Fansided

5 free agents the Hurricanes can sign to get back to the playoffs

By Jeremy Lambert

OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 24: Cam Ward
OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 24: Cam Ward /
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The Carolina Hurricanes are expected to make big changes in the offseason. Who should they target to get back into the playoffs?

It’s been a crazy offseason for the Carolina Hurricanes. First, head coach Bill Peters opted out of his contract. Next, the team terminated the contract of general manager and former captain Ron Francis.

Another former captain, Rod Brind’Amour, was named the new head coach on May 8. The same day, former Atlanta Thrasher general manager Don Waddell was named as the new Hurricanes general manager.

Waddell’s first order? Announce the Hurricanes were open for business. At his introductory press conference, the new boss said, “We don’t think we can come back with the same group of players we had last year.”

The Hurricanes finished with 83 points, failing to make the playoffs for the ninth straight season. They are loaded with cap space. According to CapFriendly, they’ll have $24 million to spend on free agents. New owner Tom Dundon has already stated that he’s willing to spend money to make the team competitive.

All of this adds up to the Hurricanes being a major player during the offseason. They already made a huge trade at the draft. More trades are reportedly on the way. With plenty of cash to spend on top-end talent, the Hurricanes will most certainly look different in 2018-19. Here are five free agents they should target. 

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 05: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on during warm-ups against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 5, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 05: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on during warm-ups against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 5, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images) /

5. Cam Ward

I know what you’re thinking, Hurricanes fans. “No. No more Cam Ward. We have suffered enough.” I feel you. I live in North Carolina and have heard all the criticisms of Ward over the years.

Ward is 34-years-old and hasn’t been close to the same player who backstopped the team to their only Stanley Cup. You’re ready to move on from him and it’s possible he’s looking for a fresh start elsewhere.

But the goaltending market is extremely weak this offseason. Kari Lehtonen, Jaroslav Halak, Jonathan Bernier, Chad Johnson. Any of those names interest you? Didn’t think so. As inconsistent as Ward has been in the last decade, a one-year deal wouldn’t do much harm.

Remember, Brind’Amour is comfortable with Ward. He was the captain when Ward helped him and the team win the Stanley Cup. Maybe he can get something out of his former teammate that Bill Peters could not.

Are the Hurricanes better off cutting their losses and giving Alex Nedelijkovic a shot? Maybe. His AHL numbers were strong last year. If the team truly want to move forward into a new era, Nedelijkovic should be given a real chance to make the team out of training camp.

But the title of this article is “5 free agents the Hurricanes can sign to get back to the playoffs.” And bringing back Ward on a cheap deal gives them a more proven chance to make the playoffs.

I know, Hurricanes fans. You already hate me. It’s ok. Hopefully we can be friends by the end of this article.

P.S. Getting out of Scott Darling’s deal would ease the pain, wouldn’t it?

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