News:Brandon Sutter scored Pittsburgh's lone goal in a 6-1 loss to the Bruins on Monday.
Analysis: His late first-period goal gave the Pens 25 seconds of momentum before Brad Marchand answered with a goal for Boston. Brandon Sutter has three goals in five games against the Bruins in 2012-13.
News:Brandon Sutter scored two goals -- including the game-winner -- Wednesday night against the Canadiens.
Analysis: He had gone 10 games without a point. Brandon Sutter now has 11 goals and 16 points in 43 games with a surprising five game-winning goals.
News:Brandon Sutter will continue to serve as a third-line center in the absence of Sidney Crosby, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Analysis: Coach Dan Bylsma admits he considered moving Brandon Sutter up to a spot between Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis, but chose Tyler Kennedy instead to keep the other two top lines intact. Sutter, who has just one point in his last nine games, will work with Brenden Morrow and Matt Cooke.
News:Brandon Sutter notched his third-game winning goal during the Penguins' 11-game winning streak Friday.
Analysis: He has four game-winners overall, fourth-most in the league. Brandon Sutter has seen time centering both the team's second and third lines with Evgeni Malkin out. Malkin is likely to play Sunday, moving Sutter back to the third line on a permanent basis. His power-play time has dropped with Malkin out, due to his extra responsibilities elsewhere. That number should increase a bit when Malkin returns. Sutter now has nine goals and 14 points in 32 games.
News:Brandon Sutter scored two goals in the last six minutes of Tuesday's 3-2 comeback win over Boston.
Analysis: The centerman now has eight goals and 13 points in 27 games. The game-winner was his third of the campaign. Pittsburgh looks to Brandon Sutter for his defensive ability, but he's good for half a point per game.
News: As expected, Brandon Sutter will center Pittsburgh's second line with Beau Bennett and Pascal Dupuis on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: The team's current second line doesn't quite pack the same punch as Evgeni Malkin, James Neal and "pick another winger," but Brandon Sutter will likely see a couple additional minutes of ice time. His role on the Pens' No. 2 power-play unit should remain intact, as the team used two defenders on the blue line to help replace Malkin (head) on the top unit.
Sutter To Center Second Line If Malkin Misses Time
News: Coach Dan Bylsma said Brandon Sutter would move to the second line with James Neal if Evgeni Malkin (head) is forced to miss time.
Analysis:Brandon Sutter has four goals and seven points in 18 games. Bumping him up to the second line would likely help his fantasy value, as would additional power-play time. Sutter typically sees about a minute and a half per game as part of a second power-play unit, but could take on additional responsibility if Malkin misses time -- which seems probable.
News:Brandon Sutter extended his point streak to five games (3G, 2A) with his third goal of the season on Saturday.
Analysis: He's warmed up since starting the season with only one assist in seven January contests. Brandon Sutter is averaging a half-point per game, with six points (3G, 3A) in 12 contests. He finished the 2009-10 campaign with 42 points in 70 games, so there's reason to believe he can maintain -- if not slightly improve -- his current point rate.
News:Brandon Sutter collected his second goal in three games Tuesday night.
Analysis: He continues to provide excellent penalty killing. Fantasy owners are likely more interested in his offensive potential, however. Brandon Sutter now has four points (2G, 2A) in 10 games. Prior to Tuesday, the forward was also averaging nearly two minutes of time (1:55) on the power play.
News:Brandon Sutter flipped a puck past goalie Martin Brodeur for his first goal as a Penguin on Saturday.
Analysis: The third-line center won seven of 11 faceoffs and saw a surprising 2:25 on the power play. His goal was just the second one of the season scored by a forward below the team's top two lines.
News:Brandon Sutter lost 10 of 13 faceoffs Friday and doesn't have a point in three games since the season opener.
Analysis: He missed open nets on a pair of golden opportunities Friday. The buzz has worn off on the third-line center, but it's likely he's simply going through an adjustment period.
News:Brandon Sutter was held scoreless Saturday, picking up a minor penalty in 17:08 TOI against the Flyers.
Analysis: He might still be credited with an assist if a scoring change is made on Pittsburgh's first goal. Brandon Sutter's play has been so impressive in such a short period of time that there's been talk he could play on the team's second power-play unit.
News:Brandon Sutter made a strong first impression with Pittsburgh on Wednesday, scoring a goal and an assist in the team's intrasquad game.
Analysis: He made a statement in his first appearance since coming to the Pens in a trade for Jordan Staal. Brandon Sutter's line of Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy played well on both sides of the ice. Sutter lost a couple draws in his own end, but his overall strong play -- which also included a shootout score -- puts him on solid footing heading into the regular season.
News:Brandon Sutter, who has skated on a third line with Tyler Kennedy and Matt Cooke camp, could be used to take defensive draws on a line with Evgeni Malkin and James Neal, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis: Seeing occasional time with Malkin and Neal can only boost his fantasy value. Brandon Sutter has averaged 17 goals in his three full NHL seasons, but his primary role continues to be as a defensive center logging plenty of time on the penalty kill.
News:Brandon Sutter was traded to the Penguins on Friday night along with Brian Dumoulin and the eighth overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Jordan Staal.
Analysis: It was clear that Staal wanted out of Pittsburgh and Pens GM Ray Shero did a great job of getting a good return for him. Brandon Sutter's offensive game has come a long way, but he was really out of his element as a scoring forward in Carolina. With the Pens he will slide into the number three center position behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and he should fit into that roll perfectly.
News:Brandon Sutter posted his second goal in three games, scoring in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Ottawa.
Analysis:Brandon Sutter probably will not crack 20 goals on the season, but his 17 on the year are serviceable for a defensive forward. Sutter's value lies in what he does for Carolina defensively. His three shorthanded goals are among the league leaders in that category.
News:Brandon Sutter notched a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 4-3 overtime win against Washington.
Analysis:Brandon Sutter had been quiet of late, going five straight games without a point before Tuesday's breakout. He's a versatile forward who has more value to Carolina than to most fantasy rosters.
Canes' Sutter Tallies Two Points In Thursday's Win
News:Brandon Sutter picked up his 12th goal of the season to go along with his 10th assist Thursday against the Bruins.
Analysis:Brandon Sutter has been providing the much-needed secondary scoring Carolina has needed in 2012 racking up eight points in 12 games. He also has not registered a negative rating in any game in 2012, thus far.
News:Brandon Sutter grabbed his third goal in five games with a tally in Tuesday's shootout loss to the Islanders, also adding an assist in the loss.
Analysis:Brandon Sutter has been showing more consistency of late, but his numbers still reflect those of a versatile defensive forward rather than an offensive threat. If he catches another hot streak, he has an outside chance at challenging the 21 goals he notched during the 2009-10 season.
News:Brandon Sutter potted a short-handed goal in Monday's 4-2 win over New Jersey.
Analysis:Brandon Sutter has seven goals on the season and three shorthanded tallies. He's hardly an offensive force and will continue playing a checking role for Carolina.
News:Brandon Sutter missed Tuesday's practice with a lower-body injury, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis:Brandon Sutter is still expected to play when the Hurricanes return to the ice Wednesday, but a final decision on his status will probably not be made until game day.
News:Brandon Sutter scored one of two Carolina shorthanded goals Friday night in a win against the Sabres, the Raleigh News and Observer reports.
Analysis:Brandon Sutter, and the rest of the Hurricanes penalty kill, was stellar against the Sabres, scoring twice while a man down. The fourth-year center almost added a second short-handed goal on an evening that saw Buffalo squander six power-play opportunities. This is a great sign that Sutter's two-way play is finally paying off on the scoresheet. Keep an eye on him in deeper leagues.
News: Sutter has agreed to a three-year deal with the Hurricanes, reports the team's official site.
Analysis: Sutter had a breakthrough 2010-11, his third season in the league, scoring 29 points in 82 games with a plus-13. "Brandon is one of the cornerstones of our franchise moving forward," Hurricane's GM Jim Rutherford said. "He is an extremely intelligent player who can perform in all situations, and has already grown into a leadership position for the Hurricanes at a very young age." His three-year contract is worth $6.2 million.
News: Sutter was the only player to score in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Sabres.
Analysis: Sutter is not shooting the puck as much as he did last year, when he had 21 goals, though we believe the arrival of Jeff Skinner, a Calder candidate, has something to do with it. Plus, Sutter is away from a scoring line which limits his upside as well. Remember, he's only 22 years old, so be patient with the center as he completes his third NHL season.
News: In four games this season, Sutter has gone plus-4 with a pair of goals and an assist against the Thrashers. The Hurricanes will again face Atlanta's team Wednesday night.
Analysis: As the owner of 12 goals and assists apiece, Sutter is not putting up gaudy point totals this year. However, he does have a plus-13 rating, which is currently the best among Carolina skaters. His success against the Thrashers makes him a decent fantasy start, particularly in deep leagues with daily lineup settings.
News: Sutter found the net for his 12th goal of the season in Saturday's 4-3 OT win over the Thrashers.
Analysis: Sutter struggled offensively in the first half of the season, but now he's starting to click as the owner of four goals in the last five games.
News: Sutter grabbed two goals Monday in a win over Toronto, his third goal in three games.
Analysis: Sutter finished a plus-3 as well, upping that number to a plus-12 for the season. He's still seeking consistency with his play, but he has immense talent and is just 21 years old. He's a name to remember in keeper leagues.
News: Sutter netted his eighth goal of the season Thursday in a 4-1 win over the Rangers.
Analysis: Alas, a Sutter sighting. Carolina's first-round draft pick of 2007 has had a disappointing year from a fantasy perspective. He's on pace for just 25 points, only one year after turning heads with 21 goals and 19 assists. One could argue that the emergence of rookie Jeff Skinner has had a negative effect on Sutter, who is shooting less than he did last campaign while spending plenty of time on a checking line.
News: Sutter has not recorded a point of any kind over the last six games.
Analysis: Sutter's current pointless streak is the longest of his season, surpassing two previous trends of this sort, which each ended at five games.
News: Sutter scored on a rebounded shot in Thursday's 3-2 shootout win over the Thrashers.
Analysis: Sutter has shifted his game into a higher gear, not coincidentally around the same time as his ascension to the second line. With that stated, his 12 points in 30 games is left to be desired, but he does have a plus-9 rating while showing improvement in scoring goals.
News: Sutter was "significantly injured" early in the season, according to Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: For what it's worth, Sutter has played in every game despite having sustained the apparent undisclosed injury. His numbers are off-kilter from the 40-point mark he set last season, but he scored in his last contest on December 11, and is still averaging 16:34 of ice time per game.
News: Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice could start working Sutter on (the second line) with Jeff Skinner and Erik Cole, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: "We'd like to get Skinner, Sutter and Cole together, because I'd like to see Sutter work with more offensive guys," Maurice said. This would be a one-line jump for Sutter, who could afford a boost after turning up just two points in the past 10 games.
News: Sutter provided the game-winning overtime goal Friday as the Hurricanes clipped the Avalanche by a score of 2-1.
Analysis: Sutter has not made very much noise this season, especially with tons of the attention in Carolina directed at rookie forward Jeff Skinner. But Sutter is also a budding star who really made a name for himself last season. Perhaps Friday's clutch goal will give Sutter the confidence he needs to kickstart his offensive game.
Canes' Sutter Witheld From Practice For 'Maintenance Day'
News: Sutter will return to practice Tuesday -- after being out Monday -- in what Hurricanes head coach Paul Maurice called a "maintenance day," the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: This is an update to an earlier report in which Sutter was believed to be dealing with a hand injury. Maintenance days are common for players trying to overcome minor bumps and bruises, so it looks like Sutter owners can breathe a collective sigh of relief.
News: Sutter might be dealing with a hand injury, Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
Analysis: Specific details about this apparent injury are pending, but Patrick Dwyer has reportedly taken to the Sutter line ahead of the team's true home opener Wednesday against the Capitals. We will circle back once we learn more about the severity and nature of Sutter's apparent hand issue.
News: Sutter potted two goals, including one on the power play, in Thursday's 4-3 season-opening win against the Wild in Finland.
Analysis: Unlike last season, Sutter made the opening-day roster and already the Carolina storm is nicely brewing from the stick belonging to No. 16. If he keeps shining in this full-time role, there is little doubt that Sutter will warrant consideration in fantasy leagues; in keeper formats and beyond.
News: Sutter provided both of Carolina's goals in a 2-1 OT win over Atlanta on Friday.
Analysis: Fine timing for Sutter, who was recently named alternate team captain. Since we can now call Ray Whitney a former Hurricane, Sutter should get more opportunities with the puck and become an everyday fantasy option, particularly in deeper pools.
News: Sutter will be an alternate captain for the Hurricanes this season, according to the team's official site.
Analysis: Sutter has made tremendous strides in his development as a young star for Carolina. Last season he had 21 goals and 19 assists despite the Hurricanes having a down year offensively. This could very well be the year that Sutter starts possessing true fantasy value beyond keeper leagues.
News: Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 on Monday against the Thrashers. With both teams down a man, Joni Pitkanen and Ray Whitney pulled off a couple of rapid-fire passes to set up Sutter's 19th goal at 1:52 of the second period.
Analysis: Sutter had all of one goal and one assist in his previous nine games, so he needed a strong performance in the worst way. Sutter has produced 37 points in 66 games during his second NHL season. He has definitely showcased skills that lead Carolina to believe he can be a top-six forward in the NHL. Still, Sutter is more of a long-term Fantasy keeper and low-end flier in seasonal formats.
News: Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter recorded an assist in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Bruins. He missed the previous game due to a lower body injury. Against Boston he finished minus-2, won seven of 16 faceoffs, and blocked two shots.
Analysis: Sutter picked up where he left on upon returning to the ice. In his previous 12 games, he had four goals, six assists and a plus-6 rating. Sutter remains a long-term Fantasy keeper and low-end Fantasy flier.
News: Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter was scratched Saturday against the Coyotes due to a lower-body injury. He is considered day-to-day.
Analysis: Sutter had been playing well prior to getting injured. In his previous 12 games, he had four goals, six assists and a plus-6 rating. In fact, he has been playing pretty steady hockey since December and is beginning to showcase the type of potential he brings to the table. Sutter is being groomed as a top-six forward, but he might never be an elite scorer. He remains a long-term Fantasy keeper and low-end Fantasy flier when healthy.
News: Carolina lost Brandon Sutter to a lower-body injury in the first period Thursday against the Penguins. He failed to record a point in 5:02 of ice time. Coach Paul Maurice said after the game the injury wasn't serious.
Analysis: Sutter came into Thursday with four goals, 10 points and a plus-6 rating in his previous 12 games. In fact, he has been playing pretty steady hockey since December and is beginning to showcase the type of potential he brings to the table. Sutter is being groomed as a top-six forward, but he might never be an elite scorer. He remains a long-term Fantasy keeper and low-end Fantasy flier when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports the Hurricanes have to be pleased with how C Brandon Sutter seems capable of adjusting to situations, not to mention changing linemates. In late January, Sutter was centering a checking line that included wingers Chad LaRose and Jiri Tlusty. Then all in the matter of a week, that line was disrupted by LaRose's injury and Tlusty's reassignment to the AHL. But Sutter didn't seem to flinch. Coach Paul Maurice said he's impressed by the way Sutter keeps a line contributing offensively even when defensive responsibilities appear to be priorities. "It's a nice look to our future," Maurice said. "Sutter does both."
Analysis: Sutter has one goal and three assists in his last two games. He has managed 6-9 points in each of his last four months. Carolina thought Sutter would develop faster than he has, but the young center has made great strides in 2009-10. In fact, he was one of the team's most consistent players during down times in November and December. Sutter has the talents to be a top-six forward down the line, but he still has a little ways to go to becoming a reliable Fantasy option. Sutter is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper or low-end flier in deeper seasonal formats.
News: Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter had a goal and two assists during Thursday's game against the Sabres for his first three-point game. Sutter got things started for the Hurricanes by beating Ryan Miller with a wrist shot at 16:29 on a power play. It was his 14th goal and second in seven games.
Analysis: Carolina thought Sutter would develop faster than he has, but the young center has made great strides in 2009-10. In fact, he was one of the team's most consistent players during down times in November and December. Sutter has the talents to be a top-six forward down the line, but he still has a little ways to go to becoming a reliable Fantasy option. Sutter is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper or low-end flier in deeper seasonal formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter played in his 100th career game Tuesday night against the Panthers. He's 20 years old, though he'll turn 21 on the first day of the Olympic break. He has 31 points in those games but only one point in the last four games.
Analysis: Carolina thought Sutter would develop faster than he has, but the young center has made great strides in 2009-10. In fact, he was one of the team's most consistent players during down times in November and December. Sutter has the talents to be a top-six forward down the line, but he still has a little ways to go to becoming a reliable Fantasy option. Sutter is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper or low-end flier in deeper seasonal formats.
News: Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter scored his 13th goal of the season in Saturday's win over the Blackhawks.
Analysis: Sutter is a nice, young talent, but has yet to find his offensive game in the NHL. He remains more of a keeper option than anything for the time being.
News: Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter scored and assisted in Sunday's 5-1 rout of the Bruins. The 20-year-old had just one assist in his previous five games.
Analysis: Sutter is a nice, young talent, but he has just five points in 2010 and really has yet to find his offensive game in the NHL. He remains more of a keeper option than anything for the time being.
News: Carolina C Brandon Sutter scored his 10th goal of the season on Monday in a 6-3 win at Washington. Sutter increased his points total to 16 with the performance. The goal was scored in the second period on a tip-in.
Analysis: Sutter has been decent for the Hurricanes since he was recalled in late October. He isn't going to put up huge numbers, but he does produce enough to be used as a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Carolina C Brandon Sutter scored a goal in a losing effort on Wednesday at New Jersey. His goal came 6:48 into the second period on a wrist shot, his seventh goal of the season and 11th overall point.
Analysis: Sutter has been decent for the Hurricanes since he was recalled in late October. He isn't going to put up huge numbers, but he does produce enough to be used as a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Friday's game against the Islanders. Sutter has three goals and two assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Sutter has been great for the Hurricanes since his recall from the minors and has been one of the few Carolina players not mired in a scoring funk. He is definitely working his way up the depth chart and starting to live up to the hype. The former first-round pick remains a low-end Fantasy flier for the time being, but is starting to pop up on the radar.
News:The Sports Xchange reports C Brandon Sutter has given the Hurricanes some encouraging stretches since joining the team from Albany of the AHL. Coach Paul Maurice said he likes the shoot-first mentality that Sutter has delivered on the offensive end.
Analysis: Sutter has three goals in seven games since his recall from the minors and is one of the few steady offensive weapons for Carolina. His recent play will likely keep Sutter in the NHL for the time being. The former first-round pick remains a low-end Fantasy flier for the time being.
News:Brandon Sutter scored his second goal in as many games for the Hurricanes during Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Sharks. Sutter started the scoring early in the second period when he broke in on the left wing and wristed a shot past Evgeni Nabokov's blocker. The puck rang off the right post before ricocheting into the net. Sutter, who had one career goal coming into the weekend, also scored Carolina's lone goal in its 6-1 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday.
Analysis: Sutter has played in four games since his recall from the AHL. Carolina is really hoping the former first-round pick will continue to develop at a rapid pace and start helping the Hurricanes on a nightly basis. While scoring in two straight will boost Sutter's confidence, he still has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter, who nearly made the team out of training camp, was recalled to the NHL club Saturday to fill a roster spot. He had been playing with Albany of the AHL. The Hurricanes needed the extra help because of RW Tuomo Ruutu's three-game suspension. To make room on the roster, Carolina placed LW Erik Cole on injured reserve, as he hasn't played since the second game of the season because of a broken leg.
Analysis: Sutter has disappointed the Hurricanes since making his NHL debut in 2008-09. They really thought he would be a fixture in the NHL from Day 1, but he has struggled for consistency and appears to be a tweener at this point in his career -- bouncing between the AHL and NHL. Sutter remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: The Hurricanes assigned C Brandon Sutter was assigned to Albany of the AHL on Sunday. He had one goal in three preseason games.
Analysis: Sutter has disappointed the Hurricanes since making his NHL debut in 2008-09. They really thought he would be a fixture in the NHL from Day 1, but he has struggled for consistency and will get more time to hone his game in the minors. Sutter remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: The Hurricanes sent C Brandon Sutter to Albany of the AHL Monday. Sutter, who began the season with Carolina, could not be sent outright to Albany until his junior team's season ended. The Red Deer Rebels' (WHL) season ended Sunday.
Analysis: Sutter netted three goals and earned an assist in seven games during a conditioning stint with Albany from Feb. 25-March 9. Carolina came into the season with high expectations for Sutter as a fourth-line center, but he failed miserably and still needs some conditioning in the AHL. Sutter is nothing more than a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes recalled C Brandon Sutter for the game against the New York Rangers on Monday night. Sutter was recalled from Albany of the AHL and will suit up against the Rangers, general Manager Jim Rutherford said.
Analysis: The 20-year-old Sutter scored three goals and earned an assist in seven games for Albany since he was assigned for a conditioning stint. Sutter is in his first full professional season. He has one goal and five assists in 50 games with the Hurricanes this season. He remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper than anything else.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes sent center Brandon Sutter to their AHL affiliate in Albany for a conditioning stint. The team said that their 2007 first-round draft pick would spend up to two weeks in Albany.
Analysis: Sutter, 20, has one goal and five assists in 50 games in his first full professional season with the Hurricanes. He is the son of New Jersey Devils coach Brent Sutter and was the ninth member of his family drafted into the NHL. Sutter hasn't made the type of impact Carolina was hoping for as a rookie. He remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter played more than 10 minutes in a game Saturday against the Bruins for the first time in 18 outings since the coaching change put Paul Maurice in charge. Under Peter Laviolette, Sutter regularly played double-digit minutes, including the first nine games of his career. He logged 11:56 at Boston.
Analysis: The Hurricanes were excited to begin the season by the arrival of Sutter, who was their first-round pick in 2007. He began the season as a fourth line center, but Carolina expected he could make a quick rise to a top-six forward. Not the case. He did battle a concussion earlier in the season and it just doesn't seem Maurice is ready to trust the rookie center. Sutter remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until further notice.
News: Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter played in his first game Wednesday against the Capitals since sustaining a concussion Oct. 25 against the Islanders. He didn't record a point in 12:07 of ice time and finished at minus-1.
Analysis: Sutter took a pretty nasty hit from Doug Weight and it appeared he might be out several weeks. He missed less than a month and return to his role as a lower-line forward Wednesday. The Hurricanes might be a little cautious of Sutter, their first-round pick from 2007, so he remains a low-end Fantasy option until further notice.
News: The Raleigh News and Observer reports that injured Hurricanes trio C Matt Cullen (groin), C Brandon Sutter (concussion) and D Joni Pitkanen (knee) will all return to action Wednesday against the Capitals.
Analysis: Pitkanen is a blue-liner capable of scoring in the 40s, so he will return to being a viable starting defenseman in most formats. Sutter, a rookie, has some long-term keeper value, but his seasonal value is pretty much zero. Like Pitkanen, Cullen usually scores somewhere in the 40s, but as a forward that means his value lies only in the deepest of leagues.
News: The Hurricanes placed C Brandon Sutter (concussion) on the injured list before Friday's game against the Senators and replaced him with C Michael Ryan from their AHL affiliate in Albany.
Analysis: The Hurricanes are prepared to go for the long haul with Sutter's concussion as they don't want to risk the youngster's bright future. Keep him out of lineups Week 6 (Nov. 10-16) and likely longer. Sutter remains a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes rookie C Brandon Sutter, who suffered a concussion Oct. 25 at the New York Islanders when taking a hit from Doug Weight, missed his fourth straight game Sunday against the Maple Leafs. The 19-year-old rookie is listed as out indefinitely.
Analysis: Concussions can linger for a while, so there doesn't appear to be a timetable for Sutter's return. The Hurricanes aren't going to rush one of their franchise players back too soon for fear of long-term damage. Keep him out of lineups Week 5 (Nov. 3-9) and likely longer. Sutter remains a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The Bergen County Record reports that Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter is improving after the rookie center suffered a concussion on Saturday night. Sutter took the train from New York back to Raleigh because he wasn't medically cleared to fly.
Analysis: Concussions can linger for a while, so there doesn't appear to be a timetable for Sutter's return, although you have to think he is going to miss at least a month after such a vicious hit. Luckily for Fantasy owners, Sutter doesn't have much value in seasonal leagues, but he's still worth holding on to in long-term keeper formats.
News: Carolina Hurricanes center Brandon Sutter was discharged from a New York hospital on Sunday after sustaining a concussion a night earlier during a game against the New York Islanders. The 19-year-old Sutter spent Saturday night in the hospital after he was leveled by a hard, clean check from New York's Doug Weight in the Hurricanes' 4-3 victory. "Brandon was coming up, and the puck was bobbling," Weight said Saturday. "I wanted to shoulder him, but he leaned forward at the last second and I had no way to stop. I hope he's OK."
Analysis: Sutter had an assist Saturday. The injury comes an an unfortunate time since Sutter just had his first career goal Thursday against the Penguins. The Hurricanes are almost certainly committed to keeping Sutter with the NHL team and won't be inclined to send him back to his junior team unless there's a major unexpected development. An injury is not it. He is centering the team's third line and could be a top-six forward at some point in 2008-09. However, Sutter is more of a long-term keeper and low-end Fantasy reserve at this time. Don't start him Week 4 (Oct. 27-Nov. 2).
News:Brandon Sutter gave one of hockey's most famous families another milestone, scoring off a Pittsburgh giveaway to put Carolina up 1-0 in the first period Thursday against the Penguins -- a lead that held up for nearly 2 1/2 periods. The 19-year-old Sutter grabbed the puck after Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik whiffed on a pass and, skating in from the blue line, beat Marc-Andre Fleury on a backhander at 13:07 of the first to score unassisted. "It's nice to get the first one for sure -- I had a few chances the first couple of games," Sutter said. "I kind of jumped on it and had a step on him and wanted to get the shot off and not do anything fancy. It was a good feeling."
Analysis: Sutter, a 2007 first-round draft pick and the son of New Jersey Devils coach Brent Sutter, is the ninth member of the Sutter family to play in the NHL. The Hurricanes are almost certainly committed to keeping center Brandon Sutter with the NHL team and won't be inclined to send him back to his junior team unless there's a major unexpected development within the next week. Sutter has two points in his first six NHL games. He is centering the team's third line and could be a top-six forward at some point in 2008-09. However, Sutter is more of a long-term keeper and low-end Fantasy reserve at this time.
News: C Brandon Sutter made his Carolina debut during Friday's game against the Panthers. The Hurricanes' first-round draft pick in 2007 is the son of former NHL center Brent Sutter and the nephew of Calgary general manager Darryl Sutter. He had an assist in 11:29 of ice time and took one shot on net.
Analysis: Sutter was able to break camp with the Hurricanes and opens the season manning their fourth line. He does have the chance to move up, but if he struggles, he could also be sent to the minors. Sutter was the Hurricanes' first-round pick (11th overall) in 2007. He is a developing talent, but remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper at this point.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Hurricanes C Brandon Sutter, a 19-year-old going through his second training camp, is a candidate to make the team. But he'll have to have a better rate than 1-for-11 on face-offs (as he had in the preseason opener against Washington) to stick around.
Analysis: The Hurricanes intend to head into the season as Sutter centering their fourth line, but if he doesn't improve in camp, he might have to start in the AHL. Sutter was the Hurricanes' first-round pick (11th overall) in 2007. He is a developing talent, but remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper at this point.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes have signed C Brandon Sutter, the team's top pick in the 2007 Entry Draft, to a three-year contract, according to the News and Observer. Sutter, selected 11th overall, will join Carolina's AHL affiliate in Albany, says the report.
Analysis: Sutter, who spent most of this season in the WHL, is has minimal keeper value at this time.
News: The News and Observer reports the Carolina Hurricanes have opened contract talks with 2007 first-round draft pick Brandon Sutter. If signed, Sutter could play this season with the Canes.
Analysis: Sutter was the 11th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft and has 43 points in 47 games this season in the AHL. He is not projected to be an offensive star in the league, according to the News and Observer, so he has minimal keeper value at this time.
News: The Carolina Hurricanes trimmed their roster to 25 on Wednesday, returning first-round pick Brandon Sutter to the juniors and sending goalie Michael Leighton and forward Trevor Gillies to the AHL affiliate in Albany.
Analysis: Sutter's return to juniors was expected. Ater the Hurricanes made Sutter the 11th pick, general manager Jim Rutherford said he expected Sutter to be sent back to Red Deer of the Western Hockey League. He is at least a couple of years away from making a splash in Fantasy Hockey, but a nice long-term keeper in deeper leagues.
