OFF-SEASON PLAYER ADDITIONS
Joe Corvo, D (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Washington Capitals)
Jonathan Matsumoto, C (Acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers)
Riley Nash, C (Acquired in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers)
Bobby Sanguinetti, D (Acquired in a trade with the New York Rangers)
Jared Staal, LW (Acquired in a trade with the Phoenix Coyotes)
OFF-SEASON PLAYER LOSSES
Mike Angelidis, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Lightning)
Rod Brind’Amour, C (Retired)
Tim Conboy, D (Signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Sabres)
Steven Goertzen, RW (Unsigned Free Agent)
Rob Hennigar, C (Unsigned Free Agent)
Manny Legace, G (Unsigned Free Agent)
Alexandre Picard, D (Signed as a free agent with the Montreal Canadiens)
Brian Pothier, D (Signed with HC Geneve-Servette of Switzerland)
Michael Ryan, C (Unsigned Free Agent)
Ray Whitney, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Coyotes)
2009-10 Season Finish: 3rd Southeast Division, 11th Eastern Conference, 80 Pts.
2009-10 Playoffs: Did Not Make Playoffs
2010-11 Prediction: 5th Southeast Division, 15th Eastern Conference
After failing to make the playoffs for the 2009-10 season, the Carolina Hurricanes are now in rebuild mode and have opted to rebuild the team through young talent rather than through the free agent market. While the team could likely miss the playoffs for the 2010-11 season, the Hurricanes will look to make a return to the post-season in a few years time as they begin to stock up on young talent. Eric Staal remains the top forward on the Hurricanes’ roster with his goal-scoring and playmaking skills, great shot, and toughness. Jussi Jokinen brings lots of goal-scoring skill, especially in the shootout, and versatility to the team, while Tuomo Ruutu brings plenty of offensive depth and toughness to the wing. Erik Cole plays with lots of grit, is a solid body-checker, and brings some offensive ability to the team despite injuries taking a major toll on his career and production, while Sergei Samsonov gives the team a very shifty forward with some offensive skill. Brandon Sutter gives the Hurricanes a young center to build around with his two-way skill and offensive upside, while youngster Jiri Tlusty brings some creativity and playmaking skills to the team despite having consistency issues. Chad LaRose gives the team some defensive skill on the checking lines, as well as some decent offensive instincts, while youngster Zach Boychuk brings lots of offensive upside and some grit to the lineup. Tom Kostopoulos gives the Hurricanes a very gritty, physical player who plays with lots of energy and can chip in offensively from time to time, while Patrick Dwyer and Jerome Samson bring some offensive depth to the fourth line. Since the Hurricanes are in rebuild mode, they will have a couple of roster openings this season for some young talent, and could fill those openings with the likes of Riley Nash, Oskar Osala, Zac Dalpe, Drayson Bowman, Jonathan Matsumoto, Nicolas Blanchard, Jared Staal, and Jeffrey Skinner. Despite having a number of talented forward prospects, the Hurricanes will likely struggle offensively this season given the lack of NHL experience by those prospects and may want to look into signing a veteran forward or two for some offensive depth.
While the offense of the Hurricanes may be a little short on veteran depth, their defense has a good mix of veterans and young talent that should keep the team defensively sound next season. Joni Pitkanen brings lots of size, toughness, and offensive skill to the blueline, while Tim Gleason provides lots of toughness, grit, and mobility as a shutdown defenseman. Joe Corvo returns to the Hurricanes after being dealt by the team to the Washington Capitals at the March 3 trade deadline and will bring lots of offensive skill to the team’s defense, especially on the power play. Anton Babchuk returns to the team after a one-year stay in the KHL and will bring lots of offensive skill and a decent shot to the blueline, while Jamie McBain will also bring some offensive skill and some size to the Hurricanes. Jay Harrison gives the team a big, stay-at-home defenseman who plays with lots of toughness, while Brett Carson and newcomer Bobby Sanguinetti bring some offensive skill to the blueline. Prospect defensemen Casey Borer, Bryan Rodney, Brett Bellemore, and Michal Jordan will look to make the Hurricanes’ roster this season at training camp.
The Hurricanes’ goaltending has remained fairly stable in the off-season with Cam Ward returning as the starting goalie and Justin Peters set to become the new backup. Ward brings solid goaltending skills and size between the pipes, while Peters is a hard worker on the ice and can play well when under pressure. Justin Pogge will look to battle for the backup role at training camp with his size and success at the junior level.
TEAM STRENGTHS
- Lots of talented forward prospects to rebuild the team with.
- Plenty of experience on the blueline for next season.
- Plenty of physical players on the team to help wear down the opposition.
TEAM WEAKNESSES
- Offense could struggle given the lack of NHL experience from many of the young players.
- Could use a more experienced backup goaltender.
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