Hurricanes Head Coach/GM Rich Preston was on Hurricanes This Week last night and gave us an update on Luca Sbisa.
He told us he'd like to see Sbisa with the team at some point in the next few days, but noted Luca's agent has said he'd like his client to explore other options in the WHL instead of coming back to Lethbridge. Preston indicated that he wants Sbisa with the Canes' and really has no interest in dealing him at the moment if he doesn't have to. The next few days though should be interesting to see how this whole thing plays out. Preston wants this situation sorted out quickly. I'm sure there are several teams in the league that have inquired about the defenceman, but why should the Canes' deal him away now? Preston said on the program that with Sbisa in the line-up, that instantly makes his Hurricanes a better team. I certainly agree. I understand the agent wanting Sbisa to play for a top team in the WHL, but why not give it some time? Wouldn't it be in the best interest of the player to play some games with the Hurricanes for a few weeks and then see what happens? To me, it sounds like Lethbridge is being forced to deal Sbisa now to another team without giving him a chance to see if things will work out with the Canes'. Preston I'm sure will do what he sees is best for the team now and in the future and you can bet he won't be making any hasty decisions.
Gregg Drinnan from the Kamloops Daily News was on the show last night too. Fred and I asked him about the coaching situation there now that the Blazers have fired Barry Smith. He indicated that former Hurricanes Coach Michael Dyck has been in contact with the Kamloops organization. Should be an interesting situation to watch there as well. We asked Drinnan's thoughts regarding Luca Sbisa. He too feels Lethbridge is the best place for Sbisa, but hey what do we know, we're only media guys right!
You can listen to last night's edition of the talk show on our website: http://www.cjocfm.com/. The show should be ready in our podcast section by noon today.
Thanks,
Pat
The views expressed on this blog are those of the moderator and contributors and are not endorsed by 94.1 CJOC or the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
you look at this team now they got a good goalie who could do damage in playoffs good d 5 of them are top 4 d men assuming sbisa reports and there forwards 5 of them are top 6 forwards i think i guy like stickland would be a great fit for lethbridge
ReplyDeleteBoy is this sounding like deja vu? Wasn't it last year when all you could hear was the buzz of getting Sbisa back and .. and.. and..? One player doesn't make a team a stellar team, A TEAM makes a stellar team. I agree Sbisa has talent, but possibly 1 or 2 good forwards for the cost of Sbisa would be more advantageous for the Canes. I remember reading about building the team from the back up to the front -- well the back is looking better than the front. We need some goal scorers and players who can put points on the board. Although I think Sbisa would be a great asset, he isn't going to carry this team alone. If Preston is building with all the youngs kids on this team this year, then let's carry it on to build, not to hold on to a dream. Making the playoff is still a reality -- Canes are not that far apart from others in the Eastern Conference - 5 points separates 7 teams -- that is not a large point difference this early in the year. But heck what do I know, I am only an avid Canes fan!!
ReplyDeleteTo me what is very sad about this story, is that this request did not originate with the agent, but instead, it is what Luca wants.
ReplyDeleteTo me this likely means that Luca told his agent he doesn't want to come back to Lethbridge, and to do what he can to arrange another option.
As much as I enjoyed watching Luca develop, if HE doesn't want to be here, then move him wherever he wants to be (and the team that Luca chooses will likely give up a lot to get him). This is a chance for Preston and crew to make the proverbial silk purse. Will be sorry to see you go, Luca. - Richie.