The Carolina Hurricanes took a significant step forward during the 2018-19 season. Now it’s time for them to build on it.
The Carolina Hurricanes had an incredibly successful 2018-19 season. For the first time since 2009, they made the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Not only that, the Hurricanes eliminated the defending Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals in seven games and swept the New York Islanders. Even though they got swept by the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Final, it’s impossible to call this season anything short of a success.
However, the next step is going to be a hard one for the Hurricanes. They’ve got their fans interested in hockey again. Winning has a tendency to do this. Now the Hurricanes have to build on their success this season. They can’t go 10 years without making the playoffs like last time.
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The Hurricanes are in a position to be one of the most aggressive teams in the NHL this offseason. They’re armed with cap space, as usual. But this time, thanks to their Stanley Cup Playoff run and their highest average attendance since the 2013-14 season, the Hurricanes should also have quite a bit of money to play with.
According to CapFriendly, the Hurricanes will enter the offseason with just under $25.5 million of cap space before factoring in the salary cap rise. If it rises to $83 million as expected, this gives them just under $30 million of cap space with 14 players signed.
They have 12 free agents to worry about, including all three of their primary goaltenders and Sebastian Aho, who’s unquestionably their top forward. The Hurricanes must also add to their already budding roster. Expect majority owner Thomas Dundon to explore both the trade market and the free agent market.
General Manager Don Waddell was named a GM of the Year Finalist. He’ll have to earn his nomination this summer as the Hurricanes look to build on their success from the 2018-19 season.