Canes Focus Remains on Division after Deadline Passes

Feb 18, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Paul Stastny (26) celebrates with left wing Jordan Martinook (48) and defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) and defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the second period during the 2023 Stadium Series ice hockey game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA T ODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Paul Stastny (26) celebrates with left wing Jordan Martinook (48) and defenseman Jalen Chatfield (5) and defenseman Calvin de Haan (44) after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the second period during the 2023 Stadium Series ice hockey game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA T ODAY Sports

So the dust has settled on the NHL trade deadline and the Carolina Hurricanes have stuck with the squad they had going into Friday. Of course, two new additions have not yet made their debuts for the Canes.

It is always the hope of a fan base that they wake up on deadline day to be surprised with a big time trade to get excited about but more often than not, that does not happen.

This time of year it is very easy to get dragged into the hype of the trade rumors and seeing other teams and fans getting excited about their team making moves. Then you have to see the highlights of the player wearing his new threads and receiving a king’s welcome from the fans.

But it is important to not forget the entire season that has already been played and what lies ahead, whether your team acquired a star or not.

The Canes are the prime example of this forgetfulness.

The reigning Metro Division winners are currently atop the division again with just over a month left in the regular season.

Carolina is arguably the deepest team in the NHL with levels of talent at each position on the ice. Having said that, the GM did not sit quietly as he added more depth to the defense and up front.

Already having a group of forwards that can score at any point of the game while being defensively responsible is something that is extremely valuable in the playoffs.

The ability of coach Rod Brind’Amour being able to roll four lines during a playoff series is a luxury that not many coaches have right now. Now this is not to say that goals at any time are guaranteed come playoff time but the more skill on the ice with every line the better.

This group of players have battled through the good and bad of regular season games and crucial playoff games.

The deadline is over and it is now time to focus on the task at hand, which is to win the Metro Division first and then the dance begins.

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