Marc-Andre Gragnani –  (6’2″; 205 lbs) M-A is by far the most experienced defensemen of the three players in question, having played in 73 games at the NHL level. In those 73 games, he maintained an admirable +6.  He is an underrated passer, and has shown he has the ability to add some additional punch to the offense (7 pts/7 GP in the ’11 Quaterfinals versus Philly), albeit not consistently. For whatever reason, Vancouver didn’t want him back which might raise some red flags. But the Canes were in need of a big body on the blue line that could QB the PP and Gragnani certainly fits the bill. This was a smart signing by JR to help add to our depth and you never know, he could be another reclamation gem. He’ll be given a good look in camp, but I think he’ll begin the season in Charlotte.

If his chances of making the roster were judged solely on how many pictures Presswire has of him, he would be staying in Charlotte. Mandatory Credit: Dave Miller-US PRESSWIRE

Bobby Sanguinetti - (6’3″; 190 lbs) This is probably a make it or break it year for Sangs. Bobby has put in the time and put in the effort and it’s starting to show dividends. JR has stated that he thinks Sanguinetti is on the cusp, an endorsement I’m sure Mueller will take into account when making this decision. I also think that his offensive talents fit a bit better with how our current defense is built. If he does get on the ice, it will most likely be in relief of an injured blueliner, most of which are offensively minded. It seems like the stars may finally be aligning for him this season. Going into camp, he’s probably at the top of the list of candidates and I’m not certain I can disagree.

Ryan Murphy - (5’11′; 176 lbs) Young Mr. Murphy is as talented as they come. His offensive acumen is so inimitable that only Old Blue Eyes himself could provide the soundtrack to his highlight reel. He’s extremely fast and has a natural instinct on when to join the rush. Having said all of that, I don’t think he’s quite ready for full time duty in the big leagues. He’s not quite up to his ideal playing weight yet. If he can add about 8-10 more pounds of muscle to his frame, even if he loses a bit of his speed, he could be an elite offensive defenseman in the league for years. Even with all of his upside, his  inexperience could cost us points in October that we may be in desperate need of in April (see Justin Faulk  ’11). If a Pitkanen trade happens, he could move his way up this list. But I’m not quite sure the positives out weigh the negatives in regards to him being a full time starter this season. If anything, I say another trial is in order for at least few games, if not all 9 that he is eligible to play. Last year during his 4 game trial period, he didn’t even make it onto the ice. Hopefully this season we can at least get an idea of how he stacks up against grown men instead of the kids he’s been dominating for 2 years.

"Just waiting for a call from 910." Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

Ryan – Staal – Staal

Skinner – Ruutu – Semin

Leaving Andreas Nodl, Jeremy Welsh, Chad LaRose, Tim Brent, Tim Wallace, Jiri Tlusty, and Patrick Dwyer to make a grind line and an energy line (Which, I think between them, they could perform admirably). How much fun would that offense be to watch for 82 nights?  Sure the offense could use some more size/grit and the defense is grizzly (although it is more balanced in this scenario), but this is the hand we’ve been dealt and there’s still almost $15MM of cap space left to fix those problems if you don’t think this strategy alone will work. I’d caution against spending too much though as free agency is going to hit us pretty hard next year, especially at our 3rd and 4th line level. But, as we found out this year, those type of players are always pretty easy to replace in free agency. Here’s what the entire roster would look like along with all of the salary adjustments. What do you think? Anyone have a better plan? 

March 10, 2012; Tampa FL, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Jeff Skinner (53) is congratulated by left wing Jussi Jokinen (36) and right wing Chad LaRose (59) after he scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

What makes a successful NHL team? The answer to that question differs depending on what city you live in.  In self proclaimed “Hockeytown”, Red Wing fans expect deep playoff runs and Stanley Cups. Other big market, high payroll teams such as the Flyers, Penguins and Bruins use the same criteria. For a team like the Hurricanes, just being a consistent playoff team would make me happy. I started following the Canes in 2000, after  moving to North Carolina. It is hard to believe that they have made the playoffs a grand total of four times in eleven years. No wonder the playoffs have provided some many great memories for Caniacs.  What makes this even more frustrating is that they either push for a playoff spot or are playing for a lottery spot.  Injuries, poor trades or signings, and player fall off can impact a season. The stat that seems to have the greatest impact on the success of the Hurricanes is goal differential. In 2007/08 the Canes were a +1 and missed the playoffs with 92 points. The Capitals won the Southeast with 94 points. In 2008/09 Carolina went all the way to the Eastern Conference finals after a +10 regular season and 97 points. The Canes were +1 in 2010/11 before losing to Tampa Bay 6-2 in the last game of the year and missing the playoffs by two points. In 09/10 and 11/12, or as I like to call them the “seasons from hell“, the Hurricanes were a combined – 56.  So it looks to me that if Kirk Muller can get this teams plus/minus closer to even, the Canes can at least make March and April games interesting. Believe it or not, I think the Canes have done three things that will improve on this telling stat. Either that or the North Carolina summer is affecting my brain.

April 5, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Jordan Staal (11) carries the puck as New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) defends during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

Without doubt Jordan Staal will help the Canes offense. As mush as I was heartbroken to here Brandan Sutters name come out of Gary Bettman’s mouth on draft night , Eric’s younger brother is a top of the line talent. When Staal has played a full season, he has averaged 21 goals a game. Only about two goals have come on the power play. Taking into account that he played third line minutes leads me to believe that Staal can and will be a 70 plus point player with top line minutes, power play time and top six line mates. The other two reasons I look for the Canes offense to improve, takes a bigger leap of faith.

Mar 27, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen (25) picks up the puck behind his net against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Hurricanes beat the Maple Leafs 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

As much as he has driven us all crazy over the years, having Joni Pitkanen for a full season (about 70 games based of his history)   will help the Canes plus/minus. Of course I don’t expect the Canes to become the Rangers in front of Cam Ward , or  their goals against to drop  to 200, but having a guy that averages 38 points from the blueline will help close the -30 gap (243 GA). Besides, I missed Joni passing up a point shot and skating the puck around the net. Well maybe I didn’t miss it that much, but I do think having Pitkanen back will help the Canes and their 213 goal offense. Now who Joni will be paired up with is another  nightmare story all together.

February 18, 2011; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Joe Corvo (77) celebrates the victory over the Philadelphia Flyers at the RBC center. The Hurricanes defeated the Flyers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-US PRESSWIRE

Finally, to show that  I am suffering from some type of heat stroke, I am glad to see Joe Corvo back with the Canes. I know this puts me in the minority but since it looks like the Hurricanes are trying to score more goals than preventing them, this move should help. Although Corvo is not the player he was 5 years ago, the 35 year old has had his best years in Raleigh. In fact his best year point wise was 10/11 when, paired with Tim Gleason, Corvo scored 40 points (11G/29A). Never mind that he was -14, we are taking about offense here. I don’t see Corvo playing Bryan Allen minutes but I don’t think that is why Jim Rutherford brought Joe back.

Now none of these additions take away from the fact that the Canes still need another winger for the top six. That addition seems like it will take place later rather than sooner. But if Jim Rutherford can pull something off  without giving up other important pieces, there is no reason that Canes can not get back into the playoffs  and become that consistent, successful team that Caniacs want.

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