It was the season of the Storm Surge in Carolina this year. The Hurricanes capped off a 4th place finish in the Metropolitan Division, 11th overall, with an incredible playoff run ending in the Eastern Conference Final against the Bruins. =

Additions: Jake Gardiner, Ryan Dzingel, Erik Haula, James Reimer, Joel Edmundson

Subtractions: Justin Williams, Micheal Ferland, Curtis McElhinney, Scott Darling, Calvin de Haan, Adam Fox, Justin Faulk

Forwards:

The Hurricanes took advantage of a Montreal Canadiens offer-sheet to get Sebastian Aho locked up early, clearing them up for a good summer. Signing Ryan Dzingel could be a really solid signing adding to an already deep forward group. 

Defense:

Losing Calvin De Haan is a big blow but replacing him with Jake Gardiner should be an upgrade. Shipping Justin Faulk out for a prospect and Joel Edmundson might weaken their defense in the short run but they were giving up from a position of strength and shouldn’t hurt much from it.

Goalies:

Petr Mrazek made a push in the playoffs to secure the number one job but losing Curtis McElhinney leaves them without a security blanket behind him. If he falters at any point, the Hurricanes could find themselves in a tough spot.

The Point Prediction:

There’s a Hurricane coming! This team struggled to find the back of the net last season but they create so many good chances and we feel like this is the year they break out. We have them taking second place in the Metropolitan Division, finishing 11th overall in the league.

 

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)