Ronnie Francis to return for 22nd season!

**Darth Xed** · 06-14-2002, 07:39 AM

Perhaps the most undedrrated player of all time, Ronnie Francis, plans to return next year for his 22nd season. This guy is EVERYTHING a pro sports player should be!

Few Sports players have gained so much of my respect!

http://espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2002/...3/1394704.html

**ken_valyi** · 06-14-2002, 09:03 AM

And he wants to remain a Cane.

Ronnie's always been a class act.

**Cane Says** · 06-14-2002, 09:33 AM

I am stoked about that. we have to retain the services of O'Neill too. He becomes a restricted free agent.

**Darth Xed** · 06-14-2002, 09:42 AM

O'Neill is definately an 'up-and-coming' scoring threat... The Canes would be smart to pursue him for a long term deal... hopefully he learns a lot from Mr. Francis while they are together....

**Cane Says** · 06-14-2002, 09:54 AM

I am gladd we got Brind'amour to sign a nice fat deal this past season. Hopefully the Canes can keep this team toethe for a great run next year

**Darth Xed** · 06-14-2002, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by Cane Says
I am gladd we got Brind'amour to sign a nice fat deal this past season. Hopefully the Canes can keep this team toethe for a great run next year

As a Canes fan, I'm sure you watch a lot of their games... what do you think they need to push them 'over the top' so to speak?

Is there one key element missing?

One big-gun type scorer?

A top-notch goalie? (Perhaps Belfour?) I know Irbe played fantastic, but I don't know that I'd put him in the upper crest of goalies just yet...

**Cane Says** · 06-14-2002, 10:11 AM

They need to shoot more, I think they tend to look for that one pretty shot instead of hammering the goalie and looking to put the rebound in.
One thing theyn do that irritates the sh!t out of me is they have a tendency to sit on their haunches when they have a lead. But they are getting better at that, however, it is still irritating.

Wow, as for a goalie, that's a tough question, Irbe really has a loyal following around here. He came to the canes as a backup goalie for trevor Kidd, but quickly took his spot. If the canes were to acquire another goalie, they would ahve to dump Weekes or Irbe and I don't think that is going to happen.

**originalsix** · 06-14-2002, 07:22 PM

I think Irbe would be great if he had so some better defencemen,
not that what they have is bad, just maybe more experience and toughness like a Hatcher, Foote, or Chelios. The Canes will be awesome if they keep their core players and maybe add a star player up front or a gringing winger to go with Francis, Brind'Amore, O'Neill, and Cole.

KC