News Article: Carter's metamorphosis Flyers, Jackets gave up on Kings sniper way too early

[deeshamrock]

Sorry this is several days late, but better late than never. This is a really good article about Jeff Carter.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/carters-metamorphosis-226563001.html



One man's beat-up Samsonite is another's Louis Vuitton. Meet Jeff Carter and his Stanley Cup-pedigreed baggage.
Some luggage has style and value and stays in the family for years. Some finds its way to the end of the driveway on a drizzly garbage day.

The Philadelphia Flyers decided a little too early to put Carter on the baggage tram to nowhere. So did the Columbus Blue Jackets.

But Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi went and rescued Carter from a short stint in Columbus to team him with his old Flyers running mate, Mike Richards.

The move came early in the winter of 2012 and put the final piece in place for a team that would go on to win the Stanley Cup that spring.

Carter was labelled a malcontent in Philadelphia and Columbus. In Los Angeles he became a Cup winner and a reborn sniper with a ticket to Sochi just waiting to get punched."I've known him a long time. When he got to Philly, I was working there and he used to get rides to the rink from me because we were staying in the same area. I knew he was a good kid," said Lombardi Friday.

"The stuff they said about him in Philly, he was just a kid being a kid. We give these kids all this money and don't expect them to go through some changes. It doesn't work that way. He had to grow up like anyone else. He's getting better right now."

Since breaking into the NHL in 2005-06, only 14 players have collected more goals than Carter's 229. Last season he pumped in 26 in just 48 games to lead the Western Conference. Carter had a 46-goal season with the Flyers in 2008-09 and signed an 11-year contract worth $58 million. He was expected to be a Flyer for life. Same with Richards. Then boom. They were both shipped out and the whispers of bad behaviour became loud shots in the media. Carter didn't like it in Columbus, and in the end, Columbus didn't like him. Diva was an easy label to tag on him.

But since arriving in Los Angeles, he's been one of the game's most dangerous players, as Jets fans saw Friday night, when he potted his second goal of the season in the third period.

"People that gave him that reputation, they didn't know Jeff Carter. He's a talent. He was a big part of our Cup team. Scored big goals. Played two positions. Played lots of minutes. Killed penalties, played power play," said Kings coach Darryl Sutter. "Last year he was the leading scorer in the Western Conference. His play speaks for itself."

Lombardi, who was in the player personnel department with the Flyers when Carter broke in, says he's seen a change in the man and the player.

"The last couple of years he's taken a huge jump. I think it's a reflection of his growth and maturity as much as a person as a player. He's one of the leaders in our room now. The last couple of years he's spent a lot of time in the summer in L.A. training. That wasn't always Jeff's MO when he was younger," said Lombardi.

Carter is the ultimate right place at the right time guy and that's no easy trick. Not only does he have the instinct and speed to put him in prime scoring areas but also possesses the hands to convert.

"He's a goal scorer. He's a shooter. In my opinion, top two or three in the league. Maybe (Alex) Ovechkin has a better shot," said Richards. "He has the knack of finding the holes. Some people will say it was a lucky bounce and it came right to you. You have to work hard to be in the right position and then you have to finish. He has the best release I've ever seen and he shoots it hard." Richards knows Carter maybe better than anyone in hockey. They play on the same line and rely on each other night after night. The Kenora-born Richards says Carter is only now reaching the height of his powers and it's coming from a change within.

"He's put a bigger emphasis on his fitness. He came in this year and he was top-three on the team in testing. That wasn't expected from him in prior years," said Richards. "He was so naturally gifted coming into the NHL he didn't need it. He works out after every practice... He's so powerful now, and it makes him better."

A request to speak with Carter for this story was made but he wouldn't comply Friday morning prior to the game.

"He's quiet. Media-wise he's not going to come out here and open up to you. But the more you get to know him, the more he'll open up," said Richards. "And you see it here. He's become a leader. More vocal on the bench and in the room. He never complains. He just puts his head down and goes about his business."
Baggage? Certainly. But we all have that. More telling and pertinent is that Carter continues to soar.

Maybe he checked his luggage and then just left it behind for others to fuss about.

Click to read more...

 

[Eagle Fang]

Carter has been nothing but amazing in LA. I read all these negative posts from Flyers and Jackets fans about him, but I don't see it. So glad he's a part of this team.

 

[King'sPawn]

That's a great read

 

[Captain Mittens*]

I read all these negative posts from Flyers and Jackets fans about him, but I don't see it.

Bitter Critters

 

[jml87]

As someone who saw both Carters, this article really nailed his change in character. As hard as it is to see now, Carter was immature in Philly. He did not work on his game like he does now. But he was a young single guy with millions in his pocket. Not many guys are going to play the saint and focus every waking moment on their career when they are under 25. The problem is the Flyers weren't willing to wait for that change, as is often their problem.

He always scored goals and he was always naturally gifted. But when you take all that and you add the work ethic that he's put in over the last few years and it becomes something amazing. That's what I love about the guy. He works his ass off to prove all his haters wrong. He doesn't need to be more than a goal scorer to be successful but he dedicates himself to getting better anyway.

Not surprising they couldn't get Carter for an interview. Him and Richards both hate talking about themselves. Hilarious that when you ask Richards about himself he can't give you two words but if you ask about Carter he'll rattle off an entire essay about the guy. Should've told Carter it was an article about Mike, he probably would've come right out

 

[deeshamrock]

Originally Posted by jml87
As someone who saw both Carters, this article really nailed his change in character. As hard as it is to see now, Carter was immature in Philly. He did not work on his game like he does now. But he was a young single guy with millions in his pocket. Not many guys are going to play the saint and focus every waking moment on their career when they are under 25. The problem is the Flyers weren't willing to wait for that change, as is often their problem.

Agree 100%. I saw from the early days with the Phantoms in that Calder Cup run and saw 2 games in that run vs Chicago Wolves and thru to his last Flyer game. And as talanted a goal scorer that he was , he was also very lazy and took shifts and games off. And that bothered me becasue I couldn't help but think if he had MR's work ethic with his natural talent, you'd have superplayer. He didn't work out in the off season and didn't have anything close to the complete game he has now. And he did openly spend a lot of time carousing. But as DL pointed out (Who saw him in PHilly too) it''s not uncommon. And he was smart enough to recognize the difference.

"The stuff they said about him in Philly, he was just a kid being a kid. We give these kids all this money and don't expect them to go through some changes. It doesn't work that way. He had to grow up like anyone else. He's getting better right now

He always scored goals and he was always naturally gifted. But when you take all that and you add the work ethic that he's put in over the last few years and it becomes something amazing. That's what I love about the guy. He works his ass off to prove all his haters wrong. He doesn't need to be more than a goal scorer to be successful but he dedicates himself to getting better anyway.

I really respect the fact that he looked in the mirror (which I think is -part of what happened when he went to Columbus. Beiing traded after he sighed the LTC was a huge wake up call for him) and saw what his potential might be, and that is part of the maturing process, he began to change. When he came to LA, he put 110% into working to make himself better in every way possible. And he still isn't satisfied, which is the sign of a great player.
This is the player he was destined to become and even had he not been traded, being traded just moved it along faster. By settling down with a steady girlfriend (since 2011) buying a house, etc, he would have taken him on the same path, Philly just aborted him like way too many of their young talented players.

 

[KINGS17]

I think Dean is right, sometimes you have to give these young guys a chance to become a man. What would most of us do with millions of dollars in our early 20's?

Carter has easily been the Kings best forward for quite a while now.

BTW, Mr. Snider if you are contemplating any more garage sales, I like Voracek a lot.

 

[MsMeow]

It's funny because the same thing is happening with JvR now in Toronto. Even funnier, when he got traded from Philly he was almost giddy. Contrast that to when Carter and Richards were traded, they were crushed. Something never really clicked with JvR in Philly, I remember they were pissed at him for going back to university because he wanted to win a championship with them, while they wanted him to go to the OHL. I'm not sure he had the work ethic of a 25 year old but it's the same with a lot of players. Now he's playing great...for the Leafs.

 

[GKJ]

The Flyers didn't give up on Jeff Carter as much as they threw him under the bus.

Columbus didn't give up on him either. Carter simply did not want to play there. It came off childish of him, sort of, but that wasn't the team he JUST signed an 11-year contract with.

 

[T2M]

I really respect the fact that he looked in the mirror (which I think is -part of what happened when he went to Columbus. Beiing traded after he sighed the LTC was a huge wake up call for him) and saw what his potential might be, and that is part of the maturing process, he began to change. When he came to LA, he put 110% into working to make himself better in every way possible. And he still isn't satisfied, which is the sign of a great player.
This is the player he was destined to become and even had he not been traded, being traded just moved it along faster. By settling down with a steady girlfriend (since 2011) buying a house, etc, he would have taken him on the same path, Philly just aborted him like way too many of their young talented players.

I have to think that getting traded to LA, to a team that had all the pieces (except him), and to be reunited with his BFF Richards had to have a huge impact on him. This was his second lease on life, he now knew what he lost, and there's no way he's letting it go.

 

[Rorschach]

Giroux is an immature piece of garbage and a locker room cancer. Plus he's like French or something.

I'm sure we have a low first rounder, a top 9 grinder and a good prospect to boot for ya, Philly.

 

[KBA4life]

He's been a revelation for this team, and is pretty underrated league wide. Aside from the Pittsburgh guys and Stamkos, I don't think there's another forward in the league I'd take over him right now

 

[Eagle Fang]

He's been a revelation for this team, and is pretty underrated league wide. Aside from the Pittsburgh guys and Stamkos, I don't think there's another forward in the league I'd take over him right now

What about Tomas Hertl

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Carter has quickly become the best skater on the Kings.

 

[sweatypickle]

Should've told Carter it was an article about Mike, he probably would've come right out

hmmmm...

 

[MsMeow]

Giroux is an immature piece of garbage and a locker room cancer. Plus he's like French or something.

I'm sure we have a low first rounder, a top 9 grinder and a good prospect to boot for ya, Philly.

What does his being French have to do with anything?

 

[Battle Hymns]

there is absolutely no way he does NOT make Team Canada, barring an
injury.

After Stamkos, he's Canada's most gifted goal scorer.

 

[DoktorJeep]

First legit, money goal scorer this team has had since Ziggy and Luc skated at staples. Also hilarious to benefit from Phillys turnover bonanza (two times!), hopefully they don't ruin hextall

 

[Riptide]

I really respect the fact that he looked in the mirror (which I think is -part of what happened when he went to Columbus. Beiing traded after he sighed the LTC was a huge wake up call for him) and saw what his potential might be, and that is part of the maturing process, he began to change. When he came to LA, he put 110% into working to make himself better in every way possible. And he still isn't satisfied, which is the sign of a great player.
This is the player he was destined to become and even had he not been traded, being traded just moved it along faster. By settling down with a steady girlfriend (since 2011) buying a house, etc, he would have taken him on the same path, Philly just aborted him like way too many of their young talented players.

Like you, I think the trade really woke up him. It's unfortunate that it took that... and it's likely that that maturity would have happened anyway. But now the Kings are reaping the benefits.

 

[Frolov 6'3]

What does his being French have to do with anything?

well, have you ever been to France?

 

[bmr]

Carter has quickly become the best skater on the Kings.

He's not necessarily the quickest guy (I think Voynov may be), but once he gets his wheels going...he is deceptively fast.

 

[Reaper45]

Hartnell would be a great addition to the Kings. Lets start a rumor in the Philadelphia media to get him traded to LA. Muzzin, Regehr and a prospect for Fartsmell!!!

 

[deeshamrock]

Originally Posted by Reaper45
Hartnell would be a great addition to the Kings. Lets start a rumor in the Philadelphia media to get him traded to LA. Muzzin, Regehr and a prospect for Fartsmell!!!

As much as I'd LOVE for some unsuspecting GM to take that waste of space off the Flyers roster, I can't see DL being that desparate. Hartnell is overrated, overpaid and signed forever. He's going on 32 signed to 2019 at 4.75 with an NMC.
Flyers are stuck with him.
Kings have plenty of options in Manchester and 29 other teams, stay clear of him.

 

[MsMeow]

Hartnell would be a great addition to the Kings. Lets start a rumor in the Philadelphia media to get him traded to LA. Muzzin, Regehr and a prospect for Fartsmell!!!

I don't want him on the Kings. He still loses his cool way too much and he can't stand up. He's signed for quite a few more years and the cap hit isn't all that friendly.

 

[MsMeow]

Like you, I think the trade really woke up him. It's unfortunate that it took that... and it's likely that that maturity would have happened anyway. But now the Kings are reaping the benefits.

Honestly, I think that the Flyers had a bigger problem with Richards than Carter. Richards wasn't talking to the media (he actually tried to go after Carchidi once) and he was reported to not get along with Lavi or Pronger. Whatever went on off the ice wasn't affecting his game.

Carter had his biggest scoring year after he signed his first big contract so he never rested on his laurels. His game had been rounding out from when he first came to the Flyers as it does with a lot of power forward types, and that looks to include JvR who got 2 more points again last night.