Canes' Boucher to miss 4-6 months

Hurricanes

Canes' Boucher to miss 4-6 months

By Michael Smith, Carolina Hurricanes

Jun 28, 2012

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Raleigh, N.C. — Brian Boucher is expected to miss 4-6 months due to a shoulder injury, according to Carolina Hurricanes’ President and General Manager Jim Rutherford.

Rutherford said the injury occurred within the last week, and the 35-year-old goaltender will be having surgery in the coming days. More Info More Hurricanes Stories

Justin Peters, who is an impending unrestricted free agent, now figures even more heavily into the goaltending conversation for the coming season.

“Even prior to that injury to Boucher, with the way Peters played last year – he got to play more games in Charlotte, which is why we signed Boucher, and with the way he played when he came up here – he has always been in the mix of conversation of being one of our two goalies this coming year,” Rutherford said.

Peters compiled a 10-13-4 record in Charlotte last season with a 2.77 goals against average and .908 save percentage. Though he and Mike Murphy split the goaltending load for the majority of the season, he was relied on heavily down the stretch. Peters was named the AHL’s Goaltender of the Month in November, as he posted a 5-1-1 record with 1.63 goals against average and .949 save percentage.

In seven games with the Hurricanes in 2011-12, Peters had a 2-3-2 record with a 2.48 goals against average and .931 save percentage. He recorded his first NHL shutout on Feb. 20, making 17 saves in a 5-0 win over Washington.

Rutherford said the organization will likely not make a decision on signing a goaltender until after July 1.

“Obviously this thing with Brian’s injury gives Justin a better chance, but the fact that we’re this close to July 1, we’re probably going to wait a few days into [the free agency period] to make a decision,” he said.

With the deadline to buy out contracts being Saturday, Rutherford said the team would not look toward that option for Boucher, who has a year remaining on his contract.

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RE: Canes' Boucher to miss 4-6 months

"Mama don't want me to play no hockey"

What mama don't know won't hurt her

RE: Canes' Boucher to miss 4-6 months

Interesting that how he got the injury is not released....Wonder what is buy out is? Maybe sign someone else and release?
- Posted by caniacman

It is interesting how he injured his shoulder - in the off season. I liked him and thought he'd be good to keep around to give Cam a rest now and then. At least the Canes have Peters to fall back on. I remember before the draft the idea of getting a goalie was discussed. Cam still has some good years left, but he's not getting younger, and it may be the time to get another goalie who can give productive time between the pipes - now.

RE: Canes' Boucher to miss 4-6 months

Neither Brian nor Peter are worth the weight of paper their contracts are signed upon. I say cut em both, and go after a real 2nd stringer and maybe a prospect to go with.

RE: Canes' Boucher to miss 4-6 months

I had high hopes for Boosh giving Ward some relief last year,and hoped he would this year, but he has not been healthy long enough to do anything. Bring up Peters and let Boucher go. I liked him,and he seemed like he might have been a good fit, but I hope he has a good rest of his career somewhere else.

RE: Canes' Boucher to miss 4-6 months

Boucher has been nothing but a bust for the Hurricanes. Time to cut bait and move on...

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