NHL Season Preview: Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes


Last Season's standings: record- 52-22-8 for 112 points. The Carolina Hurricanes, the eventual Stanley Cup champions of last season finished 1st in the Southeast Division, 2nd in the Eastern Conference.

In: John Grahame G (prev. team: Tampa Bay Lightning); Eric Staal F; Mike Commodore D; Erik Cole F; Chad LaRose F; Glen Wesley D; Trevor Letowski F (prev. team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Keith Aucoin F; David Gove F; Craig Kowalski G; Derrick Walser D; Tim Conboy D; Mike Angelidis F; Scott Kelman F (prev. team: San Jose Sharks); Jesse Boulerice F (prev. team: St. Louis Blues); David Tanabe D (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Brad Isbister D (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Stephen Peat F; Scott Walker F (via trade w/ Nashville Predators)

Out: Martin Gerber G (new team: Ottawa Senators); Matt Cullen F (new team: NY Rangers); Doug Weight F (new team: St. Louis Blues); Aaron Ward D (new team: NY Rangers); Mark Reechi F (new team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Josef Vasicek F (via trade w/ Nashville Predators)

Season Outlook: Good. The Hurricanes are the defending Stanley Cup Champs and with that status comes high expectations. The big concern heading into the season is the health of Erik Cole. Cole is coming off a neck injury that came within inches of paralyzing him. He actually came back to play game 6 and 7 of the Stanley Cup Final and it is not yet known whether doing so might jave set him back to play the beginning of the 06-07 season. Look for the Hurricanes to be very cautious with Cole. In net, they are solid with Playoff MVP cam Ward starting and veteran John Graham backing him up. Up front, the Hurricanes are returning8 of the 12 forwards that brought them to the Finals. They've also added small-in-size-but-not-in-ability Center Trevor Letowski. Brad Isbister should provide some scoring depth. Scott Walker brings some toughness to the mix. Finally on defense, tyheir top four defensemen from last year have returned.

Season Prediction: The Hurricanes will take top spot in the Southeast Division, 3rd in the Eastern Conference.