Cole thinks Skinner has 40-goal ability

Ahead of Thursday evening's match-up between the Carolina Hurricanes and Dallas Stars, The News & Observer caught up with former Canes winger Erik Cole.

On former Canes teammate Jeff Skinner as a potential 40-goal NHL scorer:

“I think he can be. Obviously health is always the biggest issue with anybody. If you’re going to be a 40-goal guy you can’t really miss too many games. I think Jeff definitely has that ability and has the confidence in himself that he can do that. I think that’s kind of always driven him, his belief in himself maybe when other people weren’t so sure what he was capable of.”

On the potential of Stars rookie forward Valeri Nichushkin:

“He’s tremendously talented. He’s got size and skill and speed. For him, it’s more he’s learning how to play over here on the smaller ice against bigger and stronger guys than he’s played against before. He’s going to continue to get better and better. There’s a lot he can achieve. At times he’s shown a little fatigue, being a young guy in a new environment, but he’s a fantastic player.”

Cole was also asked about Jim Rutherford's expected retirement, Ron Francis as the potential new GM, comparing Tyler Seguin to Skinner, and playoff teams vs. non-playoff teams.

Source: Chip Alexander, News & Observer