The Checkers’ 2011-12 training camp is ‘built’ by Timberstone Homes
Paul Branecky
In order to get their roster down to the allowed maximum of 23 players, the Carolina Hurricanes will assign center Riley Nash to Charlotte on Wednesday, said coach Paul Maurice.
Speaking to the media in Raleigh, Maurice said that forward Chad LaRose would be healthy enough for the team’s opener on Oct. 7, taking Nash’s current spot on the NHL roster. Nash, who Maurice previously called the organization’s most improved player from last season, will be the last forward headed to Charlotte for the time being, with Zac Dalpe having assured himself of a spot on the Hurricanes. Nash posted 32 points in his rookie year with the Checkers last season.
Though the Hurricanes are now where they need to be in terms of roster size, they typically carry less than the 23-player maximum as quick reinforcements from Charlotte are readily available. It remains to be seen whether that will be the case again this year, with the team seemingly content to carry nine defenseman, including would-be Checkers rookie defenseman Justin Faulk, for at least a few more days.
“How long we sit on 23 is a decision from upstairs,” said Maurice, referring to Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford. “I’m comfortable with any of them in a game, and they’ll make those moves as they see fit.”
Faulk continues to earn high praise in Raleigh, no more so than today when
Rutherford told the Raleigh News and Observer that the 19-year-old is currently a top-four defenseman on the team, having apparently put himself ahead of a handful of established veterans.
Maurice was also complimentary, saying that Faulk’s play thus far has defied his age and experience.
“We’re not pulling Justin in and showing him a lot of video about things he has to learn about the game,” said Maurice. “He’s got a lot of great instincts to play defense, a nice little offensive upside and we know he’s got a big shot, so we are comfortable putting him in the lineup.”
Nash’s arrival in Charlotte will result in the cut of at least one but more likely two forwards from the current training camp roster. The latest roster addition will give the team 15 forwards and 24 players overall, with the latter figure being two more than Daniels’ ideal figure of 22. Any roster moves will be made relatively soon, with the Checkers leaving Thursday morning for Norfolk, where they begin their regular season Friday night.
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