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Carolina Hurricanes: The Path to Contention

By Thomas G

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 2: Goaltender Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on November 2, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Hurricanes 5-3. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 2: Goaltender Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on November 2, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Hurricanes 5-3. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 13: Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Jeff Skinner (53) al smiles during the 3rd period of the Carolina Hurricanes versus the Dallas Stars on November 13, 2017, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 13: Carolina Hurricanes Left Wing Jeff Skinner (53) al smiles during the 3rd period of the Carolina Hurricanes versus the Dallas Stars on November 13, 2017, at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Why the Canes are soon to be Contenders

The Carolina Hurricanes have arguably been rebuilding for just under a decade. But they have done so in such a way, that they will force themselves into a contending position in a few years. Now, when I use the phrase: “rebuild,” you’re probably thinking of a tank and draft process. Trade your best players, acquire draft picks, redo your depth etc.

The Hurricanes did this to build themselves a good team, but something in particular sets their rebuild apart. They drafted oh so very strategically. Just take a look at their young and promising defensive core.

Jaccob Slavin, Brett Pesce, Haydn Fleury, Noah Hanifin and Justin Faulk are all examples of the Canes’ strategic drafting. To add insult to injury (to opposing teams) the Hurricanes have acquired all of the promising, young defensemen they could find.

Trevor van Riemsdyk was traded from Vegas, Roland McKeown from LA and Klas Dahlbeck off waivers. Taking in as much defensive goodness as possible, is all part of the plan.

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