2009-10 NHL preview: Carolina Hurricanes


The Carolina Hurricanes went 45-30-7 and earned 97 points last year in a season that ended up lasting a lot longer then many thought. The Hurricanes made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before being swept by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Hurricanes seemed to be one big move or a few small moves away from being a big time contender again in 2009-10. However Canes, GM Jim Rutherford thinks his team already made its big moves, and essentially stood pat over much of the off season.

The Hurricanes made a big move, half way through the last season. They fired, Head Coach Peter Laviolette, and replaced him with Paul Maurice. From that point forward the Canes played so well the front office felt in unnecessary. Essentially this team is the same as it was when the left the ice after the defeat to Pittsburgh.

Beyond a few minor moves, tweaks really, the Hurricanes resigned Forwards Erik Cole and Chad Larose. They are that confident that they have the right mix, and can once again challenge for the Stanley Cup. This is a team built around Goalie Cam Ward, which features an offensive minded defense that was unable to slow down the Penguins. Whose to say if standing pat was the right move, because only time will tell us.

Additions- RW Andrew Alberts, D Zach Fitzgerald, RW Steven Goertzen, D Jay Harrison, RW Tom Kostopoules, and D Aaron Ward

Subtractions- RW Patrick Evans, D Mark Flood, C Dwight Helminen, and D Frantisek Kaberle

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