Beat writer Bobby Muggins coming at all you Caniacs once again to give you a season preview of your Carolina Hurricanes.
After seeing the outcome of the Dispersal and Entry Drafts, the current and future state of the Canes is looking to stay competitive. While not touting superstar talent beyond a few players, the Canes will try to compete for a playoff spot this inaugural season.
The Entry Draft saw GM Jay Williams add some good prospects to compete for future spots on the squad with their five picks. When asked how he thinks the organization did in the draft, GM Williams was honest.
"The draft was frustrating in some regard as the players we had pegged to select in almost every instance were chosen one two spots ahead of our slot," noted Williams. "I also think that this draft class was so deep, we still made out very well in the talent we selected for the club."
"I personally expect to see them all competing for a spot on the main squad in years to come, if not one or two even this year."
In spite of any outstanding and unexpected performances in training camp and preseason, we can expect to see the following line combinations this season for the Hurricanes:
1st Line: Bertuzzi - Tavares - Svechnikov
2nd Line: Gurianov - Trocheck - Namestnikov
3rd Line: Chiasson - Amadio - Armia
Checking Line: Foegele - Goodrow - McGinn
1st D-Pair: Krug - Del Zotto
2nd D-Pair: Pysyk - Staal
3rd D-Pair: Fleury - Seabrook
Starting Goalie: Bobrovsky
BackUp Goalie: Campbell
As far as team captains, we can expect John Tavares, Brent Seabrook, and Marc Staal to hold those honors. However, ultimately it will come down to how this team works together throughout training camp and preseason.
I think we all will have a team to be positive and cheer on this inaugural BEARD Hockey Season and would suggest to the naysayers out there, a storm is coming...
Until next time, this is Bobby Muggins.