The 2015-2016 New York Islanders Will Be…

Carolina Hurricanes

Mar 12, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward

(15) celebrates his 3rd period goal against the Dallas Stars at PNC Arena. The Dallas Stars defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Hurricanes season was over before it ever got started with the injury to Jordan Staal.  Starting the season 0-6-2 through October dug the hole and despite a reasonable performance in November the Hurricanes were already ten points behind the last wild card playoff spot (trailing Toronto, interestingly) and never recovered.  GM Ron Francis, on the job for not quite one year yet, is tasked with turning around a franchise with one playoff appearance since the Stanley Cup team of 2005-06.

The Hurricanes may actually be in worse position than Toronto.  Despite having Eric Staal and 2013 first round pick Elias Lindholm up front, Carolina is in the bottom five in offensive production. Jay McClement, Andrej Nestrasil and Brett Bellemore are the only players on the roster with a positive plus/minus rating.  That isn’t the best stat in the world but when positioned against middle of the road goaltending numbers, the offensive challenges stick out.

Unfortunately for Francis, next season looks like the bottom for Carolina.  Jordan Staal, Alexander Semin, Jeff Skinner and Justin Faulk are under long-term contracts and offer a worthy core for the Hurricanes.  However without a fast start the pressure to trade big name unrestricted free agents for future players and picks will mount.  Cam Ward and Eric Staal are the biggest names with expiring contracts after next season and both have value for contending teams.

With a lack of depth in the prospect pool both Ward and Eric Staal may find themselves traded, though both would need to waive their no-trade clause which Staal decided against this season.  That should concern Francis, whom will need all options on the table to turn the franchise around.  A high draft pick this year will be a part of that perhaps as soon as next season.

Francis has potential to be one of the more active GM’s at the draft with a high pick and coveted players to support a playoff run.  With cap space available the quickest way to replicate the New York Islanders success is through free agency.  That’s a risky approach to take and doesn’t guarantee long-term success.  I expect Francis to stay the course, draft as high and as often as possible in 2015 and see how a healthy start benefits the Hurricanes.

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