Hurricanes Ink Trevor Gillies to One-Year Contract

[Thrillhouse]

RALEIGH, NC—Ron Francis, Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development for the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed left wing Trevor Gillies to a one-year contract. The deal will pay Gillies $500,000 on the NHL level and $100,000 on the AHL level, with a guarantee of at least $115,000 in 2008-09.

“Trevor adds toughness to our organizational depth,” said Francis. “He is a veteran player who works very well with our younger prospects and provides leadership.”

Gillies, 29, totaled one goal and one assist (2 points) and 112 penalty minutes in 51 games with the Hurricanes top minor-league affiliate, the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League (AHL), in 2007-08. A native of Cambridge, Ont., Gillies has played one NHL game in his career, registering 21 penalty minutes in his lone contest with Anaheim during the 2005-06 season. In 300 career AHL games with Lowell, Providence, Springfield, Hartford, Portland and Albany, Gillies (6’3’’, 235 lbs.) has totaled six goals, 14 assists (20 points) and 1,177 penalty minutes.

[jkidd]

Gotta assume a two way deal with the language of the deal.

At least he still has a job though. Whether its at the A level or up in the show.

[Skorka85]

Originally Posted by jkidd

Gotta assume a two way deal with the language of the deal.

At least he still has a job though. Whether its at the A level or up in the show.

The statement from Francis makes it sound like they're grooming Gillies to be Carolina's version of Dennis Bonvie. He may get a chance with the 'Canes if they don't resign Wade Brookbank, but ultimately it sounds like they want Gillies in Albany to protect their younger players and provide some leadership for the AHL club.

[jkidd]

Originally Posted by Skorka85

The statement from Francis makes it sound like they're grooming Gillies to be Carolina's version of Dennis Bonvie. He may get a chance with the 'Canes if they don't resign Wade Brookbank, but ultimately it sounds like they want Gillies in Albany to protect their younger players and provide some leadership for the AHL club.

Yeah, he could step in and do well in that division against some tough guys, and against the HW's of the East in general - if Brook doesn't get resigned.

He's a good/great guy to provide veteran leadership in the A. He's a warrior and has been through it all, survived and is still kicking...

[Brash_Fan]

If Gillies had not broken his hand early in this past season, I think he would have been the one brought up by Canes instead of Brookbank. Therefor my guess is that Gillies definately has a good chance to play in NHL next season.

[Isles4life]

Hopefully he gets into at least a handful of games at the NHL level next year.

[Cat Smasher]

Yes, but nothing has changed in Carolina, they didn't dress one last time, so I don't seem then dressing one again, this signing is for the farm team, hence "toughness for our organization's depth". A handful of games, just like Brookbank.

[Canes13]

Originally Posted by Cat Smasher

Yes, but nothing has changed in Carolina, they didn't dress one last time, so I don't seem then dressing one again, this signing is for the farm team, hence "toughness for our organization's depth". A handful of games, just like Brookbank.

Brookbank played every game after his call up until he was injured in sometime around March and missed most of the remaining season. You can't throw Carolina under the bus for the no tough guy crap anymore, you have to look to Detoit for that. The "no fight coach" dressed Conboy and Brookbank on a regular basis once they were called up and was quoted as being a big fan of Brookbank and the way he took up for his teammates. I'm sure they see the need for that role now.

One more thing Carolina has already stated they most likely won't be able to hold on to guys like Aucoin and Bayda, any of the small 4th line players because the plan for the future is a "bigger 4th line". Being that most of theose guys are around 5'9" that doesn't gaurantee anything but at least gives me hope. Possibly Gillies and Conboy or Brookbank on the wings with someone decently tough who can take faceoffs?

[Blouin]

I hope Trevor gets the chance to shine next year in the big show, he has earned it after this year

[Humpzilla]

Great guy, awesome fighter, and very well deserving of this contract. I just hope Trevor gets the shot he's earned for himself, and that is a REAL shot at the NHL level. Pretty much anyone who's seen him fight at the AHL level knows he could be making an impact.....or at the very least, make Hurricane games watchable (which I would very much appreciate considering there in our division.)

[chilly666]

as long as he doesnt fight boogey again he'll do fine.

[Snipes19]

Good to hear that Carolina re-signed him. It does sound like a two-way deal, but at least he still has a job enforcing.

And keep in mind that Wade Brookbank IS a free agent I believe, so if Carolina can't get him re-signed, then I'm sure they will bring up Gillies. But if they can, then Gillies will just add toughness and leadership to their AHL team and will be the backup option in case Brookbank gets hurt or isn't doing well in the NHL. So this two-way deal just gives the 'Canes some options, which is smart.

So I hope we see at least a little bit of Trevor in the NHL this year, but either way - I just hope Carolina carries an enforcer, either him or Wade.

Trevor is a great fighter though, so Carolina fans should enjoy having him in their organization for another year.

[Humpzilla]

Originally Posted by chilly666

as long as he doesnt fight boogey again he'll do fine.

Like Boogey is even the same fighter he was? Give me a break.

[Cat Smasher]

Originally Posted by Canes13

One more thing Carolina has already stated they most likely won't be able to hold on to guys like Aucoin and Bayda, any of the small 4th line players because the plan for the future is a "bigger 4th line". Being that most of theose guys are around 5'9" that doesn't gaurantee anything but at least gives me hope. Possibly Gillies and Conboy or Brookbank on the wings with someone decently tough who can take faceoffs?

I hope your right. Just took them over half of the season to realize they needed one. Plus, it will put more fans in the seats, this is a fact. Rutherford is not a stupid man, however Gillies tried with the Ducks and I think it was the Kings, sop hopefully he can do it this time with the Hurricanes.

[Podollan]

Thanks to Tom Rowe?

Anyway its great-
Gillies is my favourite Fighter-
He didnt had a good season , cause of his injury, but he is a great fighter who will fight anyone anytime and who wins more than he looses too. He is just a great teamguy without any mistakes. Also a great team guy.