Whether they wan't to admit it or not, the Carolina Hurricanes are in the middle of a pretty significant rebuilding phase. Call it the untimely injury to Jordan Staal, call it the inconsistency of Cam Ward, but right now the Carolina Hurricanes roster is too bad to carry them into playoffs, but just slightly good enough to land them above the league basement. This season will make or break the future of the franchise, as they must decided whether to continue the run of mediocracy they've been on since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006, or blow it up and commit to a new start.
Here are my five bold predictions for the 2014-15 Carolina Hurricanes;
1. Elias Lindholm will break out
The Hurricanes are destined to struggle, but I believe the Swedish teenager will break out in the second year of North American hockey. Call it crazy, but I think you can expect 25-30 goals for the young center who will shine brightly on an otherwise awful team.
2. Jordan Staal will be out for longer than expected
Unfortunately, Jordan Staal suffered a broken fibula and is expected to miss at least three-four months. Tie in rehabilitation, physical therapy and clearance from doctors, and it's safe to assume Staal won't return until mid March, by which time the Canes will be long eliminated from playoffs. At what point will the Hurricanes decide it's best to shut down Staal for the entire season?
3. Cam Ward will be placed on waivers and sent out of the picture
I can't believe I'm saying this - but the 2006 Conn Smythe winner has been abysmal at best in recent years. Factor in Ward's near un-tradeable contract and the rise of Anton Khudobin, and the future is at best bleak for the former star. Ward can very well see himself placed on waivers before the end of the 2014 season.
4. Eric Staal WONT be traded
Despite recent trade rumors hovering over Eric Staal and the Carolina Hurricanes, I don't think he's going anywhere. Yes, the team will eventually be blown up in a fire sale come trade deadline time, but the Captain and first-line center will be staying put. The Hurricanes will be foolish to not try and re-build around the soon-to-be 30 year old super star.
5. Rock Bottom - Bright Future
The Carolina Hurricanes will bottom out and have a top three selection in the 2015 Draft, giving them a shot to either Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, or Noah Hanifin. After an awful 2014-15, the Carolina Hurricanes will start a new era in 2015-16 with teenage faces to compliment their remaining players after the fire sale.
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