Canes' Prospects Beat Rangers 5-3

Carolina celebrates a goal during a 5-3 win over the Rangers
(Photo by Hockey's Future)

The NHL prospects tournament kicked off today in Traverse City, Michigan. Brandon Sutter, Zach Boychuk, Drayson Bowman, Mike Murphy and several other River Rats are showcasing their skills in hopes of earning an invite to the Hurricanes' training camp.

About half of the prospects team is on track to play with the River Rats next season. Albany coaches Jeff Daniels and Geordie Kinnear are directing the young squad. The full roster is available here.

The team squared off today at 3 p.m. against prospects from the New York Rangers.

The Canes were led to a 5-3 victory on goals by Drayson Boyman (Chris Terry, Nick Dodge), Matt Kennedy (unassisted), Zach Boychuk (Harrison Reed), Elgin Reid (Jamie McBain), and an empty netter by Brandon Sutter (unassisted).

Carolina gave up a two goal lead in the third period, but Jamie McBain set up Elgin Reid for the game winner with just 2:25 remaining on the clock.

Goaltender Mike Murphy registered the win, stopping 32 of 35 shots.

Both teams were scoreless on the power play. The Canes failed to capitalize on five chances. The Rangers did not convert on their only opportunity.

The boxscore is available here.

The next game is scheduled for tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. against the young Detroit Red Wings.

Update: Hockey's Future has a quick rundown of the game. The writer says the Canes "looked like a top team in this tournament from the opening face off." There is also a short video from the morning skate featuring an interview with coach Daniels.

Dwight Helminen Signs With San Jose

The River Rats bid farewell to Dwight Helminen. The 26-year-old center from Hancock, Michigan, has signed a contract with the San Jose Sharks.

Helminen, a defensive forward with a scoring touch, earned 30 points (15 G, 15 A) in 54 games with Albany last season. He played 23 regular season games with Carolina and made his first NHL playoff appearance in a contest against New Jersey.

Helminen was picked up by the Hurricanes last summer after spending a season in Finland with the premier league SM-liiga. Prior to that he spent three years with the Hartford Wolfpack as property of the New York Rangers. He was originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2002.

Helminen is scheduled to play next season somewhere between Worcester and San Jose.

"Dwight is a high-energy player that helps build our organizational depth," said Sharks' Executive VP and GM Doug Wilson. "We've watched him since his days with the U.S. development team and he fit in well with Carolina last season."

The departure of Helminen is not a total surprise. Space is limited in both Albany and Carolina. The Canes have been busy filling the ranks with depth signings of their own, and several draft picks are preparing to kick off their professional careers.

There will be plenty of new faces to make up for the loss.