Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Era Could End Tomorrow

Tomorrow could mark the end of an era for the Carolina Hurricanes.

The trade deadline is coming up, and it may be a confusing time for Carolina Hurricanes fans. Though many want to see the team improve to compete in the present, it may not be the best thing for the organization to do. The market has shown that teams are willing to pay for rental players, which the Canes have an abundance of.

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This season has been tough for most fans, and regardless of what fans think Ron Francis should do at the deadline, they should enjoy Sunday’s game, and enjoy the waning days of this era of the Carolina Hurricanes. Come Monday at 3:00 the Hurricanes may not have any players left from the 2005-2006 Cup team on their roster.

Eric Staal and Cam Ward are two big name, experienced players that remain on the trade deadline target lists, and could be moved by Monday. Carolina Hurricanes fans should be able to look back at the magical 2006 run and appreciate it, and know that this year could end a historic period for the Canes.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes have been in a transition phase for years, mostly under former General Manager Jim Rutherford, but if they trade Staal, Ward and others, it will mark a period of full rebuild. This isn’t a bad thing for Caniacs. The current young players have shown that they can contribute and play in the NHL, and the Canes just need to add a few more pieces to be fully competitive for decades to come. From what he has done up to this point, Ron Francis is prepared to rebuild the Canes in his way, and will be more successful than Jim Rutherford ever was in his attempt following the 2006 Cup.

We have to remember there are a lot of possibilities that can happen around the trade deadline. When looking at moves that have happened leading up to the deadline, they favor the Hurricanes. Ladd was just traded for a first rounder and a good prospect, and that should be what GM Ron Francis is asking for when it comes to current captain Eric Staal. We would expect a good return for a player of Staal’s caliber and experience if Francis finds a deal and Staal accepts it.

The biggest thing for fans to know is that regardless of what happens at the deadline, the Canes have had a good run with their current pieces, and they will only get better from here on out. This may be the end of an era in Raleigh, but it is just the beginning of a successful franchise.

At times it’s hard to see it, but good things are to come for this organization. Just remember that before the 2006 run the Hurricanes had to draft Eric Staal, selected 2nd overall in 2003. Sometimes starting from scratch is the best way to move forward.

And just in case you are a Carolina Hurricanes fan and are feeling down about the team’s recent post-season drought, here is a little perspective. The Hurricanes are only ten years removed from winning the NHL’s ultimate prize. In 2017, the vaunted Toronto Maple Leafs with their Original Six pedigree and deep historical traditions, will mark 50 years since they last raised Lord Stanley’s Cup. Let that sink in for just a moment.

Next: Eric Staal Likely to be Traded to New York Rangers

The NHL Trade Deadline is Monday, February 29 at 3:00 pm (EST).