2014 NHL Offseason Recap: Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes

Dec 12, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason (6) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

IN: Tim Gleason (Maple Leafs), Brad Malone (Avalanche), Jay McClement (Maple Leafs), *Bill Peters, **Ron Francis

OUT: Manny Malhotra (Canadiens), Justin Peters (Capitals)

Re-signed: Nathan Gerbe, Ron Hainsey, Jiri Tlusty

Currently unsigned: Brett Bellemore (UFA), Drayson Bowman (UFA), Radek Dvorak  (UFA), Mike Komisarek (UFA), Andrei Loktionov (UFA), Joni Pitkanen (UFA)

Recap:

Much like the aforementioned Blue Jackets and Flyers, the Carolina Hurricanes had a pretty quiet offseason as well. Carolina didn’t really lose or add much this summer, but depth was certainly addressed.

Tim Gleason returns to Raleigh after a brief stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Carolina traded Gleason to the Maple Leafs last season on Jan. 1. Brad Malone and Jay McClement add to the forward depth on the third and fourth lines.

Former first round pick Jiri Tlusty has yet to live up to expectations but will return. Nathan Gerbe, who matched his career-high with 31 points last season (16 G, 15 A) will also stay.

The real changes happened in the front office and behind the bench. Hall of Fame center and former Hurricane Ron Francis takes over as the new general manager. Bill Peters was named the new head coach. Peters has been under the tutelage of one of the best coaches in the NHL, Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock, since 2011.

The Hurricanes haven’t qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 2008-2009 season so changes were to be expected after Kirk Muller’s squad finished in seventh place in the Metro Division last season.

Carolina does have some quality talent in the Staal brothers (Eric and Jordan) as well as young Jeff Skinner and Justin Faulk. But even so, a few transition seasons should be expected as a new era begins in Raleigh.

* New head coach

** New general manager