Metro Division Outlook: Where do the Carolina Hurricanes Stand?
The 2019 offseason saw every NHL team attempt to close the gap of competition and push their team that much closer toward eventual immortality. What does that mean for the teams in arguably the toughest division in the sport?
The 2018-2019 season saw exciting hockey that produced meaningful games being played almost all year long. Every week produced a different look in the standings, and it seems that nearly every team had a shot to make the playoffs. This is evident in how wide open the actual playoffs where, with wildcard teams making their presence known.
The Metropolitan Division was a big part of that. The Metro saw five teams make it to the big dance, tied with the Central for most in the league. These five teams all seemed like they had a chance to win it all; two of those teams played in the second round, and one of those wildcard teams made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final (one more victory lap won’t hurt anyone).
So, what more can you be said about the strength of a division than that? Yet, for a division seemingly so close in talent, every decision holds that much more weight. Every offseason acquisition seems to be vital to compete with the depth that these eight teams have to offer.
But what about the 2019-2020 season? Have the Hurricanes done enough to remain in contention? Have veteran teams like Pittsburgh, and Washington done enough to continue their recent dominance? have the Rangers, and the Flyers propelled their group to the playoff picture after being unable to combat greater talent?
These are the question we’ll address here. Which teams did the most, and which did the most in vain? Today we look at what every move this offseason means for these teams next year; and we diagnose just how exciting this division will be to witness in the coming season.
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
Columbus Blue Jackets
Key Additions
Key Departures
No team was butchered quite like the Columbus Blue Jackets this offseason. Leading scorer with 87 points in 79 games, gone. Number one goaltender with two Vezina’s in his trophy case at only 30 years old, gone. Trade deadline acquisition that costs a first-round pick and prospects, gone. A forward who cost two second round picks and a player, gone.
The worst part about what has happened to Columbus is that they haven’t acquired talent to replace what they have lost. They put all their chips in on 2018, and they came up short. Replicating an 80-point, 30 goal player is improbable; replicating the amount of experience that a guy like Bobrovsky had, is impossible.
There are reasons to think that Columbus won’t be as bad as their offseason would lead you to believe. Gustav Nyquist is a very good hockey player and provides a lot of experience and skill. They still have good talent up the middle, with Pierre-Luc Dubois, Alexander Wennberg, Boone Jenner, and Brandon Dubinsky.
Their forward group overall is decent, with Cam Atkinson goal scoring prowess still on the roster, Nick Foligno’s leadership still a presence, and the grit provided by guys like Josh Anderson will still be a factor.
Their blueline also remains intact and should continue to be the biggest strength of this team. Zach Werenski, who will return despite his RFA status, and Seth Jones are still a top 5 pairing in the NHL, and the depth of guys like Ryan Murray and David Savard should help that group continue to stand out.
The biggest question mark is obviously goaltending. The Blue Jackets didn’t score on any free agents and will most likely go into the season with Joonas Korpisalo as their starter. Korpisalo isn’t bad in any sense of the word, but he isn’t proven either. Without a veteran backup, one has to wonder if the wheels could potentially fall off a quarter way into the season if Korpisalo can’t figure it out.
X- Factor’s
Goaltending
Unless there is a miracle season provided by one of Columbus’s two top goaltender prospects, this should be a storyline to watch; and their season could pay the price of not being more aggressive in free agency
Replacing the Breadman’s Production
If Pierre-Luc Dubois can take the next step] as a playmaker, and Foligno and Jenner can both surpass 25 goals, than this team could be able to stay afloat in a tight playoff race.
John Tortorella
Torts is still a good hockey coach. If he can maintain this locker room for the long haul, then they might be able to build off a good 2018. If Tortorella falters, the whole thing may go up in smoke.
Best Case
First Wildcard
Worst Case
Draft Lottery
New York Rangers
Key Additions
Key Departures
The New York Rangers added a ton this offseason. They may have benefited the most out of anyone in the division; the question is, how much will it really matter? The team only had two players eclipse the 50-point threshold last season, and their reliance on youth had them trend downward.
Their second worst record in the division did end up working for their benefit, however, as they were able to land the second overall pick; thus adding the immensely talented Kaapo Kakko to their group. Kakko should produce at the NHL level, how much he will produce in his rookie season is up for debate, but a gradual trajectory seems likely for the winger.
The two big additions to the team, however, where made outside of the draft; trading for defenseman Jacob Trouba and adding Artemi Panarin in free agency. Panarin is huge. He is the elite, no doubt, number one scorer that every team desperately covets. Having him leading the charge offensively should take the pressure off of the young guys and help veterans like Mika Zibanejed and Chris Kreider flourish.
Jacob Trouba is also a tremendous acquisition for this team. A 50-point defenseman is hard to come across, and to secure one who is just entering his post age 25 season is an incredible value. Trouba becomes the top defenseman for this team, and the great mix of the youth found in Tony DeAngelo and Brady Skjei, should balance well with the experience in Kevin Shattenkirk and Marc Staal to create an above average group.
In net is where this team becomes a little more uncertain. Henrik Lindqvist had one of his worst seasons, and it will be interesting to see if that is a sign of father time claiming another or an elite goalie trying his best to salvage what was the remnants of a really bad team. Alexander Georgiev was better and should complement a more focused and assisted Lindqvist.
X- Factor’s
Developing the Kids
This team is young, and players like Pavel Buchnevich, Brett Howden, and Vladislav Namestnikov will be relied upon to be 20-plus goal scorers in the coming season. Whether or not they can be that will speak to the success of this season for this team.
Keeping up with the Metro
This Division is stacked, and it is difficult to really believe that a team with so much youth and uncertainty can really keep up, night in and night out, with the kind of talent they’ll be asked to face.
The End of the Kings Reign?
Lundqvist has had a Hall of Fame Career, but how much is left in the tank? If this team asks a 38-year-old netminder to play another 50-game season, then this might just be the beginning notes of his swan song.
Best Case
First Wildcard Team
Worst Case
Draft Lottery
New Jersey Devils
Key Additions
Key Departures
None
The New Jersey Devils had themselves an offseason. They did everything that you want for a young team that is coming off of a year they’d like to forget. They acquired talent, they added experience, and they addressed positions of need. This team could be dangerous in the coming season, and their downside isn’t all that bad either.
It all starts with Jack Hughes. The number one overall pick is as skilled as he is confident. He has an infectious energy that should keep him as the face of this franchise for the next decade. Hughes should develop into the number one offensive performer for the Devils and will be asked to carry his fair share of the load this coming season.
Although Jack Hughes is the biggest acquisition for the future, P. K. Subban means the most to this team today. His talent is unquestioned, his sheer will to win is unrivaled, but his charisma and leadership is really where this team should benefit. Subban has been through it, and this team now has a locker room presence that can steady the ship when times are tough, and keep them motivated when times are good.
Wayne Simmonds is a really underrated acquisition that rounds out an above average forward group. Nico Hischier should be ready to breakout in his third professional season after missing 13 games. Kyle Palmieri should continue to be a near 30 goal player, and this team will hopefully see the return of a healthy former Hart Trophy winner, Taylor Hall.
The defensive group may be average but the potential to be better is there. Subban obviously leads the charge, but Damon Severson is an underrated force for that team, Will Butcher provides an offensive punch from the blueline, and Sami Vatenen rounds out a group of youth that could really show out with the proper coaching.
Goaltending may be an issue for the Devils, but it also may be a strength. Cory Schneider is not the same player he once was, but a return to form is not entirely out of the question. The real unknown is second year goalie Mackenzie Blackwood. He was the Devils best goaltender down the stretch, and showed he belongs, but 20 games are a lot different than 40 plus. A platoon in net could do this team well, but it could also end in a repeat of goaltending issues that has plagues this team the past two seasons.
X-Factor’s
A Healthy Hall
If Taylor Hall can stay healthy than the Devils have a shot. With the addition of Hughes, Hall could have as good a season offensively as he had when he was MVP.
Chemistry or Combustion?
The one thing about this team is how they will fit together. This is a young team without a lot of direction, and P. K. Subban is a known personality. If they can find their place as a unit, then things could thrive, if they don’t, then the season could pay the price.
Is Blackwood the Real Deal?
Mackenzie Blackwood will have more pressure on him than almost any goaltender in this division. It was a small sample size, but if he can figure it out, like I believe he can, this team can be a dangerous bunch
Best Case
2nd in the Division
Worst Case
4th in the Division
Pittsburgh Penguins
Key Additions
Key Departures
The Pittsburgh Penguins had an interesting offseason. They traded away their second leading scorer and lost one of their better defensemen but got younger and added a valuable prospect for the future. The biggest question that this team faces is how they perform amidst the facets of the game that they can’t control.
Phil Kessel leaving definitely hurts and replacing him with a young but inconsistent forward in Alex Galchenyuk makes many hesitant to believe that the Penguins are a better team than the one constructed this time last year. The thing about being a Penguin is that you are surrounded by talent, so Galchenyuk will have every opportunity to succeed.
Brandon Tanev is an interesting addition as well. He is a very talented defenseman who tallied 14 goals for the Vancouver Canucks last season. Olli Maatta never really produced that level offensively, which is good news for the Penguins. Whether these additions can help this team overcome some of the better teams in the Division is a big uncertainty still.
If there is one thing that the league has learned it is that you can never truly count out greatness; and it wouldn’t be wise to bet against two of the greatest players of all time. Teams in the Metro know that, if these players are healthy, they are difficult to beat. If they can maintain their health through an 82-game season, they are likely to find themselves in playoff contention
The talent of this team is only magnified by the talent they have in net. Matt Murray is a force for the Penguins; he is consistent, focused, and knows what it takes to win games. Casey DeSmith had a good year as a 30-game backup, which solidifies that position for this team. again, the success of this team all relies upon how healthy they can stay throughout the season.
X-Factor’s
Can They Stay Healthy
Evgeni Malkin played in 68 games, Kris Letang played in 65 games, and Patric Hornqvist played in 69 games. Jake Guentzel, and his 76 points, is the the only current player able to play the full 82 games in 2018 aside from Jack Johnson who only contributed 13 points. This makes winning in a tight division all the more difficult.
The Impact of Galchenyuk
If Galchenyuk has a 30-goal season, this team could win the division; if he has 15 goals, they could just miss a wildcard spot. Either scenario is conceivable, each with dire consequences.
How Far Can Experience Carry Them?
There are teams in the division that are, top to bottom, more talented. there are teams that are better coached. How valuable is the STanley Cup experience that this team possesses?
Best Case
Division Winners
Worst Case
Fourth Team in the Division
New York Islanders
Key Additions
Key Departures
The New York Islanders had an incredible season last year. It was unexpected, it was fairly dominant, and it was consistent. The team was an overtime loss from winning the Division and was a tough game for any opponent because of their well-coached defensive play and top tier goaltending.
The success that this team had is what makes predicting their impact this season so difficult. Barry Trotz did a remarkable job taking a below average team and making them incredible disciplined. The great coaching makes the likelihood of repeated success a high probability, but the absence of Robin Lehner should bring some concern, as he had a phenomenal year that propelled the team to the heights they achieved.
Losing Valteri Filpula is noticeable, but not a huge concern for a team that got production from many different players. Four players had over 50 points and, with the re-signing of Captain Anders Lee, all four of those players are returning.
This team has a lot of veteran depth. Led by the youthful and incredibly talented Mathew Barzal, this forward group should be able to bring it back another year and go for it all in another season in Trotz’s system. The defense also sports veteran players in their prime who play sound hockey. They aren’t flashy names, but the young and talented Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, and Scott Mayfield balance out a group with veteran names like Nick Leddy, and Johnny Boychuk.
X-Factor’s
The Trotz Effect
This team is reliant upon their coach. What they lack in talent they make up for in scheme, but this means that if Trotz can’t continue his coaching masterclass, this team could suffer.
The Goalie Tandem
If the goaltending duo for the Islanders can replicate what Lehner did with Thomas Greiss in 2018, then this team will have a shot at the Division title again.
One Year Wonder?
There is always the worry that what this team did last year borders on being a fluke. It wasn’t long ago that many pundits believed this team was on the track of rebuilding, that could still be true if they can’t replicate the discipline and focus that their style of play requires and is so difficult to do consistently.
Best Case
Second in Divison
Worst Case
Top 10 pick
Washington Capitals
Key Additions
Key Departures
Placing the Washington Capitals as a top Divisional contender feels odd considering the summer they have had. Andre Burakovsky was inconsistent but still provided plenty of promise as a 23-year-old NHL’er with five full seasons under his belt. Matt Niskanen was a veteran defender who is clearly on the wrong side of 30, and Brooks Orpik’s retirement shows that he was playing on a declining track.
Where this offseason hurts the most is Brett Connolly. 2018 saw Conolly produce his best goal scoring numbers of his career, and at 26, it seemed as though this was a sign of his development reaching its apex. Losing a 20-goal scorer is always a loss, but Washington is still, more or less, the same team that won the division last season.
Alex Ovechkin is still as productive as ever. With his 51-goal clinic, the 33-year-old captain shows no signs of slowing down. The Caps had four players produce over 70 points and all of them are returning to the nation’s capital. The top end talent is still intact for this team, and the depth seems to still be present as well.
T.J Oshie, Jakub Vrana, and Tom Wilson are all 20+ goal scorers, and that kind of depth is what Stanley Cup contenders are made of. This forward group is an elite collection of workers, and they know what it takes to win it all.
Their defensive group lost two veteran pieces, and that kind of experience and locker room presence is difficult to replicate. Radko Gudas is a good attempt but the chemistry in Washington is so strong, there is the potential that the blueline group will struggle, especially early in the year.
Braden Holtby didn’t have an elite season, but he is still one of the better goaltenders in the league; his load is getting heavy, starting 58 games in 2018, but if the Caps can get backup duties to be more consistent, he should have a better year.
X-Factor’s
What can Panik and Hathaway bring to the table?
Carl Hagelin was important to the Capitals success after being a mid-season acquisition. With production still needed from the forward group, what kind of support could these offseason acquisitions supply?
Backup Goaltending
This is something that I believe will be an important development. Holtby can only do so much, and if this team wants to compete later in the year, they cannot ride him the way they did this season; a decision that left the Carolina Hurricanes facing a worn down netminder.
Alexander the Great’s Quest to Surpass the Great One
Ovechkin has been the premier, generational, goal scorer of my lifetime. How long can he keep up this rabid pace? It isn’t out of the question to see the Russian sniper follow a 50-goal season with a mark just as high
Best Case
Divisional Champions
Worst Case
Third Place in the Division
Carolina Hurricanes
Key Additions
Ryan Dzingel
Key Departures
The Carolina Hurricanes had one of the best seasons that the fans in Raleigh have experienced in recent memory. We witnessed growth before our very eyes and saw a team develop into one the league’s best. The division may be stacked with talent, but only one team made it to the eastern conference finals, and it was us.
This offseason added to the continued development and seems to propel it. Don Waddell hasn’t just been great in his role, he’s been a magician; and this offseason has solidified that fact. The additions of Eric Haula, and Ryan Dzingel strengthened a forward group that faltered early in the season but found life late. There was no team in hockey that was better from January to the playoffs than the Hurricanes, and that was partially because of the chemistry found in the forwards.
The first order of business was re-singing leading scorer Sebastian Aho, which was accomplished with a little help from our friends in Montreal. Locking up the next two years of NHL service from surprise number one goaltender Petr Mrazek, was also important before Waddell went on to upgrade the already deep roster.
Eric Haula is, at worst, a 20-goal scorer when healthy. Ryan Dzingel has scored over 20 Goals three times in his four-year NHL career and is coming off a career high 56 point season. Adding these goal scorers to a forward group that boasts two players who had over 50 assists, and six players with 20 goals or more shows the amount of sheer fire power that this team boasts.
The Defense group does take a hit losing Calvin De Haan, who was a steady veteran prescence on a blueline that was relied upon heavily by head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Although it is a noticeable absence, the Hurricanes defensive corps. is so deep that they are still one of hockey’s best; boasting three defensemen with over 30 points, and Brett Pesce who was just shy with 29. Two of these defensemen also scored double digit goals, with Dougie Hamilton racking up 18; second most among defenseman in 2018.
The Hurricanes are deep, but the one position of concern is the goaltender. This concern isn’t great however, as Mrazek had a bounce back year that saw him play inspired hockey late in the season. Who will back up the second year Hurricane is a greater question. James Reimer is an option, as he has been a steady backup in the past, but the more likely option is Alex Nedeljkovic, who was just chosen as the best goaltender in the American Hockey League.
X-Factor’s
Is Mrazek Magic Here to Stay?
Petr Mrazek has had a tumultuous career to this point. He was excellent, but one has to wonder if his inconsistencies will return to plague him yet again, or if his reformed play is what we can expect from here on out.
Justin Williams
Yet to sign a contract, the situation regarding Justin Williams return or retire still ways heavy on this offseason. Fans want the captain to return to lead the charge yet again, but if he doesn’t, can this team still power through the grind of the year without the team’s father figure?
Is Svechnikov Ready to Join Elite Company?
Andrei Svechnikov had himself an incredible rookie season. Watching him play, there was a palpable excitement as to who this kid could eventual become. The question is, is he ready to take that next step as early as next season?
Best Case
Divisional Champions
Worst Case
Second or Third in the Division
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