Inactivity at the Trade Deadline
Most of these topics are well covered for the Canes as the seasons pass. Former Carolina general manager Ron Francis did little to nothing on the trade market during his four years in the front office. Commanding change seemed to discomfort Francis and his view of the team’s future.
With Tom Dundon making some pretty massive changes to the franchise, a GM hire that makes a much bigger impact on the roster is a good fit given the team’s situation. Carolina is largely regarded as a stagnant franchise around the league, and this is a big move to spark change.
Shaking up the roster, coaching staff, and front office are all significant steps to seeing a better on ice product for the Canes. Apparently demoting Francis was the first step in that process. His only 2018 Trade Deadline deal coming by way of acquiring Greg McKegg from the Pens could have sealed his fate.
The Canes do still have a ton of time to make some improvements to the roster, filling some gaping holes before the puck is dropped on the 2018-19 season. Since this season should be left for dead at this point, the focus is already turning toward the future.