Carolina Hurricanes: Predictions for the New Year

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RALEIGH, NC – DECEMBER 28: Petr Mrazek #34 of the Carolina Hurricanes makes a save on a shot by Carl Hagelin #62 of the Washington Capitals during an NHL game on December 28, 2019 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2019 consisted of some highs and some lows for the Carolina Hurricanes. The year was also a major turning point for the organization as well. Looking ahead to 2020, what could the new year hold for them?

2019 began with the Carolina Hurricanes in second to last place in the NHL, and that familiar sense of disappointment fell over the fan base as it had for the past decade. But then something changed. The team started winning, and with that came a renewed sense of excitement from the fans.

This continued to grow and grow as last season went on. More fans started coming to games at PNC Arena as the season continued. The storm surge became a viral phenomenon, despite the backlash from traditionalist boomers. All this coupled with a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals made the first half of the year one to remember. But the Hurricanes weren’t done yet.

The offseason saw a failed offer sheet handed to Sebastian Aho by the Montreal Canadiens, as well as the acquisitions of Ryan Dzingel, Erik Haula, Jake Gardiner, James Reimer, and big daddy Joel Edmundson (Fox Sports came up with that nickname not me). Sadly, it also saw the departures of Justin Faulk, Curtis McElhinney, and Justin Williams.

Then the season began with the Hurricanes on top of the NHL, and despite a few bumps in the road, the Carolina Hurricanes are poised to begin the New Year, and decade, as one of the Top 10 teams in the NHL.

But enough talk about the past. Lets look ahead to what the New Year could potentially have in store for the Carolina Hurricanes.

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