Mailbag #10: Stay Positive, Test Negative

RALEIGH, NC. -Happy Friday, you wild and crazy Caniacs.
How about that one last night? Down two skaters? Playing with three recalls? No problem.
Let's stay hot and keep the momentum going as we've got a huge back-to-back coming up next at PNC Arena. Will we see you there? I hope so.
Time for questions.

Do any of the Canes have their booster shot yet? Or is that still being discussed? - @ahoskjeidy
Yes. Don Waddell shared at yesterday's media availability that "more than" six players have already gotten it and most of the rest (who are eligible) are expected to take care of it when the team has their tiny little break from December 24-26.
Who do you see being the Canes next recalls from Chicago? - @kinneythecaniac
I normally try and stay away from speculation like this, but given that we'll have an answer within the next 30 hours, I would frankly be surprised if it is anyone other than C.J. Smith and Josh Leivo. Leivo has already been up with the big club this season and has over 200 games of NHL experience. Plus, did you see his

? I watched/listened to most of that game and C.J. Smith was absolutely everywhere, too. Not only has he been good recently too, he's second in scoring as well. No, not second in scoring for the Wolves, second in the entire league behind Poturalski with 28 points in 24 games. He has to get an NHL look for that, right? He was really darn good in training camp, too.
No one needs this disclaimer, but obviously I have no input in the decision and the folks making the decisions are much smarter than I, those are just merely my thoughts.
What kind of Pixar potential does "Bring Fishy Home For Christmas" have? - @DSimpson88
I only make light of this because it's documented at this point that the players aren't ill, but yes, yesterday could have been cinematic gold.
The story begins with Seth Jarvis, Sebastian Aho and Mike Maresca (the team's massage therapist, who, albeit not in this light, deserves to be recognized by name because he is an important part of the team) jump into an ambulance in Vancouver. A little backstory to preface is discussed as they make the drive. They're finally heading home for the holidays. The initial story is set.
Then they hit the drama, they get stuck at the border for over three hours. Things get eerie looking and intense. Do they have to turn around? Are they spending Christmas in the 'Couv after all? Suddenly are they developing symptoms or is that just the sweat from this magical plan potentially not coming to fruition? Canes Assistant General Manager Darren Yorke is on the phone, explaining the situation to the necessary officials in British Columbia. Being held up was not a part of the deal. We're approaching the midway point of the film where the plot is about to take its turn one way or another.
Finally, a breakthrough. They're able to get into the states.
All appears to be back on track. It's wheels up from Everett, Washington. Snow begins to fall (this is where I'm adding fictional parts, but added to bring the Hallmark-type vibes to life), Christmas music begins to play. Smiles and relief.
Then, in a Hangover-esque scene they land in Minnesota and are reunited with Colesy, Staalsy, Svechy and Lori. It's actually happening. They're coming back to Raleigh.
The film has a happy ending, including those cheesy photo + text full screens that they put during the credits of movies. "Andrei Svechnikov was able to complete his quarantine in the comfort of his own apartment and when he returned to action, he scored 30 goals in the team's remaining 54 games."
I think that's how it would go, right? If there's any Hollywood producers reading this, call me. I'm not leaving the Canes, but I'll sell you this idea. Raleighwood > Hollywood.
When can we expect to start seeing guys back in the lineup? Both the COVID-19 Protocol group and Marty? - @mgupta2695
As of right now, all six players that tested positive are eligible to come back on Monday, December 27 against Florida. Even though Aho and Jarvis are back in the states, if they abide by the U.S. 10-day quarantine, their first game back would be 12/23. That game is in Ottawa though, and given Canada's 14-day rule, they wouldn't be allowed back in the country.
The remaining four tested positive on 12/14, thus meaning they're good to go on 12/24, but of course the team is on break then.
As for Martinook, Rod Brind'Amour shared post-practice Friday that both he and Jalen Chatfield are "not close" to returning. He said he was provided an update that morning that #48 can "maybe" start skating soon, but still nowhere close.
When we finally get everyone back and healthy, do you feel like this team has another higher gear to reach that they haven't shown yet? - @johnnybolla
Yes, absolutely. They call it mid-season form for a reason, right? This team didn't peak when they were 9-0. Honestly they were still figuring out who they were as a team, especially with all new faces they had come in this offseason.
We're almost at game number 30 and there's still quite a deal of shuffling going on with the lineup. At this point though they know what they've got, it's just about fine-tuning it. We know the power play had it's struggles recently, but imagine that clicking at 100%. Or, something more realistic like 25-30%? They're not far off, but as you said, another gear.
The big thing about your questions is when will everybody be healthy? The team has had two games in the last month with a full lineup. If they can get there, look out.
At the end of the day, Rod Brind'Amour's culture involves always exploring how both he and his team can get better. They're not going to be satisfied completely unless it ends with a parade.
A sincere thank you to everyone who submitted a question this week. It's much appreciate and means a lot.
Let's have a weekend! Stay tuned to the team's website and social channels for any potential changes.
Not a member of Twitter? We're always happy to take questions at [email protected] as well!
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