Raleigh News & Observer

[DaveG-Canes]

Just Past Mid-Season Review:

As we near the trade deadline the Hurricanes are at a point where the team can build towards a contender. Short term there is a shot that they could be in the mix for the first Stanley Cup in league history, but it seems more likely that the Canes will have to wait at least one more year before they make that push to be among the leagues elites. With the core they have in place they feel that they are not too terribly far off from that, especially if some of the current NHLers continue their development into elite talents. In particular two of the big three Fins on the team, Jokinen and Pitkanen, need to continue to take the next steps in their development over the next few seasons in order for the team to be as good as it hopes to in the long run.

Trade Overview:
To Edmonton:
Aaron Ward, 2nd round pick

To Carolina:
Dustin Penner

The belief is that Penner will add some much needed grit to the team as they push towards the postseason. With the forward group that the team has in place right now it's likely that they will hold put at the deadline as they push towards the playoffs. While not expected to be one of the top seeds the Canes anticipate being a 5 or 6 seed and feel that the addition of a Penner will help them against more skilled teams such as Washington.

To Boston:
Erik Cole

To Carolina:
1st Round Pick 2011

Boston had been interested in Cole for seasons now, and with the addition of Penner the Canes felt that this was the perfect time and opportunity for them to maximize the value on their power forward. That's not to say that Cole would not still be of use, but from a cap situation it's not likely that the team would have been able to keep the winger after this coming season.

Awards Push:
As is the Canes are one of the highest scoring teams in the league despite their low numbers on the powerplay. Leading the way is MVP candidate Eric Staal who has 64 points in 59 games trailing the league leaders by only 5 points.

Joe Corvo continues to be a favorite for the Lady Bing with only 6PIMs on the season while adding 27 points from the blueline.

Farm Report:
Star prospects Drayson Bowman, Brandon Sutter and Zach Boychuk all continue to track along at a point per game pace or better so far this season. It seems likely that the Canes will be calling on all 3 within the next couple seasons when some players such as Whitney, Brind'Amour and Samsonov start to retire. In net goalies Mike Murphy and Justin Peters continue their development and continue to fight to see who is the next in line for the backup spot in Raleigh. Defensively Casey Borer has proven his worth and is up with the pro team, while Jamie McBain, at a stunning plus 52, continues to develop and is likely to replace Corvo as the PP catalyst when the time comes for that.