Sweet Tea, Barbecue, and Bodychecks
Babs tells the org to get stuffed. Org tells Babs to go to his room and think about what he’s done.
I just love waking up to crap like this, I really do.
In a nutshell: Anton Babchuk was asked to report to Albany of the AHL now that Frankie’s back–it was a temporary move, and done only because somebody had to be sent down and Babs was the only one of our guys not subject to waivers.
What is there to think about? “Dude, spend a little time in Albany until we get somebody else traded. It’s not permanent.” What’s so hard about that? Even Babs with his so-so (at best) English skills should be able to understand that. And then there’s this little gem, courtesy of the N&O’s ‘Canes blog:
Jay Grossman, Anton Babchuk’s agent, said his client doesn’t feel he’s a minor-league player and would prefer the Hurricanes trade him to another NHL team.
Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford suspended Babchuk on Wednesday after the 22-year-old defenseman refused to report to Albany (AHL) when the Canes sent him down to clear a spot for Frantisek Kaberle on Tuesday.
“After playing well and for a good part of the season, especially at the beginning, in the top four, playing more than 20 minutes a night, he doesn’t feel he’s a minor-league player,” Grossman said. “I know there’s interest out there and teams that view it the same way. At the same time, we understand the prediciment Jim faces. We’ve been communicating regarding that and we’ll see what happens.”
Babchuk appeared in 51 of Carolina’s first 55 games, and his 14 points are second only to Mike Commodore among Carolina defensemen.
How many teams are going to ask about the kid, given this little stunt? Come on Jay, surely you’re smarter than that you little slimeball. And are you aware that this stunt has pretty much screwed the ‘Canes over by ruining whatever trade value that Babs had? And after the org moved the heavens and the earth to get the kid’s name on the Cup too. Classy.
“We had to do it, it’s the rules.”
If the kid stays, it’ll be because the coaches want him to stay or because Ron Francis advises JimR not to trade him.
Sheesh.
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Chalk it up to youth.
I’m hoping he gets a good talking to and then does as he’s told. I like this kid and he’s too promising to screw up this early.
You pretty much know where I stand on this issue. In case you don’t, read for yourself.
This will be the end of Babs here in Raleigh. Maybe the end of him in the NHL.
OK, don’t mean to be contrarian, but his obstinance aside, how has this ruined Babs’ value (in Raleigh, or elsewhere around the NHL)? The kid can play, and has a pretty good upside. What am I missing? Seems like a blip on the radar . . . but then again, I AM in Ohio.
FWIW, sounds like JimR is handling the situation right.
Either way, was great to see Frank scrore on his first night back – especially watching the whole thing in French.