Welcome back to Puck Drop: NHL Preview 2013-14, where our hockey department gives you a detailed look at each team from around the NHL leading to the start of his hockey season. Check back often as new teams are added to our Puck Drop page. Today we take a look at the 2013-14 Carolina Hurricanes.

It seemed like the moment the Carolina Hurricanes would finally re-legitimize themselves as an Eastern Conference contender. The 2012 NHL Draft was unexpectedly paused to announce this fact, or more specifically the Canes acquisition of Jordan Staal. The Hurricanes were committed to getting their team back on track and adding another Staal brother was only the start. Recently departed Capital Alex Semin had also joined the fold to double an elite forward group that already included Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner. It should have been more than enough to make the playoffs, especially in a weak Southeast division but instead disappointment was the only resounding theme for the 2013 Carolina Hurricanes. A year later, the situation has gone from bad to worse.

Last Season

Things started off exceptionally for the Hurricanes in 2013 as many believed they would. With a revamped roster and surprise performances from players like Jiri Tlusty the team looked like a playoff lock in the early going. Then Cam Ward suffered a knee injury and their entire season went south. They ended up finishing a stunning 13th place in the conference, and any perceived progress from the off-season was quickly forgotten. The season shed some light on a few things that the they would have very much liked to keep buried away. For one they are the worst special teams squad in the league. This is a surprising fact considering their powerplay (28th in 2013) features the names mentioned above. Likewise with the Penalty Kill (27th in 2013), which features one of the best defensive forwards in the game in Jordan Staal. Moreover, the Hurricanes don’t have great goaltending depth. Injuries are starting to define Cam Ward and a Dan Ellis/Justin Peters combo was not able to maintain the quality that Carolina needed to make the postseason. Other big injuries to Eric Staal, Joni Pitkanen and Tuomo Ruutu crippled the team further.

Offseason

After a season in which the Hurricanes goaltending depth, and depth in general came into question they spent the off-season addressing those concerns. Should Cam Ward go down once again this season the team is now in more capable hands. Anton Khudobin proved himself to be a very serviceable backup for the Boston Bruins and should prove likewise for Carolina. Furthermore, the blueline will need to show a big improvement over last year, and the Canes have added Andrei Sekera to a group that already includes Justin Faulk, Joni Pitkanen, Tim Gleason and Jay Harrison. Mike Komisarek was brought in to try and resurrect his career and at 700k is worth the risk. Prospect Ryan Murphy should also push for a spot in training camp. The main addition to the Cane’s forward group was a byproduct of their horrible season last year. Elias Lindholm was drafted 5th overall and the Swede will have a chance to make the team right away. His exceptional two-way talent should serve him well as he starts a promising NHL career. Meanwhile, Aaron Palushaj could prove to be a nice depth addition to the forward group. He has shown flashes of the kinds of talent that could make him a full time NHLer and knows he is running out of time to prove himself. Nathan Gerbe rounds up the summer additions and is in line to full a much needed depth forward role on the wing for the Canes.

The Carolina Hurricanes also made one terrible, terrible move this off-season and that was changing divisions. As the NHL reorganized into a four division format the Hurricanes got stuck in the Metropolitan Division. In the space of one year they have gone from the easiest division in hockey to arguably the toughest. Their formerly slim playoff chances now seem almost non-existent given the talent they will need to compete with for three automatic spots, and two wildcards.

Storylines to Watch

Cam Ward. In many respects the Hurricanes success will revolve around him in 2013-14 and they require a massive campaign from Ward. They also need him to stay healthy. Ward was a surprise snub from the Canadian Olympic Team develop camp roster and will be looking to re-enter his name for consideration. This is the sort of motivation that could see him return to being one of the best goaltenders not only for his country but in the National Hockey League.

Kirk Muller is an incredible coach but had difficultly keeping his team focused in the second half of 2013. While he is learning on the job and doing a commendable job at it, the Hurricanes organization expect to win. Especially when considering some of the money they have invested in the roster. If Muller fails to make this team at least competitive for a playoff position his first stint as a head coach in the NHL could end prematurely.

Joining his brother in Carolina didn’t quite go as planned for Jordan Staal. Receiving the extra minutes and better line-mates that were his reasoning for leaving Pittsburgh, Staal largely underwhelmed. Whether this was due to the poor performance from the team or the fact that he was matched up against better players is unknown. However, one thing is for certain, with an Olympic camp invite under his belt he will be motivated to have a better year in 2013-14. There is a good chance he will.

Player to Watch

Considering everything he has accomplished and his status as an elite forward it is difficult to remember the fact that Jeff Skinner is only 21 years of age. Skinner disappointed in the 2013 season and concussions remain an issue for him. As one of the most talented members of the Hurricanes team, expect better from Skinner in 2013-14. It is a possibility that the 21 year old could be playing on the third line this year if the Canes try to spread out their talent. With his hands he should be able to put up significant points against team’s weaker pairings. Expect Skinner to be a small bright spot in the darkness that is sure to be the 2013-14 Carolina Hurricanes season.

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