Canes Done Before Training Camp?

The Carolina Hurricanes will be playing hockey this month! Training camp is just around the corner and roster invites are being finalized across the NHL but will the Canes have any new faces from now until they hit the ice?

In the recent past, the squad has been rounded out with Professional Try Out(PTO) players or late veteran signings. Whether it has been Derek Stepan or Paul Stastny, the players have contributed to the success of recent seasons.

Stastny is still without a contract and is always a candidate to pop on the training camp roster in Carolina.

As September begins it is hard to not glance at the remaining players without contracts and wonder if they would look good in red and black. The team is deep but you can never say no to more depth.

Whether these remaining free agents are available due to contract demands, age, or injury, what is the harm in giving a PTO to make the camp that much more competitive?

The most interesting name available is Tomas Tatar, formerly of the New Jersey Devils last season.

Tatar is a very experienced forward that can produce goals where ever it may be. He has jumped around of late but has produced consistent 20 goal seasons with Detroit, Vegas, Montreal and New Jersey.

Last year, the 32 year old 20 goals and 48 points in 82 games. Expecting a longer term deal, Tatar may be available because that contract is just not out there to give for many cash strapped teams.

This potentially makes him available to sign a one year deal to prove what he has got left in the tank and why not do this with a bona fide Stanley Cup contender.

The Canes could use the scoring punch from a player that could play on any line but the contract situation remains to be seen.

The thought of signing Patrick Kane for half a season is certainly intriguing but with his health comes big question marks. Last year in New York, Kane showed that he is not the same player but with surgery that may change.

Another veteran forward that is responsible defensively but has offensive upside is Josh Bailey. Bailey was traded to the Blackhawks and then immediately bought out. He has yet to be linked to many teams.

Either way, the Canes have many options to play with at forward prior to finalizing the training camp roster.