Want to know just how serious the Carolina Hurricanes are about competing for the Stanley Cup in 2012-13? If trading for and signing Jordan Staal to a 10 year extension (the same one he rejected as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins) and gambling $7 million that Alexander Semin will rediscover his scoring touch don't convince you, then maybe a 6-year extension for a guy currently on the squad will. It's not Eric Staal, but Jeff Skinner. A first round draft pick in 2010, he immediately became the Canes' second best player after Cam Ward and not only took home the Calder Trophy, but also became an All-Star his rookie year. He would have made the All-Star team this past season had concussion issues not forced him to miss a few games. In addition to Jordan Staal and Semin, the Hurricanes also gave extensions to Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu prior to the trade deadline, which assured Skinner that the Hurricanes were willing to keep the pieces intact for a while. Now, with Jordan Staal and Semin on board, it only seemed to be a matter of time before Skinner would sign an extension. This newfound spending spree that the Hurricanes have been on is likely to pay off...if the blue line grows up. They are still relatively young at that spot, and will give up opportunities. Having the offensive firepower to compete just might help...
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