2002
Jumping ahead a few years, the Hurricanes hadn't yet found any success in the postseason but were well on their way to winning their second division crown in four seasons. Leading up to the 2002 trade deadline, the team made three moves, two of which would be connected as they looked to improve in the net. Future Hall of Famer Tom Barrasso had been good for the team, but they needed to get younger. Two weeks before the deadline, the team decided to bring in 26-year-old goalie Kevin Weekes from the Lightning for Chris Dingman and current Canes television analyst Shane Willis. Ten days later, Barrasso was on the move, being sent to the Maple Leafs for a 4th-round pick in 2003.
Weekes served as the backup to Arturs Irbe for most of the remainder of the season, but he got his chance to shine in the postseason against the Devils. "The Save" on John Madden in Game 5 is one of the most iconic saves in franchise history. He would remain with the organization until the lockout, appearing in 117 games over the next two seasons while posting a 2.39 GAA and a .912 save percentage despite failing to make the playoffs in either season.
Barrasso only made four appearances for Toronto before making six with the Blues the following year, retiring at the end of the season. Neither Dingman nor Willis provided much for the Lightning during their stints, but Dingman did earn a ring with the 2004 Bolts when they won the Stanley Cup.