Predicting when every NHL team will win its next Stanley Cup

Carolina Hurricanes

It’s a distant memory by now, and in large part because of how poorly the Carolina Hurricanes have played over the past decade, but the ‘Canes did, in fact, win the Stanley Cup back in 2006. It was an odd time for hockey, especially considering that Carolina was the first team win Lord Stanley since the 2005 lockout.

For starters, the Hurricanes haven’t clinched a berth in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2009, when Carolina reached the Eastern Conference Finals only to lose to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since that time, Carolina has had three different head coaches and is on its third different general manager.

Some familiar and longtime faces are no longer skating in Raleigh, such as goaltender Cam Ward and Eric Staal; but Carolina is banking on former captain Rod Brind’Amour to take the Hurricanes back to the promised land and help lead them to their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.

But how far away are the ‘Canes from their second Stanley Cup?

Entering 2018-19, Carolina only has one skater on its roster that’s above the age of 30; Justin Williams (36). The Hurricanes made it clear that they wanted to stay younger, but let’s not forget that they have skaters on the blue line that offer plenty of upside and experience in Dougie Hamilton and Calvin de Haan. Still, the timing may not be right for a team that also plays in the same conference and division as Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin; who both have at least a handful of seasons left to succeed.

2028, mark it on your calendars.