Originally Posted by
Tiger Trauma
The Canes were definitely not built for this season. Looking at their roster they will hit a peak in 2 years. Next year they should finish around the middle of the pack, It should be the season after where they really hit their stride but goaltending would still be an issue.
I do not like 2 trades the canes made this season.
I feel that aquiring Rimmer was a short-term band-aid in attempt to make the playoffs but It failed. Giving up a 2nd and 3rd round pick for a 20 year old rental goalie is a high price to pay for not getting into the playoffs. Doing that in a year where your roster isn't setup well for the year is a very dumb move IMO. Perhaps their was pressure from the board? A 2nd and 3rd would be handy for trade bait if needed.
Compare that to the Tigers. They aquired an overager goaltender for an 8th round pick with almost identical stats....that was lucky though, and doesnt often happen, as a couple prospects didn't materialize.
The Merkley deal, for Derko and a 3rd, I didn't like either.
In 2 years Yakubowski, Maxwell, Mckechnie, Watson, Blomqvist, Duke would make a pretty potent top 6. Getting rid of Merkley lowers that Depth. In 2 years if he's putting up good numbers the canes will miss that. Derko will be long gone, that 3rd round won't be developed yet.
Also you probably could of got Derko next year for a 5th-6th round pick to shore up your 20's, but other players could be available as well.
I do have a question. Who is better on Defense Henry or Simpson? I don't have a lot of info on Henry but to me Simpson seemed a bit slow. Tough yes but a lack of footspeed.
In 2 years the canes have a good crop of overager forwards plus henry and Simpson and it might be wise to sell one for a younger defensive asset next season. But their might be pressure to make the playoffs so they might keep both
The little things add up, and I was a canes fan I'd probably be pissed at those deals. But then again I hope the Canes do something dumb like trade Duke ,Pilon, Watson for picks.