Carolina Hurricanes Player Evaluations and Grades

Oct 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal (12) congratulates goalie Cam Ward (30) after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Hurricanes beat the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

We are about one month into the NHL season. A little bit of a rollercoaster start from the Carolina Hurricanes puts them at 4-5-3 at the end of October. See the October recap here. Let’s take a look at how the players are doing on the Carolina Hurricanes

Notice

All players on the list have played in at least four of the 12 October games, so one-third of the games so far. Anton Khudobin, Jusin Peters, Mike Komisarek, and Tim Gleason have all played three or less, but I will have one slide that covers what these four players have done in their limited time.

Andrej Sekera

Oct 24, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Andrej Sekera (4) looks on during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Hurricanes 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Andrej Sekera was acquired in a draft day deal from the Buffalo Sabres. The trade sent Jamie McBain and the 35th overall pick in that draft to Buffalo.

So far, the Carolina Hurricanes have to taken the win for that trade, no doubt. Andrej Sekera won’t blow you away with a single aspect of his game, but he is good everywhere.

He plays with Justin Faulk as a top 2 defenseman for the Hurricanes, he plays on the powerplay, and he kills penalties. I love the addition of Sekera. He brings alot of good things to the Hurricane blue line.

He plays very well in his own end, he moves the puck well, and he is a great skater.

He does make mistakes, and he does have his off games, but so does every other player in the NHL. He has played very well.

Grade : A-

Ryan Murphy 

Oct 24, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Ryan Murphy (7) shoots during the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Hurricanes 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Murphy has been one of the better surprises early on for the Hurricanes. He has played in all but one of the Hurricanes games so far, and he has showed why he was a high first round draft pick.

Murphy is the best offensive threat the Carolina Hurricanes have on their blue line. Murphy is a shifty puck carrier. He makes good passes, he has a laser of a shot, and he can run a powerplay

At the start of the season it was uncertain whether the 20 year old defenseman would stick on the team, but he has done very well through the first month. He has a boat load of offensive talent.

He still needs to put on weight and he has made his fair share of defensive mistakes. He will have to work on those two problems to reach the next level of NHL defenseman.

Grade : B

Jordan Staal 

October 6, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) before the start of the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at PNC Center. The Hurricanes defeated the Flyers 2-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Most people think Jordan Staal  has under performed in his time with the Carolina Hurricanes. I tend to feel the same, but he has certainly made a positive impact on the Hurricanes.

Jordan Staal has been as solid as can be on defense. You know what you will get from him in that aspect of the game. Jordan Staal does need to step up offensively.

He has 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in the first 12 games of the season, and for a player getting paid 6 million dollars, that is just not enough. He has played a lot of powerplay time, penalty kill time, and even strength time, but he just hasn’t been able to put a lot of points up.

I’m not expecting Jordan Staal to absolutely light up the score board, but I think we all expect him to carry his weight offensively. Lack of production from him, and other stars, is what has held the Canes back so far this year.

There is still time for Jordan Staal to turn around his offense, but his defense has been there, so he does have a big role on this team.

Grade : B-

Eric Staal

October 28, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal (12) carries the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PNC Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Staal has had a history of taking a while to heat up, but this has turned into an issue for the Carolina Hurricanes. He has put up 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) in 12 games, but he is a minus 8 and he just hasn’t been the same Eric Staal that we saw last year.

There can be a lot of reasons for this. He could still be not right with his injured knee, he could just be off to a slow start, or maybe he just isn’t trying hard enough.

I think it is just that he is off to a slow start, but that is not a defense of Eric Staal. He needs to play like the star he is, and he needs to play like he is the captain of the Carolina Hurricanes, which he is.

Whatever it is, Eric needs to figure it out sooner rather than later for the Hurricanes to be successful. As we have seen time and time again, as Eric Staal goes, the Carolina Hurricanes go.

8 points in 12 games isn’t bad, but Eric Staal is being paid over 8 million dollars, he needs to play like a star.

Grade : B-

Nathan Gerbe 

Sep 21, 2013; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Nathan Gerbe (14) Tim Gleason (6) and Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) fight during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Nathan Gerbe has been one of the most impressive players on the Carolina Hurricanes. He signed a one year deal for the league minimum salary over the summer, and he has turned out to be one of the biggest free agent steals in the league.

Nathan Gerbe is not putting up unbelievable stats, but 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists) in 12 games is very good for Gerbe. He brings so much more than those stats will tell you.

Gerbe is a fierce competitor. He wants to win, and you can see that by how he plays. He is hard on the forecheck, he is defensively responsible, and he doesn’t make mistakes.

Nathan Gerbe has made the biggest impact out of all the new Hurricanes. He has been rewarded with first line time with Eric Staal and Alex Semin. If he keeps up this play, he will stay there.

Grade : A

Tuomo Ruutu

October 15, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Tuomo Ruutu (15) goes for the rebound in front of the Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) during the 2nd period at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Tuomo Ruutu had a late start to the season as he recovered from a lower body injury. He played his first game of the season against the Phoenix Coyotes, and he has looked a little shaky at times.

Tuomo Ruutu will always be physical and hit opposing players, and he has done that so far this season. The number haven’t been there, but those will likely come around when he gets more comfortable in the lineup.

Grade : B

Elias Lindholm

October 4, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Elias Lindholm (16) picks up the loose puck in front of goalie Cam Ward (30) during the 1st period against the Detroit Red Wings at PNC Center. The Red Wings won 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Elias Lindholm’s injury ridden October has been mostly promising. At this point of his career, you can’t start bashing the kid, he is an 18 year old sweedish center that has come over seas to play hockey for the first time.

The injuries haven’t helped, but Elias Lindholm has looked good in his time so far. It’s hard to judge him ,because whenever he starts to really heat up and move up in the lineup, he gets injured and he is set back.

Elias Lindholm has elite playmaking talent, and he plays very solid defense. The kid will be very good, but it’s unfair to expect a Jeff Skinner-esk rookie season. Being patient with Elias Lindholm is the best option for the Canes

Grade : C+

Radek Dvorak

Oct 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Radek Dvorak (18) celebrates a goal scored by defenseman Rod Hainsey (not pictured) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Hurricanes beat the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Radek Dvorak was invited to the Hurricanes training camp with not much expected out of him, but he was given a fair chance, and he took advantage of it.

Radek Dvorak has been a very steady bottom six player that has been reliable in all aspects. Radek Dvorak was a very good signing for the Hurricanes, and even though he is currently injured, he has helped the Hurricanes.

Dvorak brings veteran depth to the team, which is something the hurricanes needed. He doesn’t play a big role, but he plays his role very well.

Grade : B

Jiri Tlusty 

October 4, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) watches the shot by Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jiri Tlusty (19) during the 2nd period at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Jiri Tlusty probably had unrealistic expectations from a lot of people entering this season. He has only put up 2 goals, but he is best at playing with out the puck.

Jiri Tlusty is rarely out of position, and he has broken up numerous scoring chances for opposing teams. He has quickly become one of the Hurricanes best defensive forwards, and that can make as big of an impact as scoring goals.

Jiri Tlusty’s offense has been sub par. If Tlusty can find the right players to play with, so he can produce offense, he will be a very valuable player for the Canes.

Grade : B

Riley Nash

Oct 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes center Riley Nash (20) skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Hurricanes beat the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Riley Nash had a break out year last season as he stuck with the Hurricanes in the second half of the season. He has played well through this year too.

Riley Nash will never be known for his offense, but he does play a sound defensive game. Nash has 2 points in 12 games, but he is a plus 4. That says a lot about how well he plays in his own end.

Nash doesn’t take risks, and that’s what you need from a bottom six center. He plays consistently well, and the Hurricanes need players to play consistently.

Grade : B-

Drayson Bowman

Oct 24, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Torrey Mitchell (17) pokes the puck away from Carolina Hurricanes forward Drayson Bowman (21) during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Hurricanes 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

When The Carolina Hurricanes drafted Drayson Bowman in the third round of the 2007 NHL draft, they expected him to be a scorer. So far in his NHL career, he hasn’t been that.

Drayson Bowman has put up one point, but he kind of falls in the same category as Radek Dvorak. He is a steady bottom six forward. Drayson Bowman has turned into more of a defensive forward over the years, and that wasn’t expected.

Bowman is a minus 1, but he only has 1 point. He is a good depth player, but it’s doubtful he’ll have the same success in the NHL that he did in juniors and with the Charlotte Checkers.

Grade : C

Justin Faulk

Oct 24, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk (27) skates during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Hurricanes 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Faulk has played extremely well this year. He started the year on an absolute tear where he looked like a Norris Trophy contender. He started to play with an injury, and that threw him off a bit.

He hasn’t been as stellar lately, but he is still the future of the Hurricanes on defense and maybe the NHL. He plays such a big role, and he is only 21 years old. He also looks to make the USA Olympic team in February.

He’s been Carolina’s top man on defense, whether it is even strength, powerplay, or penalty kill, and it doesn’t look like that will end anytime soon.

Grade : A

Alexander Semin 

October 15, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Alexander Semin (28) carries the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks at PNC Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Hurricanes 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Though “Sasha” hasn’t put up big time numbers, he has played well in October.

Alex Semin has a great shot, and his offensive instincts are killer, but he falls in the same boat as Eric Staal. He has to put up more points consistently.

Semin is a hound on the fore check, he just wants the puck on his stick. And that is a good thing, for the most part. Semin needs to score more, because the Hurricanes are paying him seven million dollars.

He has been a great player for the team and for Eric Staal since day one. He does need to step up his production a bit, but I’m not that worried about Sasha.

Grade : B 

Cam Ward

Oct 24, 2013; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward (30) makes a save during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Ward played good hockey prior to his injury. He was really starting to break out and play very well, but then he got a lower body injury against the Minnesota Wild.

It’s really unfortunate for Ward and the Hurricanes. Cam Ward will have to rest and recover for the next 2-3 weeks, and he will have to basically restart his season. The hurricanes lost their starting goalie just a few games after losing their stellar back up goaltender Anton Khudobin.

Cam Ward’s early season play started average, but it got good before he got hurt. It will be a big boost for the Canes once they get their man back in goal.

Grade : B

Patrick Dwyer

Oct 10, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Patrick Dwyer (39) skates with the puck as Washington Capitals defenseman Alexander Urbom (34) chases in the third period at Verizon Center. The Hurricanes won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Dwyer provides s defensive forward to the Hurricanes. Patrick Dwyer knows his role and he plays it well. His job is to lock down on defense, and to chip in on offense when he can.

Patrick Dwyer has been solid defensively, but the offense hasn’t come around. Dwyer has been pretty average so far this year. He is injured right now, and is considered day-to-day.

Patrick Dwyer is a good bottom six forward who can play penalty kill. He has done that pretty well this year. The more Dwyer plays, the better his offense will get.

Grade : C

Brett Sutter

October 28, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Brett Sutter (42) and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Joe Vitale (46) fight during the 1st period at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Sutter has splayed fourth line minutes all year. He brings some toughness to the bottom line, and he has frequently got under the skin of opponents.

Outside of that, Brett Sutter isn’t really a player that will make a noticeable difference to the team. He is a serviceable fourth line player, but he hasn’t shown to be much more than that.

Grade : C-

Jay Harrison

Oct 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik (44) draws a roughing penalty on Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jay Harrison (right) during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Jay Harrison has established a bottom pairing physical presence over the years. He has also played a key role in the development of young defensemen Justin Faulk and Ryan Murphy.

Jay Harrison has been “OK”. He has been scratched from the lineup on a couple of occasions by the Hurricanes. Harrison’s biggest gift to the Hurricanes, outside of grooming young players, is his ability to play physically.

Harrison lays the body, pushes players out of the front of the net, and he will get in front of shots. He will never be an offensive defenseman, but he is a sound veteran defenseman.

Grade : C-

Jeff Skinner

September 18, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jeff Skinner (53) skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets at PNC Center. The Blue Jackets defeated the Hurricanes 5-4. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Skinner has been the best point getting forward for the Hurricanes. He has 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 10 games, and he is a plus 5. Skinner is currently nursing an upper body injury, but he shouldn’t be out longer than a week.

Skinner has been deadly on offense, and he has started to play good defense. He has been playing like a much more complete player for the Canes, and that’s exactly what they wanted from Jeff Skinner.

Jeff Skinner has looked like the Jeff Skinner of old, and keep in mind he is only 21. Jeff Skinner has been consistently giving effort and putting points on the score sheet. He has played very well.

Grade : A

Ron Hainsey 

October11, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Ron Hainsey (65) knocks the puck away from Los Angeles Kings forward Anze Kopitar (11) at PNC Center. The Kings defeated the Hurricanes 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Ron Hainsey was signed late in the offseason as a replacement for Joni Pitkanen. He has played well in his spot, so far.

Ron Hainsey doesn’t make many mistakes in his own end, and he plays in a lot of situations, mainly on the penalty kill and even strength.

Hainsey is just solid. He is a reliable player. On top of that, he is a good locker room guy and a leader.

Ron Hainsey’s play has been good through the first month.

Grade : B

Brett Bellemore

Oct 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Bellemore (73) stretches before playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Hurricanes beat the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Brett Bellemore made the team out of training camp, and was mainly here to be a stop gap for Tim Gleason’s spot in the lineup as he recovered from a concussion.

Brett Bellemore is big and physical. He was a good replacement for Tim Gleason, but now that he is back, it is a big question on what they will do with Bellemore. Will they send him to Charlotte and risk him being picked up on waivers? Will they carry 8 defensemen? We will have to see what they do when Bellemore recovers from his lower body injury.

Brett Bellemore plays a good defense first game, but that same thing can be said about most of the other defenseman on the Canes, and those players have more experience than Bellemore in the NHL.

Brett Bellemore has played fine, but don’t expect to see as much of him as we saw early in the season.

Grade : C+

The Rest

Anton Khudobin, Justin Peters, Tim Gleason and Mike Komisarek have all played less than 4 games, so they will be all in this slide. These will be more brief evaluations, because these players haven’t played that many games.

Anton Khudobin

Anton Khudobin was phenomenal in the early season. He was pushing Cam Ward for the starting goalie, and he didn’t lose any of his first 3 starts. He left with an injured ankle against the Phoenix Coyotes and is probably 1 to 2 weeks away from return. It will be big for the Canes to get Khudobin back.

Justin Peters

Justin Peters was called up following Anton Khudobin’s injury, then was forced in as starting goalie following Cam Ward’s injury. He has played well enough for the Hurricanes to win., but the Hurricanes haven’t played all that well in front of him. Peters will be sent down when both goalies come back, but he has played pretty well for the Hurricanes in their absence.

Tim Gleason

Tim Gleason has played in 2 games for the Hurricanes this season following his preseason concussion. He has played physical, which is a good sign from the veteran defenseman. He has been solid on defense, but he obviously isn’t where he wants to be with his play quite yet. I expect his play to get better and better as he gets more game under his belt.

Mike Komisarek

Mike Komisarek has played the role of seventh defenseman so far this year, and he has play it well. He has been good in the locker room, and he has played fine when he was in the lineup. Komisarek belongs as a seventh defenseman, he hasn’t necessarily showed the Canes he is an everyday player, but he is a good player to have when players need rest.

So, those are my player evaluations for the month of October. It is difficult to try to evaluate players based off a slim sample of play, but in short, a few players have really played well. Jeff Skinner, Andrej Sekera, Justin Faulk, Nathan Gerbe, and Anton Khudobin are in that category. Some players, on the other hand, need to step up their play in order for the Hurricanes to really make an impact on the NHL this year.