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Metro Division Outlook: Where do the Carolina Hurricanes Stand?

By Joshua Ryan

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 22: General view of Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on April 22, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 5-2. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 22: General view of Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on April 22, 2019 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes won 5-2. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 03: Justin Williams #14 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates the puck against Ivan Provorov #9 of the Philadelphia Flyers on January 3, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 03: Justin Williams #14 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates the puck against Ivan Provorov #9 of the Philadelphia Flyers on January 3, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Flyers

Notable Additions

Matt Niskanen

Notable Departures

Cam Talbot

Ryan Hartman

Radko Gudas

The Philadelphia Flyers are in a very weird position heading into the 19-20 season. They aren’t exactly barren of talent, as Claude Giroux is still a top-tier NHL player with elite leadership qualities, and they boast youth and skill around the ice. This team is just inexperienced and influx.

Shayne Gostisbehere is a top defenseman, and Nolan Patrick has tremendous upside going into his third full NHL season. Restricted free agents Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny are two very intriguing pieces for the Flyers both present and future plans, and will undoubtedly return next season.

Things get a little more interesting when it comes to goaltending. Carter Hart was a top prospect in the Philly system until getting the nod last year. He produced well and should take the next step in providing an above average net minder to the roster. If he can live up to his potential, and Brian Elliot can have a better year, than the game’s most important position should be steady for this team.

Much of the issue lies, however, in what this team didn’t do this offseason. Matt Niskanen is a good veteran defenseman, but this team seems more content to let the youth that fills the roster to play out the year. This isn’t a bad strategy for a team with as many young pieces as Philly, but in a division like the Metro, it is nearly impossible to sustain success amidst the talent present.

Sean Couturier remains one of the leagues most underrated talents, Scott Laughton returned on a two-year contract which shows the faith the team has in his continued development, and players like Travis Sanheim, and Robert Hagg will be relied upon to be greater factors to the team’s success. Whether or not they are up to the challenge is yet to be determined.

X-Factor’s

Goaltending

Carter Hart has to prove he belongs.

Can Patrick Live up to the Hype

Nolan Patrick must fast forward his development and become the top center he was touted as when the Flyers made him the second overall pick

Will Gostisbehere and Provorov Return to Form

Both Gostisbehere and Provorov took massive steps back in 2018-19, and the teams record reflected that. For this team to be successful, these two have to return to the offensive prominence that this team so relies on.

Giroux Remains Elite

Leadership aside, this team needs Claude Giroux to play six years younger this season for them to have a chance. His 80-90 points production could be the difference between competing in the lottery, or for the Stanley Cup

Best Case

2nd Wildcard Team

Worst Case

Top Five Pick in the Draft

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