Carolina Hurricanes Morning News: Tyler Johnson, Mac Pacioretty, and the New Jersey Devils
By Brett Finger
The Carolina Hurricanes could have a couple potential Tyler Johnson‘s on their hands. Tampa’s undersized undrafted free agent has busted onto the scene in his early 20’s with two straight 50+ point seasons, including 72 points last season.
Could free agent signee Derek Ryan or 2013 undrafted free agent Sergey Tolchinsky follow in Johnson’s footsteps for the Hurricanes?
More From Cardiac Cane – Top 5 Free Agent Options for the Hurricanes
For now, we don’t know, but the Lightning should feel comforted knowing that Johnson is recovering well from a wrist injury in the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals.
Also, Montreal’s star forward Max Pacioretty has begun rehab for his offseason knee injury, and the Devils may do something a bit unconventional for the upcoming season.
Let’s take a look at today’s news.
Hurricanes Links
- Yesterday, we took a look at Canes prospect Noah Hanifin and previewed his 2015-2016 season. (Cardiac Cane)
- The Carolina Hurricanes have seen their prospect pool get a whole lot better over the past few seasons, but how has this happened? Matt Karash took a look at that yesterday. (Canes and Coffee)
- In the final installment of the series, Mr. Workrate at Section 328 took a look at the Canes team he manager using East Side Hockey Manager Early Access. (Section 328)
Tyler Johnson Recovering from Wrist Injury – Lightning.NHL.com
Tyler Johnson scared the Tampa fanbase back in June when he went down with a wrist injury in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final against the Blackhawks. Despite being diagnosed with a broken wrist, Johnson finished the series, but his play certainly wasn’t at the level that people were accustomed to.
Johnson, 24, led all NHLers in playoff points, tallying 23 in 26 games in the postseason.
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His wrist injury certainly hurt his team’s chances of winning the cup, but Johnson says that his ailment is recovering nicely.
"“It’s recovering, and I can’t wait for camp,” Johnson said in a video on Tampa’s team site on Wednesday."
It is in’t easy to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, and then losing in the final round of the playoffs can be an incredibly tough thing to live with, and Johnson spoke about that yesterday.
"“We had a remarkable season. It was a dream come true to be able to go to the Stanley Cup Final and be able to play in it. But for us, it’s not enough. We have to win it. That’s what we’re here for. We got as close as two games, really, and that’s still a tough feeling. It’s been a tough feeling all summer… You look on Twitter and see what Chicago is doing with the Cup, and you can think that’s you,” Johnson said. “That’s what we’re working hard for this summer and that’s what we’re going to be working hard for the start of camp and through the season.”"
The Lightning will bring yet another tremendously talented roster into the upcoming season, so don’t be surprised if we are talking about the Bolts well into May and June.
Max Pacioretty Recovering from Knee Injury – NHL.com
The Canadiens got a great year from winger Max Pacioretty last season. The 26-year-old netted 37 goals and had 67 total points with a +38 rating a year ago.
Last month, the star forward suffered a knee injury that will keep him sidelined for potentially 8 more weeks, but so far so good for his recovery, according to Habs head coach Michel Therrien.
"“Everything’s going well with his rehab, honestly, so we’re happy,” Therrien said Tuesday at his annual charity golf tournament. “It’s unfortunate [he got injured], but he’s still able to train even if he’s limited in the exercises he can do.”“Max has always surprised us with his ability to return a little bit earlier than scheduled,” Therrien said. “But right now everything’s going well, he’s recovering well, and that’s good news.”"
With the addition of Alexander Semin and Zack Kassian among others up front, the Canadiens look to be stocked at the forward positions, but they will undoubtedly need Pacioretty healthy in order to push for a Stanely Cup this season.
New Jersey Devils to Go Without a Captain? – NHL.com
With the potential absence of captain Bryce Salvador, the New Jersey Devils may decide to do something that not a lot of teams do, play without a captain.
"“There is no rush for this. I’m not sure we’ll have one,” Shero said. “Maybe we will. I don’t want to paint myself into a corner by saying we’ll have one and we don’t, or we won’t have one and we do.“If we choose a captain it will be a combination of the head coach [John Hynes] and myself. If we pick one out, it will be after due consideration. And hopefully it will be the right choice.”"
Salvador is still an unrestricted free agent, and while he could still return to the team, he is also considering retirement. He is 39-years-old.
NHL.com mentions Andy Greene, an alternate captain for the Devils last season, and Adam Henrique as potential options for captaincy this season for the club.
They don’t need a captain, so the Devils and GM Ray Shero don’t feel stressed to put one in place for now.
The Devils open up their regular season schedule on October 9th when they host the Winnipeg Jets.