2. 2018- A Spark to Revitalize the Hurricanes
The 2018 offseason was all about changing the culture throughout the organization. The team had just missed the playoffs for the ninth straight season, leading to a massive overhaul. It started with the draft. On the first day, the team selected Andrei Svechnikov with the second pick after jumping nine spots in the lottery. On the second day, they made a major move of a different kind.
In a five-player deal, the Hurricanes traded former first-round picks Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin to the Calgary Flames for Dougie Hamilton, Micheal Ferland, and prospect Adam Fox. Selected 5th overall in the 2013 and 2015 drafts, respectively, the move would give both a chance at a fresh start with a new team.
Fox never signed with the Hurricanes, ultimately being traded to the Rangers. Ferland dealt with a few injuries during his one season in Raleigh, though he scored 40 points in 71 games. Hamilton was the real star of the deal. In three seasons, Hamilton had 42 goals and 121 points, becoming one of the organization's top-scoring defensemen and ushering in a new era of Hurricanes hockey.