As you Caniacs enjoy your Memorial Day weekends and move on from the NHL playoffs, remember and honor our military past and present. Enjoy your BBQs and family, knowing that there is much to look forward to this summer.
Not that any of us care but the Stanley Cup Finals will finish up by mid-June and the season can officially be over and teams can move forward to the NHL off-season.
The flow of coaching changes is sure to begin once the NHL Finals are completed and then some important dates to remember as we head through an important off-season for the Canes.
48 hours after the Stanley Cup is awarded will be the first buyout period beginning and ending on June 30th. The Canes will be more than likely quiet in this period but it will be interesting to see what new names are added to the free agency list.
A good chance for Don Waddell to grab someone on the cheaper end that is looking to prove their worth after being bought out by their prior club.
June 28-29th will be the NHL Draft, held in Nashville. Although Carolina does not have a top pick, it is important that they hold nine picks in the 7 rounds. This is outstanding as it allows them the flexibility to hold onto the picks and add to their system or trade them for NHL players or higher draft selections.
Unlike many of the top teams in the NHL, the Hurricanes have their first-round pick and many more. This will make the draft day(s) very interesting. They have two picks in the 5th and 6th rounds.
In addition to the buyout period ending on June 30th, that date will also begin the qualifying offer period for RFAs will begin. It will be interesting to see if Waddell jumps quickly on RFAs like Jesse Puljujarvi that was acquired at the trade deadline.
July 1st will begin the unrestricted free-agent period.
This is an exciting day around the NHL as a flurry of players will find new homes and a boatload of money will be dished out to these players.
The Hurricanes are sure to be involved in many candidates and through the trade market which is obviously available throughout the entire summer.
So it is not fun to have the season end but the summer is sure to be full of fun and Cardiac Cane will be here to analyze all the moves made and any potential moves to be made.
Happy Memorial Day!