The Dust Has Settled

The Dust Has Settled...

The mania known as the trading deadline has passed. The dust has settled around the league and it's time to move on. The Hurricanes, as expected, went out and added a forward with an eye on the future. The Canes surrendered Andrew Ladd,  who was relatively effective in his Chicago debut last night. He logged more than 16 minutes with five shots on goal and a couple of hits. We all know the positive impact Tuomo Ruutu had on his new team Tuesday night.

The one intangible that has to be reinforced is that the Canes have just become a tougher team to play against with the addition of this player. He will hit and hit often and that's an important dimension on on team that has been type cast as "all skill ... no kill" over the years.

Ruutu's status...

A nasty gash around his left eye that required 40 stitches could keep Ruutu's out of tonight's game. He was encouraged late yesterday afternoon at the practice facility by the fact that his eye started to open. He claims if it did open enough he would play tonight. It appears unlikely. If he does not, Trevor Letowski will go back in. Kudos to No. 19, who continues to be a great "pro" in these parts. Letowski took the pre-game warm up on Tuesday and then was pulled after Ruutu put on his superman cape. Letowski didn't deserve to come out. In fact his coach reinforced that with him yesterday in a one-on-one chat. But those are the harsh realities of the sport. To his credit he continues to work hard and never complains. One has to have a tremendous amount of respect for Trevor Letowski.

Eaves will play more...

Patrick Eaves will play more tonight. He played just under seven minutes in his Canes debut on Tuesday. Getting in the mix and letting himself go physically will be a work in progress for the newest Hurricane. He has has some real concerns to his upper body in his young career, so you can understand a little of his apprehension. At some point he's going to have to let it all hang out, and before you know it you will see his full potential.

Gleason?

No word on Tim Gleason as of this writing. He did have a neuropsyche test yesterday to determine the status of his concussion. We will find out this morning. I would say that he is doubtful for tonight. His place will be taken by Dennis Seidenberg, who had recovered from his ankle problem which has had him sidelined for about a month. Tim Conboy will play in a swing role tonight. he will see time as forward and on the back end.