Monday debate: what's missing?

Its not Cole's 26 goals really, its his GW that is going to be missed, and leadership in the locker room that will be missed.  I am going to miss him and Staal flying up the ice but the short trip up to Montreal is going to be nice for me.  Can't wait for the season to start, looking forward to seeing what the Hurricanes put on the ice Dalpe deserves the shot, and looking forward to the Habs and watching Cole score 35, 30 of those at Home.....1 month left till training Camps!!!!

Does anyone know or heard how many games FSN CAROLINAS will broadcast this season? ( Canes games)

In my opinion we still need a top 6 forward on Staal's line. If not try Dalpe or Boychuk. I know JR has come out and said Dalpe will have a roster spot this season, so try him. If that doesn't work try Boychuk.

This is Boychuk's and Bowman's year to make the team. If not they are outta here. We are vastly improved in the other areas and bigger than last year.

With all the prospects we have, our future is bright. Just hope if their is a coaching change this year at some point, Jeff Daniels will be the next coach.

The one question I have is why hasn't Staal come out and ask JR to get him a winger to take some of the heat off of him and make his line one of the best in the NHL?

Does anyone know if the Canes are going to resign Jacob McFlicker? I know he did well in Charlotte. I thought for sure the Canes would give him a contract?

With the departures of Cole (26g) and Corvo (11g), a combined total of 37 goals walked out the door. The off season signings that Rutherford made-- Poni (5g),  Stewart (14g) and Kaberle (4g)-- only brings in 23 goals scored between the three of them-- a 14 goal differential. Certainly the power play has improved with the presence of Kaberle, but will that really be enough for a team that missed the playoffs by one game/two points?  One could hope that a prospect will step up, that one of the new guys will have a really good year, we won't have injuries  and that the additons of Brind'Amour and Dave Lewis behind the bench will have influence. AS much as I like the moves Rutherford made in the offseason-- some good pickups and not getting into a bidding war with Montreal--, I just don't know that overall we're much different than we when Tampa handed the Hurricanes the loss last game of the season. If Staal is still drawing two defenders each time he carries the puck across the line, that will be telling as to what our opponents think of his wingers... I believe Rutherford isn't finished making roster adjsutments and is waiting to see what happens in camp and preseason. Scoring still needs to be addressed.

     The Hurricanes in my view are already positioned to be a solid playoff contender.  This team's roster addresses two huge needs from last season:  (1) at least one huge, fast forward who can create chaos in front of the net and (2) a fourth line center who can win face-offs, block shots, and kill penalties.  The addition of Stewart and Ponikarovsky are very significant improvements in the over all team composition.  The addition of Brent adds the much needed fourth line center who can win crucial faceoffs.  His shot blocking ability during a key game against Toronto probably cost the Hurricanes a playoff spot.  He is also an excellent penalty-killer.

    Staal's wing remains an open question.  If the Hurricanes were to obtain a player like Brad Boyes, for example,  Boyes/Staal/Stewart would make it difficult for teams to focus too much attention on Staal.  I am optimistic that either Dalpe or Boychuk could make the jump to the first line left wing; but as ctill points out, it is a big bet.  Unless Steve Bernier has some attitude issue of which I am not aware,  I'd take a try with him.  He is an UFA and should be affordable.  Dustin Penner is in the LA Kings doghouse; and despite his reputation for not being in first class shape, he is a tremendous talent.  Again,  Penner/Staal/Stewart frees up Skinner to play with Dalpe and Ruutu.  I believe Skinner's work again this season with Gary Roberts will mean he plays numerous shifts at center.  Dalpe, too,  is a natural center and once he gets his man strength, he is going to get shifts at center as well I think.

    The other area where the Hurricanes can make a significant stride is in finding an elite first pairing shutdown defenseman.  To be clear,  I really like the Hurricanes defense; and in my view it is substantially better than anytime since 2005-2006 as an overall group.  Once Aaron Ward left after 2005-2006, the Hurricanes defense has not been a strength of the team.  At least since 2007-2008, the lack of overall physicality on defense hurt the team.  Even so,  if there were a defensive shutdown star added, the Hurricanes would be a top six tier team.  Cam Ward is so good he can carry a team. Imagine Cam Ward where he is facing one-third fewer shots and were his defense is clearing the crease.  I like what Allen and Joslin brought to the team in terms of creating a war zone in the crease.  Kaberle should help on the power play and in avoiding having the team pinned in its defensive zone.  McBain should be improved after his additional experience this past season. 

   Long term things look excellent for the Hurricanes.  Faulk and Murphy will be major contributors before long in terms of fast, puck moving defensemen. Dumoulin is an excellent big, strong, defenseman with a mean streak.  Alt is one of the best pure athletes the Hurricanes have in their system.  Sanguinetti was playing very well before his injury and if he comes to camp on a mission, he could take a roster spot. I expect Joslin to be even better this season.  If Allen's knee is improved now that he is two years post-surgery, he too could be much improved.  Gleason had an off-season in 2010-2011. I am convinced he battled nagging injuries; and he should be back to  his normal, intense, take no prisoners self.  Pitkanen is a world class talent on defense; and if Coach Lewis can help him harness all his abilities, he can be a force of nature player for the Hurricanes.   It's an excellent core group on defense. 

   With regard to forwards,  Rask was rated by some scouting sevices as a top five player before the season began.  He hit some potholes, due to internal team politics I think; but he could be a steal the same way Dalpe was a steal.  Boychuk didn't have a fantastic pre-season; but if he makes the jump this season, it will make a huge difference for the Hurricanes.  Bowman, too, is at something of a near cross-roads season.  He needs to find his scoring touch in the NHL.  Tlusty played very well in spots; but never regained his confidence after being slammed against the boards and getting hurt.  Riley Nash made steady progress last season in Charlotte.  He is the kind of player who could come to camp on a mission as well.  The coaches seem to be impressed with Terry and at minimum he will have a large role for the Checkers this season.  The future is bright for the Hurricanes. The addition of one more star on offense and one more star on defense would be a sea change for the Hurricanes organization.