It's been awhile since I've posted, and now it's finally time to get back to hockey. The season is coming to life; NHL training camps have begun, CHL preseason and the QMJHL even had it's season opener tonight. It's an exciting time of year, and one we've all been waiting for. Now this brings me to one team in particular, the Carolina Hurricanes.
When the Hurricanes found out defenseman Joni Pitkanen would be sidelined for the whole season, most hockey fans new it was just a matter of time before they brought in some reinforcements. Well, the cavalry is none other than former Winnipeg Jet, Ron Hainsey. Hainsey is a solid, veteran presence who brings to the table a stay at home game and some strong intangibles. For 2 million dollars over the next year, the Hainsey deal is a great hockey move that fills a need in the 'canes organization.
Carolina needed another top four option, and Hainsey has the ability to fill that role admirably. Now coach Kirk Muller can tinker with a core D group that also features young work horse Justin Faulk, toolsy Jay Harrison, the all around Andrej Sekera, and grizzled vets Tim Gleason and Mike Komisarek. Rookie Ryan Murphy could crack the roster as an offensive specialist, but that's yet to be seen. Not an incredible group, but none the less an improvement on a Pitkanen-less team.
The fact that Hainsey wasn't signed to a contract by any team prior has been linked to his role in representing the players during the lockout, and personally I find this embarassing to hockey. Apparently GM's around the league were shying away from Hainsey because of how outspoken he was for the players. When heading into the off season, things like that shouldn't matter in regards to whether a player deserves a contract or not. In fact, Hainsey's ability and willingness to step to the fore front and take a leadership role for the players should have been heralded by the league's general managers. In the end, signing a free agent should come down to whether the player is a good fit in the organization or not. That's why the Hainsey deal is such a solid aquisition, it clearly fills a hole in Carolina and for a bargain price too. Ron Hainsey is a very capable defensive defenseman and a strog voice in the locker room, both traits any team should covet.
Well that's my rant for the day, thanks to all of you who have stuck around to read my stuff! I can't wait for the season! -Johannes
You can find me on twitter @JohannesHockey