NHL Season Preview 2014-2015: Carolina Hurricanes

Strengths 

Jan 31, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward

(53) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the second period against the St. Louis Blues at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Jason: The Hurricanes do have some nice, solid pieces. Eric Staal was almost an automatic guarantee for 70 points during an 82 game season, until last season, when he only scored 61 points in 79 games. If Staal can get back to the form where he provides at least 30 goals and 70 points per season, the Hurricanes should be better offensively. Their top-six has a lot of good pieces: if Staal and Semin bounce back and Skinner again posts a 30-goal season, the Hurricanes should get some consistent scoring from their top-six.

Josh: In 2014-2015, the Hurricanes will be paying nearly a combined $27 million for the offensive prowess of forwards Eric Staal, Alexander Semin, Jeff Skinner and Jordan Staal. But money can lie and outside of Skinner’s 33 goals last season, this group has struggled mightily considering the figures each player collects.

Despite massive under-achievements, these four are still a scary bunch to deal with on a nightly basis. It’s hard to believe the Hurricanes won’t improve on their 22nd ranked offense (2.5 GPG) from last season.

Money can lie, but if there is still juice left in the tank, the quartet has a chance at providing a scoring punch that lives up to the $27 million for next season.