2015-16 record: 35-31-16 (86 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: TBA
Last year was a step in the right direction for the Carolina Hurricanes, even after missing the playoffs yet again and despite trading away longtime face of the franchise Eric Staal near the trade deadline. Between building up the blue line and players buying into coach Bill Peters' system, there is every reason to believe that the Hurricanes will sooner or later make the playoffs for the first time since 2009 and sustain that success for the future.
Up front, the trade of Staal means that the Hurricanes will need a new locker room leader, and while there is no clear cut candidate, that doesn't mean there isn't a player that can do the job, as the younger players are beginning to take on more prominent roles with the team and the veterans are helping out, too. Offensively, they were challenged even with Eric Staal, but on the bright side, Jeff Skinner finally showed no ill effects of his concussion issues in recent years to post 28 goals and show the potential for 30 goals a season. Victor Rask also showed goal scoring potential in his second season, and while Jordan Staal will never post the numbers big brother did at his best, he does provide a solid two-way presence. However, a bounce back season from Elias Lindholm, as well as contributions from newly acquired Teuvo Teravainen and possibly Sebastian Aho are imperative. Defensively, the Hurricanes are showing major growth despite the fact that only Ron Hainsey is the only player there with regular playing time that is over 25. It begins with Noah Hanifin and is led by Justin Faulk. The better news here is that there is more talent in the pipeline, a clear indication that General Manager Ron Francis is wanting to build from the back out. Cam Ward returns at a pay cut, and despite respectable GAA, he didn't have good save percentage numbers. It would help if Eddie Lack can put last year's miserable numbers behind him and play like he did in Vancouver.
Prediction: 8th in the Metropolitan Division
Growing pains are still to be had in Carolina, especially when it comes to offense. At the very least, the defense will be better and the youth will be served.
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