Post by hockeyfreak (Hurricanes GM) on Aug 10, 2011 14:58:25 GMT -5
HURRICANES UNDERGO "CULTURE CHANGE"
GM Hockeyfreak described his bizarre off season change up as a necessary "culture change" to set the team forward
After a disappointing second round exit to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Hurricanes general manager Hockeyfreak turned to the drawing board to completely revamp his team. In a press conference held early this afternoon, Hockeyfreak divulged the motives behind some moves that have been questioned around the league.
In an off season shake up that broke up the team's core, the Hurricanes dealt out Zach Parise, Joni Pitkanen and Danny Briere in exchange for Tomas Plekanec, Ryan Ellis, Andrew Cogliano and the 3rd and 25th overall picks in the entry draft. With the 3rd pick, the Hurricanes selected Nick Ebert of the Windsor Spitfires, and at the 25th spot, the Canes selected David Damarro.
Windsor Spitfire's defender Nick Ebert was the 3rd overall pick by the Hurricanes
While on the whole, it would appear that the Hurricanes have entered a rebuilding period, Hockeyfreak vehemently denied at the press conference that that was the intention of the Hurricanes.
The following is a transcript of the press conference that was held today to introduce the new draftees.
Press: GM HF, what reason did you have for, in essence, blowing the team up in the off season? It would have seemed you were Cup contenders before would it not?
GMHF: Overall, we were disappointed with what we didn't accomplish last season. We felt that we had built a strong core, a core as good as any in the NHL, but also one that's window of opportunity was closing very quickly.
Press: You say your window of opportunity was closing, but do you believe these moves extend that window of time now and in the future?
GMHF: Well, it was a very necessary culture change for us. We relied a little too heavily on our scoring depth last season, and when push came to shove, we came up short in the playoffs. You know, on paper, we had a top 3 line up in the league, but at some point, we have to rely more on a systematic team play rather than relying on individual scorers to get the job done.
Press: Is that why Zach Parise was traded?
GMHF: Trading Zach was not something we exactly expected when the off season began. However, after signing Zach to a 6 year extension, his play quickly plummeted and it ultimately resulted in a 49 point season. I mean, Zach found his game towards the end of the season, but inconsistency was always an issue, not just with Zach, but the entire team. When we had the opportunity to acquire a top 3 overall pick, it was tough to turn down. We certainly believe that Nick (Ebert) has the potential to become a franchise player for us.
Press: Do you expect to see Ebert or Damarro in the line up this season?
GMHF: Nick wil most likely start in the AHL, although he will certainly get a good look in the pre season. David as well will get a pre season look, although from what we gather from rookie camp, David looks like he could be good to go.
Press: Is it safe to expect more moves before the season starts?
GMHF: Well with the cap being an issue, it's always a possibility. We have already targeted some players of interest on the UFA market, so if it's necessary to move salary to acquire a significant acquisition, you know I'll never be afraid to make a deal.
Press: What expectations do you have for your line up next season?
GMHF: Oh, I definitely expect to be in contention next season. I've already spoken to Paul (Maurice) and we both understand that the team is now built with emphasis on two way play rather than keeping the play in one end.
Press: Do you expect a more promising season than last year?
GMHF: That is always the goal. To build on the year before. I'm not one to rebuild, and I never have been. It seems a bit silly to me. If I can stay competitive while staying young, why not do it? And given our foundation in Carter, Nash, Ladd, Yandle and Ward, I dont see any reason not to build around them with young talent. With Ebert, Ellis and Damarro, we have a good blend of youth and energy, but also veteran experience as well.
GM Hockeyfreak described his bizarre off season change up as a necessary "culture change" to set the team forward
After a disappointing second round exit to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Hurricanes general manager Hockeyfreak turned to the drawing board to completely revamp his team. In a press conference held early this afternoon, Hockeyfreak divulged the motives behind some moves that have been questioned around the league.
In an off season shake up that broke up the team's core, the Hurricanes dealt out Zach Parise, Joni Pitkanen and Danny Briere in exchange for Tomas Plekanec, Ryan Ellis, Andrew Cogliano and the 3rd and 25th overall picks in the entry draft. With the 3rd pick, the Hurricanes selected Nick Ebert of the Windsor Spitfires, and at the 25th spot, the Canes selected David Damarro.
Windsor Spitfire's defender Nick Ebert was the 3rd overall pick by the Hurricanes
While on the whole, it would appear that the Hurricanes have entered a rebuilding period, Hockeyfreak vehemently denied at the press conference that that was the intention of the Hurricanes.
The following is a transcript of the press conference that was held today to introduce the new draftees.
Press: GM HF, what reason did you have for, in essence, blowing the team up in the off season? It would have seemed you were Cup contenders before would it not?
GMHF: Overall, we were disappointed with what we didn't accomplish last season. We felt that we had built a strong core, a core as good as any in the NHL, but also one that's window of opportunity was closing very quickly.
Press: You say your window of opportunity was closing, but do you believe these moves extend that window of time now and in the future?
GMHF: Well, it was a very necessary culture change for us. We relied a little too heavily on our scoring depth last season, and when push came to shove, we came up short in the playoffs. You know, on paper, we had a top 3 line up in the league, but at some point, we have to rely more on a systematic team play rather than relying on individual scorers to get the job done.
Press: Is that why Zach Parise was traded?
GMHF: Trading Zach was not something we exactly expected when the off season began. However, after signing Zach to a 6 year extension, his play quickly plummeted and it ultimately resulted in a 49 point season. I mean, Zach found his game towards the end of the season, but inconsistency was always an issue, not just with Zach, but the entire team. When we had the opportunity to acquire a top 3 overall pick, it was tough to turn down. We certainly believe that Nick (Ebert) has the potential to become a franchise player for us.
Press: Do you expect to see Ebert or Damarro in the line up this season?
GMHF: Nick wil most likely start in the AHL, although he will certainly get a good look in the pre season. David as well will get a pre season look, although from what we gather from rookie camp, David looks like he could be good to go.
Press: Is it safe to expect more moves before the season starts?
GMHF: Well with the cap being an issue, it's always a possibility. We have already targeted some players of interest on the UFA market, so if it's necessary to move salary to acquire a significant acquisition, you know I'll never be afraid to make a deal.
Press: What expectations do you have for your line up next season?
GMHF: Oh, I definitely expect to be in contention next season. I've already spoken to Paul (Maurice) and we both understand that the team is now built with emphasis on two way play rather than keeping the play in one end.
Press: Do you expect a more promising season than last year?
GMHF: That is always the goal. To build on the year before. I'm not one to rebuild, and I never have been. It seems a bit silly to me. If I can stay competitive while staying young, why not do it? And given our foundation in Carter, Nash, Ladd, Yandle and Ward, I dont see any reason not to build around them with young talent. With Ebert, Ellis and Damarro, we have a good blend of youth and energy, but also veteran experience as well.