the category of legitimate center at this point.
00:35:21.439 --> 00:35:21.759
Yeah.
00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:25.919
Um I mean, I think even at times last year I wasn't sure.
00:35:26.159 --> 00:35:28.639
Um, but I think he is a center.
00:35:28.799 --> 00:35:32.559
Uh that doesn't mean he can't play the wing, but I think he's a center.
00:35:32.639 --> 00:35:40.559
And I think they really need is kind of a tough word there, but they certainly need beyond this year.
00:35:40.799 --> 00:35:44.159
They need a bona fide right-handed center.
00:35:44.399 --> 00:35:44.559
Yeah.
00:35:44.879 --> 00:35:48.479
Well, Adam, you're just stealing all the thunder that that Tom and I had.
00:35:48.639 --> 00:35:53.359
I mean, what well uh that's it, cut show over.
00:35:53.599 --> 00:35:54.399
No, I'm just kidding.
00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:56.399
I mean, if maybe we're all right.
00:35:56.559 --> 00:35:57.759
Or we're all wrong.
00:35:57.919 --> 00:36:01.279
Uh so those are the things that I would love to see them get.
00:36:01.759 --> 00:36:10.399
Uh, and I honestly don't know if any of the teams mentioned really kind of square up.
00:36:10.639 --> 00:36:11.839
Yeah, that's a good point.
00:36:12.719 --> 00:36:12.959
Great point.
00:36:13.199 --> 00:36:14.319
I think you hit it on the head.
00:36:14.479 --> 00:36:17.119
I just I haven't been able to see a deal that makes sense.
00:36:17.359 --> 00:36:20.159
I mean, does Nashville have anything you want?
00:36:20.319 --> 00:36:22.159
No, and I think the answer is no.
00:36:22.639 --> 00:36:26.239
I you know, to me, the best trade partner for Carolina might be St.
00:36:26.399 --> 00:36:26.959
Louis.
00:36:27.199 --> 00:36:27.519
Yeah.
00:36:27.679 --> 00:36:30.399
Uh, and I could go any one of two ways.
00:36:30.559 --> 00:36:34.879
Look, I'd love to see Jake Neighbors uh in a hurricane sweater.
00:36:35.199 --> 00:36:41.039
Uh, I don't think that Jimmy Snuggerood or Oh, I love Snaggerood or Taborski.
00:36:42.559 --> 00:36:43.599
I don't know if they're gonna get rid of him.
00:36:44.239 --> 00:36:45.119
Well, Snuggerood just scores.
00:36:45.439 --> 00:36:48.719
They're not gonna get that Snaggerood, there's no way, but I love that guy.
00:36:48.959 --> 00:36:52.079
Well, I mean, how badly do they want Nikitian?
00:36:52.159 --> 00:37:01.119
So when you're trading, when you are when you're making trades of players of that potential, then there's gonna be pain both ways.
00:37:01.359 --> 00:37:08.959
Um, even though if the hurricane, even if the hurricanes have determined that, well, we're not gonna have him anymore, there's still you're still giving up a major asset.
00:37:09.039 --> 00:37:09.359
Yeah.
00:37:09.519 --> 00:37:21.839
Um, and you know, I could even see a deal uh where Carolina sends Nikishan uh and gets back Colton Pereco.
00:37:22.559 --> 00:37:27.199
Uh that's probably Katie talked about him last week on the podcast.
00:37:27.759 --> 00:37:32.239
Four years left, big right shot defenseman.
00:37:32.559 --> 00:37:36.000
Uh can play a fit really bruising physical game.
00:37:36.319 --> 00:37:37.439
Oh, that's a great player.
00:37:37.599 --> 00:37:39.359
He's 33 years old, though.
00:37:40.000 --> 00:37:41.519
How will he age?
00:37:41.839 --> 00:37:46.399
But is that a good move for the now and next year?
00:37:46.559 --> 00:37:54.079
Even if it's just two years at that level with the cap going where it is, I mean, you can hide him.
00:37:54.239 --> 00:38:01.439
You can hide him even on your roster, even if he's playing on a on a you know, a third pair playing for 14-15 minutes a night.
00:38:01.519 --> 00:38:02.879
That's oh no.
00:38:02.959 --> 00:38:07.599
He can he can move up on the I mean for me, I'm just saying I'm just saying beyond this year.
00:38:07.679 --> 00:38:09.599
Yeah, I'm just saying beyond the next couple of years.
00:38:09.919 --> 00:38:11.919
Like for the now, yeah.
00:38:12.159 --> 00:38:16.079
That I mean, does your defense look better?
00:38:16.319 --> 00:38:16.639
Yeah.
00:38:16.799 --> 00:38:18.719
With Colton Pareco playing on it.
00:38:18.879 --> 00:38:20.000
I think the answer is yes.
00:38:20.159 --> 00:38:20.799
Yes, yeah.
00:38:20.959 --> 00:38:23.919
So and I I think that's one of the struggles, too, that you know.
00:38:24.319 --> 00:38:26.879
But I think you've got to get more than Colton Pareco if you're trading Allen.
00:38:28.000 --> 00:38:30.879
So I think I've even talked to Tom about this.
00:38:31.039 --> 00:38:42.000
Uh the the biggest one of the biggest struggles I think pro teams have is how do you stay perpetually young when you are a team?
00:38:42.079 --> 00:38:44.559
And I think Eric Tolski has done.
00:38:44.799 --> 00:38:51.679
Listen, I mean, the guy is just knocking the ball out of the park almost every single time he's making anything happen.
00:38:51.839 --> 00:39:03.199
But you know, I think that they've done a really good job of of recognizing when a player might be at that specific spot and go, I don't know if we I'm not quite sure we want to do this.
00:39:03.359 --> 00:39:09.199
If we do, it's gonna be you know below value or whatever the case may be, however, they do things.
00:39:09.439 --> 00:39:24.319
Uh, but um I want to lead this into the next uh part here, Adam, because there's two specific players that were obviously that were left out of opening night, and that was Bradley Nadeau, Felix Under Swarm, um, two young guys.
00:39:24.399 --> 00:39:26.079
And I I kind of come at this, Adam.
00:39:26.159 --> 00:39:31.839
I'm a former collegiate soccer player, so I always I always tend to view things through the prism of a player.
00:39:32.079 --> 00:39:33.919
It's just the way I've always tried to do it.
00:39:34.079 --> 00:39:44.159
And um I wonder, especially with Bradley Nadeau, if I have no doubt that there's a lot of patting on the back, a lot of conversations with them.
00:39:44.479 --> 00:39:48.319
It's clear that he's ready to play uh at the NHL level.
00:39:48.399 --> 00:39:59.279
And one of the things I'm always curious about the psychological effect, if they get soft quote, snubbed, especially how how important like an opening night roster spot is.
00:39:59.519 --> 00:40:08.319
Um the assumption that he was probably gonna, I'm again soft quote, the assumption that he was probably gonna fit in where Seth Jarvis was.
00:40:08.639 --> 00:40:16.719
Um what do you think that has maybe an impact on his development, if any, specifically with Bradley?
00:40:16.799 --> 00:40:25.439
I think uh the reason I'm kind of leaving Felix out of this is because I I think he needs to go back to Chicago, even though he's looked like a totally different player.
00:40:25.679 --> 00:40:28.159
Um, yeah, but he's ready too.
00:40:28.239 --> 00:40:38.239
But Bradley may be more so that I'm like, I wonder if if he's gonna be okay going back, and then what that psychological impact could be.
00:40:38.639 --> 00:40:39.679
There's a lot there.
00:40:39.839 --> 00:40:45.279
Uh one, I actually think Felix was a tick ahead of Bradley in this training camp.
00:40:45.599 --> 00:40:46.639
Just a tick.
00:40:46.879 --> 00:40:54.879
Um I think Ungar Sorum is more of a playmaker than a goal scorer.
00:40:55.039 --> 00:41:00.159
Nadeau is clearly a goal scorer, but has no problem making the right play.
00:41:00.479 --> 00:41:01.839
They were both very impressive.
00:41:02.079 --> 00:41:02.479
They were.
00:41:02.639 --> 00:41:09.679
Uh, I didn't actually, the funny thing is, um, I didn't love both in their first game.
00:41:09.759 --> 00:41:17.679
They had great moments, but start to finish, I thought there was um they're a kind of a mess uh here and there.
00:41:18.079 --> 00:41:23.679
Um but I loved their second game.
00:41:23.759 --> 00:41:36.159
And then when Nadeau played uh with I think they they they they also played in the third game, I thought they both had great starts, yeah, messy in the middle, great finishes.
00:41:36.479 --> 00:41:39.439
And then the fourth game, Unger Sorum was really good.
00:41:40.079 --> 00:41:41.199
Really good, yeah, he was.
00:41:41.439 --> 00:41:45.279
And and he was really good playing with Aho and Smetikov.
00:41:45.759 --> 00:41:53.839
And I kind of think that if they decided to start the season with uh a young player, that it would have been Ungar Sorum.
00:41:54.079 --> 00:41:58.479
But um the answer to your question is it's really up to Bradley.
00:41:58.879 --> 00:42:03.359
Uh because while there was a spot, there didn't have to be a spot.
00:42:04.000 --> 00:42:04.239
Right.
00:42:04.399 --> 00:42:09.439
That so uh and Nick Delaurier was always going to play in the first two games.
00:42:09.679 --> 00:42:14.559
Always against Florida and Washington, DeLaurier was going to be in the lineup.
00:42:14.719 --> 00:42:16.639
So he was lost central.
00:42:16.879 --> 00:42:18.319
Yeah, exactly.
00:42:18.559 --> 00:42:22.079
Uh that that that was a great non-fight, by the way.
00:42:22.319 --> 00:42:38.719
Um the uh I think the conversations the conversation was probably more difficult with Bradley because I go back two years, he and Jackson Blake came to training camp in the same spot.
00:42:39.359 --> 00:42:40.959
Nobody knew who was gonna get that spot.
00:42:41.039 --> 00:42:42.000
There was a spot open.
00:42:43.119 --> 00:42:47.359
Tyson Jose was not the ideal opening night winger.
00:42:47.759 --> 00:42:57.279
Uh there was a spot, and Nadeau was the first first round pick, and Jackson Blake was the fourth round pick.
00:42:58.239 --> 00:43:03.839
And they went to training camp, and Jackson Blake just popped.
00:43:04.319 --> 00:43:07.359
Every time he was on the ice, you noticed him.
00:43:07.519 --> 00:43:08.319
Every single time.
00:43:08.799 --> 00:43:11.439
I think he played either four or five of the six games.
00:43:11.599 --> 00:43:11.839
Yeah.
00:43:12.000 --> 00:43:21.359
The funny thing was that it was his last game, which I thought was his worst offensive game, but he made several plays in the defensive end that I went, yep, that just did it.
00:43:21.519 --> 00:43:22.799
I don't care about that end.
00:43:22.879 --> 00:43:26.239
Rod knows that stuff's gonna be there because that's the kind of player he is.
00:43:26.399 --> 00:43:30.319
It's the the attention on the back end that I think impressed the head coach.
00:43:30.399 --> 00:43:34.959
And then you saw like early in the season, Rod was like, I gotta get this guy more ice time.
00:43:35.119 --> 00:43:35.199
Yeah.
00:43:35.359 --> 00:43:38.399
And we all saw what happened by the end of his rookie year.
00:43:38.639 --> 00:43:43.359
They were holding him out of the lineup at the end of the season so he didn't get hurt.
00:43:43.519 --> 00:43:46.559
Uh, Jackson Blake's gonna be a great player in this league.
00:43:46.879 --> 00:43:47.199
Please.
00:43:47.439 --> 00:43:57.599
Uh Doe had two back-to-back camps, which were okay, but he didn't force his he didn't force his way onto the roster.
00:43:58.159 --> 00:44:03.279
I think this year he probably he can make a great case that I should have been on the roster.
00:44:03.519 --> 00:44:04.719
So can Ungasorum.
00:44:04.879 --> 00:44:05.039
Yeah.
00:44:05.199 --> 00:44:11.919
I think the fact that they both got sent down probably made that uh conversation a little bit easier.
00:44:12.319 --> 00:44:16.159
But I will be interested because Caden Primo was waived today.
00:44:16.399 --> 00:44:16.719
Yep.
00:44:17.039 --> 00:44:18.399
We'll see if he clears.
00:44:18.639 --> 00:44:19.599
Cross your fingers.
00:44:19.839 --> 00:44:22.479
If he clears, and I don't know if it will be immediate.
00:44:22.559 --> 00:44:27.199
I don't it certainly won't be before uh the game on Friday.
00:44:27.439 --> 00:44:32.000
Um, but maybe for Saturday, or maybe DeLoree gets that game too.
00:44:32.479 --> 00:44:35.279
Uh and then we don't have anything until Tuesday.
00:44:35.839 --> 00:44:47.599
Um and so maybe DeLore plays the first three games and then the hurricanes decide at that point, all right, because the AHL starts Friday as well.
00:44:47.839 --> 00:44:54.799
So maybe uh we'll see how those you see how that week that first weekend goes in the American Hockey League.
00:44:54.959 --> 00:45:00.000
Uh, because it's really gonna be up to Bradley uh what kind of attitude and how he plays.
00:45:00.319 --> 00:45:03.439
Um but I love I love the fact that they both kill penalties.
00:45:04.079 --> 00:45:09.759
Uh so good uh the hurricanes have two uh two prospects.
00:45:09.919 --> 00:45:16.239
I mean, I personally look at them as assets as much as anything, that's which is what they are.
00:45:16.479 --> 00:45:17.039
Absolutely.
00:45:17.279 --> 00:45:26.479
And if which is another reason why I would love to get a winger with some size who could play.
00:45:27.039 --> 00:45:28.639
Just thinking out loud.
00:45:28.799 --> 00:45:34.719
Yeah, I wish they grew on trees because I'd go out and snack, I'd go out and snap right up my my right up my apple tree out there.
00:45:35.199 --> 00:45:37.359
Michael Nyes is now in Columbus.
00:45:38.159 --> 00:45:45.839
Yeah, I was gonna mention, I mean, there's a good example of the type of deal you were talking about, Adam, with uh Matthew Nyes for uh Karel Marchenko.
00:45:45.919 --> 00:45:46.639
A couple of good players.
00:45:47.119 --> 00:45:48.399
Michael Nyes, didn't I?
00:45:48.639 --> 00:45:49.919
Yeah, Matthew.
00:45:50.000 --> 00:45:51.359
It could be Matthew.
00:45:52.559 --> 00:45:57.839
But but yeah, I mean, Matthew Nyes for Karel Marchenko, they're the they're the keys in the trade.
00:45:57.919 --> 00:46:00.719
And and that's who would you rather have between those two players?
00:46:00.879 --> 00:46:02.879
Yeah, they're they're great players in their own room.
00:46:03.919 --> 00:46:04.239
Yeah.
00:46:04.399 --> 00:46:11.839
I mean, so if you trade a Nikitian and get a player that's kind of of that ilk, okay, it doesn't matter, forward defenseman doesn't matter.
00:46:12.000 --> 00:46:14.959
That's the kind of deal I think Eric's gonna be trying to do.
00:46:15.279 --> 00:46:17.279
Oh yeah, no, there's there's no doubt.
00:46:17.359 --> 00:46:23.359
I yeah, like, and I mean maybe they decide that Lego is good enough.
00:46:23.599 --> 00:46:25.279
I'm not saying he's not.
00:46:25.519 --> 00:46:28.719
Uh and if he is, maybe they do it for futures.
00:46:28.799 --> 00:46:30.639
Maybe they do it for two first round picks.
00:46:30.879 --> 00:46:33.679
Well, Friedman, Elliot Friedman said that might be a possibility.
00:46:33.839 --> 00:46:34.559
So I don't know if you're not.
00:46:34.719 --> 00:46:40.319
I mean, at that point, if you just want to be done with the situation, you can say give us two first rounders.
00:46:40.559 --> 00:46:42.559
Um, and you know, if if it's St.
00:46:42.719 --> 00:46:46.639
Louis, it's probably uh, you know, middle round one.
00:46:47.119 --> 00:46:48.719
Okay, you get two of those.
00:46:49.119 --> 00:46:50.239
Uh, you can package it.
00:46:50.399 --> 00:46:52.479
Carolina's got two this year or next year.
00:46:52.559 --> 00:46:52.719
Yeah.
00:46:53.199 --> 00:47:00.559
Uh you can package it with your uh, you know, yours or another one, and or maybe both of them, and pick one.
00:47:01.039 --> 00:47:02.000
I mean, who knows?
00:47:02.079 --> 00:47:09.439
You you when you've got that kind of uh draft capital, yeah, it can't but help you.
00:47:10.559 --> 00:47:15.439
You want do you want to add anything else on the Unger Swarm and Nadeau discussion, Tom?
00:47:16.000 --> 00:47:22.079
Well, I mean, the you know, obviously, I don't know if you know this, Adam, but we cover the Chicago Wolves extremely closely.
00:47:22.239 --> 00:47:26.239
Um, in fact, uh, we've got a new series starting this year with uh with the coach.
00:47:26.399 --> 00:47:27.519
He's gonna be every month.
00:47:29.759 --> 00:47:30.719
Yeah, he's great.
00:47:30.799 --> 00:47:31.439
He's incredible.
00:47:31.599 --> 00:47:36.159
But you know, I followed really closely last year the evolution of those two guys, right?
00:47:36.319 --> 00:47:37.359
And it was incredible.
00:47:37.519 --> 00:47:43.599
I mean, Nadel is he's in talent, but you know, there was a cool thing with uh with Unger Sorm.
00:47:43.679 --> 00:47:49.119
Sam Renzel, who's the conditioning, strength and conditioning coach in Chicago, did a fantastic job with him.
00:47:49.279 --> 00:47:51.279
So you saw it in in the play this year.
00:47:51.359 --> 00:47:57.439
Like he's he's much more present, like he's a heavier guy, he plays a heavier game, and he's always had the vision.
00:47:57.599 --> 00:48:00.079
He he's just an elite player when he gets going.
00:48:00.239 --> 00:48:02.799
So I think both of those guys, I agree with you totally.
00:48:02.879 --> 00:48:05.119
They're they're they're just great prospects.
00:48:05.279 --> 00:48:09.039
And on most teams, they'd have a shot right now, they'd be playing.
00:48:09.359 --> 00:48:09.919
Oh, yeah.
00:48:10.079 --> 00:48:13.039
I mean, they'd be they'd both be in the lineup for the Rangers.
00:48:13.279 --> 00:48:13.839
Yeah.
00:48:14.079 --> 00:48:15.679
So now, yep.
00:48:15.919 --> 00:48:20.079
So yeah, so I'm I'm you know, I'm I'm I'm hopeful we see them.
00:48:20.159 --> 00:48:23.359
Now they're gonna be at 22 players, right in the roster.
00:48:23.599 --> 00:48:26.719
Right now they're at 22, which means they've got an open spot.
00:48:26.959 --> 00:48:27.439
Yep.
00:48:27.679 --> 00:48:31.599
If if they send Primo down, now they don't have to send him down.
00:48:32.399 --> 00:48:32.959
Correct.
00:48:33.039 --> 00:48:38.479
But I think uh and and that that might have something to do with what Kachekov does tomorrow night, to be honest.
00:48:38.719 --> 00:48:39.119
Correct.
00:48:39.679 --> 00:48:40.719
We're assuming he plays.
00:48:40.799 --> 00:48:44.000
I I'm assuming that Rod's gonna play Kachetkoff tomorrow night.
00:48:44.079 --> 00:48:45.119
Yeah, against Washington.
00:48:45.359 --> 00:48:49.519
If he sticks to his normal plan, yes, you're yeah, I mean he's gonna he's gonna alternate.
00:48:49.919 --> 00:48:52.559
I mean, Brandon Busse played well enough to get the next start.
00:48:52.639 --> 00:48:54.079
I mean, if you'll be honest, yeah.
00:48:54.319 --> 00:49:04.559
Well, the order had a tough camp, so we're all gonna be watching to see if that's something that's gonna continue, or is he gonna be able to shake it off once the season starts?
00:49:04.799 --> 00:49:05.199
Yeah.
00:49:05.519 --> 00:49:07.839
This team has so many deep prospects, you know.
00:49:07.919 --> 00:49:10.079
I think on both sides, uh, you know, the puck.
00:49:10.159 --> 00:49:11.679
It's it's pretty pretty incredible.
00:49:11.839 --> 00:49:23.519
But I do want to focus on uh what I consider to be we can all consider uh a heist last you know, last summer where Eric Tolski goes and gets KeAndre Miller Adam.
00:49:23.759 --> 00:49:56.319
And um it it's really interesting when I think about how Eric Tolski, I know this is probably sounds like an Eric Tolski, we're just seeping so much praise on him, but he's done such an amazing job of being able to hand pick specific players that are tailor-made for this particular system, as opposed to just going after the okay, we'll leave Miko Ranson out of this conversation, but going after a star star players, I mean Keandre Miller.
00:49:56.559 --> 00:50:13.279
Uh the other thing, too, that I think has been fascinating because in most normal situations, it takes players a while to get acclimated to this system, except for maybe being out for the you know first however many games he was out last year due to coming back from injury.
00:50:13.439 --> 00:50:19.839
I I tell you what, he it didn't it didn't seem like it took much time for him to get acclimated to this system.
00:50:20.000 --> 00:50:22.000
He I I just got goosebumps.
00:50:22.159 --> 00:50:24.079
The guy was just fantastic last year.
00:50:24.399 --> 00:50:25.519
Uh he was great.
00:50:25.759 --> 00:50:33.919
Uh, real quick, I was pretty close to uh watching Jordan Stahl shake Keandre Miller and tell him you're the guy who put us over the top.
00:50:34.159 --> 00:50:34.719
Oh, cool.
00:50:35.199 --> 00:50:36.559
He's not wrong.
00:50:36.879 --> 00:50:38.239
Um Miller.
00:50:39.279 --> 00:50:53.119
Uh I didn't think when I saw Keandre Miller play for the uh Rangers, I didn't think I would make the following comparison, but he's a lot more like Slavin than he is any other player.
00:50:53.279 --> 00:50:54.799
Yeah, uh he can be physical.
00:50:54.959 --> 00:50:56.639
Jacob's not a physical player, obviously.
00:50:56.799 --> 00:50:56.959
Right.
00:50:57.279 --> 00:51:03.839
Keandre can be physical, and he got has a little bit of an edge to him uh uh if he's in the mood.
00:51:04.079 --> 00:51:06.399
But man, he is skating and stick work.
00:51:07.279 --> 00:51:13.439
And because and if because he can do that, and he is 6'5 and rangy.
00:51:13.839 --> 00:51:15.119
Holy cow, does he have it?
00:51:15.199 --> 00:51:16.239
He can freaking skate.
00:51:16.399 --> 00:51:19.919
6'5, he can skate like a incredible skater.
00:51:20.319 --> 00:51:26.239
All of that, that to me is like he is the backup slaven.
00:51:26.319 --> 00:51:37.599
Jacob's 30, Miller's 25, and they might be 31 and 36, 26 right now, but still, we're talking about somebody who is going to age well here in this system.
00:51:38.159 --> 00:51:39.119
Uh, I agree.
00:51:39.279 --> 00:51:41.119
He picked it up faster.
00:51:41.199 --> 00:51:44.399
I I mean, I compared him to the other Ranger Carolina got Brady Shea.
00:51:44.559 --> 00:51:44.959
Brady Shea.
00:51:45.119 --> 00:51:49.359
It took Shea about a year to really figure out how to play here.
00:51:49.519 --> 00:51:54.399
And then Brady became like one of the great recent hurricanes.
00:51:54.479 --> 00:51:54.799
Yeah.
00:51:54.959 --> 00:52:00.319
Uh Miller is already better than Shea was at this stage.
00:52:00.479 --> 00:52:02.319
Way better than where Shea was.
00:52:02.799 --> 00:52:07.599
If the if he continues, and I think the offense will get better from Miller.
00:52:07.759 --> 00:52:10.079
And he had a pretty good offensive season anyway last year.
00:52:10.239 --> 00:52:10.639
He did.
00:52:10.879 --> 00:52:15.759
Um, I I can absolutely see um Miller being.
00:52:15.919 --> 00:52:22.399
I mean, I don't I mean, I don't know if he's gonna beat Team USA, Keandre Miller, but uh he's he's awesome.
00:52:22.639 --> 00:52:28.799
But here's got the left side, the the top two spots on the left side on lock, and he can play forever.
00:52:28.879 --> 00:52:30.719
He can play 26, 27 minutes a game.
00:52:30.879 --> 00:52:32.479
Yeah, what did he play over 25 last night?
00:52:32.639 --> 00:52:33.359
Yeah, 25.
00:52:33.439 --> 00:52:36.799
Well, a lot of that was hurricanes are on the power play and short-handed.
00:52:37.039 --> 00:52:43.119
So perfect perfect segue for me because I'm not Nikisha probably not coming back.
00:52:43.359 --> 00:52:47.839
Is this an opportunity for Keandre Miller to potentially run that second power play?
00:52:47.919 --> 00:52:50.239
And if he did all last year, almost.
00:52:50.479 --> 00:52:52.000
Yeah, well, that's I mean, yeah.
00:52:52.079 --> 00:52:55.199
I so I guess what I'm asking is is that transition?
00:52:55.279 --> 00:52:58.159
Because that's not that's that's not an easy skill to have.
00:52:58.399 --> 00:53:00.159
No, he wants to do it.
00:53:00.479 --> 00:53:01.279
Oh, okay.
00:53:01.519 --> 00:53:05.359
But if Rod asked me, I would say, nah.
00:53:05.679 --> 00:53:07.199
He doesn't need to do it.
00:53:07.519 --> 00:53:11.519
And I don't think he's all that great, he's not bad at it.
00:53:11.679 --> 00:53:19.759
Uh, but like he doesn't have the creativity, and I'm not comparing him to Shane Gosses Bear, he's one of the best in the league at it.
00:53:19.919 --> 00:53:27.359
Um but I mean, I think Miller gets away with it because he's a great skater uh and he's long.
00:53:27.679 --> 00:53:42.000
Um but yeah, I I I'd love to see another option uh for I'd even I wouldn't even mind five forwards on their power on the second but they're like Los Angeles.
00:53:43.359 --> 00:53:44.559
This is my own feeling.
00:53:45.119 --> 00:53:50.639
I think the most overrated part of a power play is your quarterback.
00:53:50.799 --> 00:53:50.959
Yeah.
00:53:51.439 --> 00:53:53.599
Now, if you have an elite one, that's different.
00:53:53.839 --> 00:53:59.759
But other than that, I mean, heck, Jacob Slavin could be your uh could run your second power play unit.
00:53:59.919 --> 00:54:07.839
Uh because it's to me it's about the forward movement, it's always about the forwards and moving and moving the puck quickly.
00:54:08.079 --> 00:54:13.279
Um, but I mean there are probably Carolina doesn't have that driving force, you're absolutely right.
00:54:13.359 --> 00:54:14.959
I mean, they don't have a Koma car.
00:54:15.279 --> 00:54:18.319
Um, you know, so it is second unit.
00:54:18.559 --> 00:54:20.479
It is it is apples and orange.
00:54:20.719 --> 00:54:21.359
Yeah, that's fair.
00:54:21.519 --> 00:54:29.679
So well, I think I think the other side of it is I mean, one of the reasons I really liked Alex Nikesian on the power play was because of the shot.
00:54:29.839 --> 00:54:30.239
The shot.
00:54:30.399 --> 00:54:34.159
Yeah, one of the things I don't think he was good at running the power play, but he that shot is lethal.
00:54:34.399 --> 00:54:37.599
No, but but that's one of the things that canes miss, I think, is having that, you know.
00:54:37.679 --> 00:54:43.199
I've always liked the P, you know, the the Stamp Coast type guy that's over on the right and just wails away in sports.
00:54:43.279 --> 00:54:43.519
Sure.
00:54:44.159 --> 00:54:47.199
And that's and that's uh that's a Nado situation, yeah.
00:54:47.359 --> 00:54:47.599
Right?
00:54:47.759 --> 00:54:48.000
Yeah.
00:54:48.159 --> 00:54:52.479
Uh I'd like to see Svechnikov unleash his shot a little bit more.
00:54:54.319 --> 00:54:54.959
He whiffed.
00:54:55.199 --> 00:54:55.839
Swung and missed.
00:54:55.919 --> 00:54:56.879
Big swing and a miss.
00:54:57.279 --> 00:54:59.919
Uh yeah, the power play, the first four power plays weren't any good.
00:55:00.000 --> 00:55:02.959
I didn't I like I didn't hate the last two.
00:55:03.039 --> 00:55:06.799
The worst power play was the five on three, uh, which is kind of amazing.
00:55:07.279 --> 00:55:13.919
Um, but yeah, even though Nikishan, he wasn't he was rarely ready to shoot.
00:55:14.079 --> 00:55:14.399
Yeah.
00:55:14.639 --> 00:55:18.159
And that's one thing that bothered me, and I think it bothered the coaching staff.
00:55:18.479 --> 00:55:22.159
Like, we want that shot, but you got to be in a position.
00:55:22.319 --> 00:55:25.839
Your body has to be in a position to deliver the shot.
00:55:25.919 --> 00:55:26.079
Yeah.
00:55:26.319 --> 00:55:29.439
And he just didn't, he wasn't able to do that a lot last year.
00:55:29.679 --> 00:55:38.959
Well, you know, I mean, there's a lot we could say regarding his play last year, and I'm a huge fan of Alex, and I think what he went through last year was incredible.
00:55:39.119 --> 00:55:48.879
I mean, he comes over from Russia, he doesn't know the language, he doesn't know the system, he doesn't know the city, he doesn't know the country, doesn't even know where Harris Teter is, for goodness sakes.
00:55:51.279 --> 00:55:52.959
You gotta give him some slack on that.
00:55:53.039 --> 00:55:53.679
That's hard.
00:55:54.239 --> 00:55:56.639
I mean, I I think he had a good year.
00:55:56.879 --> 00:55:57.599
I think he did too.
00:55:57.759 --> 00:55:58.879
I think I think he had a good year.
00:55:58.959 --> 00:56:02.479
I I so maybe the misconception is that I didn't think he was good.
00:56:03.039 --> 00:56:13.759
Uh see we have there there's a gap between what we want him to be and what he is at this point.
00:56:14.079 --> 00:56:15.519
At this point, right?
00:56:15.919 --> 00:56:21.439
And I won't, I do not live in what we want him to be.
00:56:21.679 --> 00:56:22.079
Right.
00:56:22.399 --> 00:56:29.599
I live in what he is, and we can't I mean, I s there are people who can't project.
00:56:29.839 --> 00:56:33.279
I'm not good enough to project what he is going to be.
00:56:33.439 --> 00:56:33.759
No.
00:56:33.919 --> 00:56:39.119
Um, I see things that um maybe he'll never be able to get out of his game.
00:56:39.279 --> 00:56:48.559
I see uh uh waning concentration in his game, I see uh like sporadic physicality in his game.
00:56:48.719 --> 00:56:49.039
Right.
00:56:49.199 --> 00:56:53.119
And if you look like him, you should be physical all the time.
00:56:53.359 --> 00:57:03.919
And that I think the the Hurricanes were probably frustrated by going weeks without seeing Nikishan throw his body around like he should.
00:57:04.239 --> 00:57:09.359
And then for like three games in a row, like hey, that's that's what we're talking about.
00:57:09.439 --> 00:57:10.479
Yeah, uh, more of that.
00:57:10.559 --> 00:57:11.759
And then it would go away again.
00:57:12.000 --> 00:57:14.799
And again, these inconsistencies are part of being a rookie.
00:57:16.079 --> 00:57:25.679
Yeah, but when we got to the playoffs, I made the case I'd have pulled him, I would I would have pulled him after game one of the uh of the Stanley Cup final.
00:57:25.919 --> 00:57:32.319
I would have gone to Mike Riley for game two because I thought Nikishin was a was a drag in game one.
00:57:33.119 --> 00:57:34.319
He had a tough game, yeah.
00:57:34.559 --> 00:57:37.439
I mean he didn't have a good playoff, right?
00:57:37.599 --> 00:57:43.759
Um he did not, but it didn't matter for for three rounds of the playoffs.
00:57:43.839 --> 00:57:44.239
Yeah.
00:57:44.559 --> 00:57:48.079
Because you know, the first series got blasted.
00:57:48.159 --> 00:57:48.719
So but yeah.
00:57:49.119 --> 00:57:50.000
Yeah, that that was game.
00:57:50.079 --> 00:57:51.039
That was game four, right?
00:57:51.199 --> 00:57:51.439
Yes.
00:57:51.839 --> 00:58:01.439
The first series, I actually thought he was if I was gonna rank him in the three series, he was probably best against Ottawa than he was against Philly or Montreal.
00:58:01.599 --> 00:58:01.919
Yeah.
00:58:02.159 --> 00:58:07.359
Um, but like he was he just got progressively worse.
00:58:07.679 --> 00:58:09.199
Look, playoff hockey is just different.
00:58:09.439 --> 00:58:10.799
Well, and it's a long season, Adam.
00:58:10.959 --> 00:58:16.159
I mean, you know, a guy coming over the game, and that's one of the things, going back to Lego real quickly.
00:58:16.239 --> 00:58:27.439
That's why I was like, man, you know, if if Charles is gonna hang in this lineup, you know, thank goodness he's got the the group he's got around him that's gonna, if they they'll drag him into it, you know.
00:58:27.519 --> 00:58:29.599
I think that that's a huge benefit for him.
00:58:29.679 --> 00:58:32.239
But 84 games is a lot of games.
00:58:32.479 --> 00:58:36.000
And yeah, you know, that's so the KHL season is shorter.
00:58:36.159 --> 00:58:38.319
Yeah, the game is less physical.
00:58:38.479 --> 00:58:38.639
Yep.
00:58:38.799 --> 00:58:39.119
Yes.
00:58:39.279 --> 00:58:42.000
Uh it's not as the quality is not as good.
00:58:42.319 --> 00:58:43.279
And these are not excuses.
00:58:43.439 --> 00:58:47.359
We're and he wasn't on a great team, so he didn't play a lot of playoff games.
00:58:47.439 --> 00:58:52.239
So yeah, this a lot of things conspired for him to not be a lot of storylines for sure.
00:58:52.399 --> 00:58:55.039
Um, but he just was he wasn't as good in the playoffs.
00:58:55.199 --> 00:59:04.479
Um and his ice time diminished, which is was always gonna happen anyway, uh, because Rod ain't gonna take chances in the third period if he doesn't have to.
00:59:04.639 --> 00:59:07.359
Uh he does that in the regular season a lot anyway.
00:59:07.519 --> 00:59:10.079
So um, like none of it surprised me.
00:59:10.239 --> 00:59:18.959
Uh, but I watched it, and it all matters to you know what you're going if he's gonna get an eight-year deal, it all matters to that.
00:59:19.199 --> 00:59:20.079
Yeah, for sure.
00:59:20.239 --> 00:59:22.079
So and I agree with that for sure.
00:59:22.399 --> 00:59:26.959
So fans want Nadeau, fans want Nikitian.
00:59:27.039 --> 00:59:32.719
Yes, and like there's I can't believe we're not we're we're playing Eric Robinson and we're not playing Bradley Nadeau.
00:59:32.799 --> 00:59:36.479
I'm like, dude, they're not fans are gonna fan.
00:59:36.559 --> 00:59:37.439
You know that better than anybody.
00:59:37.839 --> 00:59:38.319
Right, exactly.
00:59:38.559 --> 00:59:43.679
Like, yeah, like but I roll my eyes and I go, they're not the same type of player.
00:59:44.719 --> 00:59:54.319
Yeah, but but you know, Adam, and and as as I think Darren says rightfully, hey, fans have every every opportunity to uh make their uh feelings felt.
00:59:54.559 --> 00:59:55.039
It's fun.
00:59:55.199 --> 01:00:00.000
It's you know, we often we often laugh uh getting on on X sometimes in the comments.
01:00:00.079 --> 01:00:01.359
We just have to shake our heads.
01:00:01.519 --> 01:00:01.919
You call it.
01:00:02.079 --> 01:00:02.879
But listen.
01:00:03.599 --> 01:00:06.799
So yeah, we we've uh we've covered a lot of ground here, guys.
01:00:07.439 --> 01:00:07.759
Twitter.
01:00:08.639 --> 01:00:12.399
You're a busy man, Adam, and and I do want to thank you so much for coming in.
01:00:12.479 --> 01:00:17.919
But before we take that, I just want to get some closing comments, just some closing thoughts as we wrap up tonight.
01:00:18.159 --> 01:00:21.359
Uh I think this team's gonna be better than they were a year ago.
01:00:21.679 --> 01:00:31.839
Uh I think that you'll see Blake, Stancoven, and Hall each between oh 55 and 75 points.
01:00:32.000 --> 01:00:38.719
I think you'll see the two young guys uh probably approach 70.
01:00:39.599 --> 01:00:40.879
Um Wow.
01:00:41.199 --> 01:00:47.199
Uh Jarvis will come back and be the best version we have seen of Jarvis.
01:00:47.599 --> 01:00:48.159
Yes.
01:00:48.399 --> 01:00:57.599
Um, I am very bullish on this team being uh every bit as good or better than they were a year ago.
01:00:57.759 --> 01:01:04.319
Then you get to the playoffs, and then uh you gotta be healthy, you gotta get hot, uh, you gotta get good goaltending.
01:01:04.559 --> 01:01:07.439
I mean, we can forget how great Freddie was for two series.
01:01:07.519 --> 01:01:10.319
So Freddie he won the Ottawa series in my book.
01:01:10.479 --> 01:01:11.119
He was great.
01:01:11.199 --> 01:01:14.000
Uh and then f Philly's no good.
01:01:14.319 --> 01:01:18.000
So um, and I don't think Philly's gonna make the playoffs this year.
01:01:18.159 --> 01:01:24.799
Uh, but you know, Freddie was good in the Philadelphia series, but Philly isn't, so you know, great assault.
01:01:25.039 --> 01:01:27.359
But I think Freddie won the Ottawa series.
01:01:27.679 --> 01:01:28.719
Uh he was great.
01:01:29.279 --> 01:01:32.559
He enabled them to sweep the Ottawa series.
01:01:32.959 --> 01:01:43.919
Philly enabled Carolina to sweep the Philly series, and then by the time they got to Montreal, the four check had become so relentless.
01:01:44.000 --> 01:01:46.559
Yeah, Montreal was done.
01:01:47.199 --> 01:01:49.759
Like the first game is the first game.
01:01:50.159 --> 01:01:55.359
Then Montreal for the next three games, I think had a total of 41 shots on goal.
01:01:56.319 --> 01:01:57.039
It was amazing.
01:01:57.119 --> 01:01:57.439
Yeah.
01:01:57.759 --> 01:01:59.359
They just didn't have the puck.
01:01:59.439 --> 01:01:59.759
Yeah.
01:01:59.919 --> 01:02:02.639
And uh, Carolina just suffocated them.
01:02:02.719 --> 01:02:03.039
Yeah.
01:02:03.199 --> 01:02:08.639
Uh, and then I knew they were gonna beat Vegas, uh, especially after watching game three, even after a loss.
01:02:08.959 --> 01:02:11.599
Uh so um, yeah, I think they're gonna be better.
01:02:11.679 --> 01:02:16.319
And then we'll see, we'll see what it means uh for for the for the playoffs, but I think they're gonna be better.
01:02:16.479 --> 01:02:22.399
Well, and the other guy that I've talked a lot about as we've started to prepare for the season is Jacob Slavin.
01:02:22.479 --> 01:02:26.959
I mean, he was he was hurt for a good part of the year, and I don't think he was ever himself again.
01:02:27.119 --> 01:02:30.959
Um I agree until game six against Vegas.
01:02:31.119 --> 01:02:32.479
He was pretty good.
01:02:32.719 --> 01:02:34.479
I don't think he's ever played a better game than that.
01:02:34.559 --> 01:02:35.919
Yeah, he was ever.
01:02:36.479 --> 01:02:37.039
Ever.
01:02:37.359 --> 01:02:37.679
Yeah.
01:02:37.919 --> 01:02:42.479
That that to me was the best game I have ever seen Jacob Slavin play.
01:02:42.799 --> 01:02:45.439
He's played some pretty good ones, so that's uh that's quite a statement coming from.
01:02:45.839 --> 01:02:46.239
Everywhere.
01:02:46.639 --> 01:02:49.679
Yeah, he had some special anointing oil on that stick that night.
01:02:49.839 --> 01:02:50.159
Yeah.
01:02:50.399 --> 01:02:56.719
But he's definitely he's definitely going to uh he's definitely going to be a factor uh in a big way this year as well.
01:02:56.959 --> 01:02:58.959
Uh Darren, any final thoughts from you?
01:02:59.279 --> 01:03:00.559
No, Adam, thank you so much.
01:03:00.719 --> 01:03:03.199
It's you know a great pleasure, you know, talking to you.
01:03:03.279 --> 01:03:07.679
And I know that you got a really great inside track, and it's just a pleasure talking to you.
01:03:08.000 --> 01:03:10.000
Hey, uh, let's do it again.
01:03:10.319 --> 01:03:10.639
Awesome.
01:03:10.959 --> 01:03:12.559
Okay, so I'll just wrap up then.
01:03:12.639 --> 01:03:17.439
For those of you who've been watching or listening, thanks for tuning in to StormTracker today.
01:03:17.519 --> 01:03:22.239
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01:03:22.399 --> 01:03:23.759
We'd love to hear from you.
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So if you have any questions or comments for any of us here tonight, please leave them in the comment section or send them our way, and we'll respond as quickly as we can.
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As always, we're delighted you spent time with us today, and we look forward to getting together with you real soon right here on Storm Tracker.
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