Carolina Hurricanes Preview

Departures
Dennis Seidenberg, Patrick Eaves, Frantisek Kaberle

Arrivals
Andrew Alberts, Aaron Ward, Tom Kostopoulos

Forwards
The Canes will benefit from a full season with Erik Cole (who was a complete bust in Edmonton). Cole is capable of scoring 30 goals and has flourished alongside Eric Staal in the past. Captain Rod Brind’Amour is getting long in the tooth and it showed last season. The 39-year-old, two-time former Selke winner had the worst plus/minus of his 20-year career, -23. Larose, Samsonov and Ruutu, and Whitney are all strong wingers that will complement center’s Staal, Brind’Amour, Matt Cullen and Jussi Jokinen.

Defenseman
The defense doesn’t change much from last season. With the core of Pitkanen, Gleason, Corvo and Wallin all back. With newcomers Ward and Alberts coming in the losses of Seidenberg and Kaberle won’t sting. If the offensive Babchuk can improve his defensive play he will certainly get some more playing time.

Goalies
Cam Ward is a playoff goalie. No one will argue that. The question remains though, is he capable of playing that way for 60+ games. If he can play a full season like he did in the second half of last year Ward will quickly be considered of the elite goalies and more than likely a spot on team Canada for the Olympics.

Strengths
- Eric Staal is a superstar. He’s scored 30+ goals in each of the past three seasons. When Staal scores it typically means the Canes win.

- Cam Ward is on the cusp of becoming an elite goalie. Elite goalies win you multiple championships.

– Former Stanley Cup winners, Ron Francis and Tom Brasso are helping with the coaching duties and have instilled a winning attitude in the locker room.

Weaknesses
- The Canes don’t have another Rod Brind’Amour. If the veteran continues to slip this season they will have to find another shut down center untill Brandon Sutter is ready to play everyday.

- When Staal is shut down the Canes lose. In the playoffs they were 7-1 when Staal scored and 1-9 when he was kept off the scoresheet. That trend can’t continue.

Analysis
If history holds true the Canes should miss the playoffs this season. Just like the previous two times. However, with Ward and Staal leading the way the Canes should be able to build on their playoff run of last season. Being in the weaker Southeast division should help pad their stats.

Prediction: 5th in the East