the canes had enough depth at d, so they left him in the minors for a year. he got called up for a few games and played well. he should have a good shot at making the team next year - both he and brad fast are possibilities to make the top 6. i think he is still only 21-22 or so - i dont think he has fallen off at all, i still think he is the canes top d prospect. he just didnt get any hype, lowell didnt make the playoffs and is split between car/calgary - they dont get a lot of ink. i think he will be a pretty solid offensive d and in the top 4.
