Pittsburgh Penguins Offseason – Metro Division Early Offseason Power Rankings

Apr 11, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen

(65) skates with puck against the Detroit Red Wings at PNC Arena. The Red Wings defeated the Hurricanes 2-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

7. Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes closed out 2014-15 with a record of 30-41-11, which was good for last in the Metropolitan. They’ve suffered major injuries to their top talent such as Jordan Staal and Jeff Skinner, and so far their plan of building around Jordan and Eric Staal isn’t working out in their favor.

The Canes have been quietly active so far this summer, as they’ve acquired defenseman James Wisniewski from the Anaheim Ducks and goaltender Eddie Lack from the Vancouver Canucks. In a move that was far from under-the-radar, they also bought out Alexander Semin after his horrendous showing since signing a five-year deal worth $7 million annually.

While the Hurricanes are a few steps ahead of the Devils, there are far too many questions with this squad to bump them up higher on this list. They have some talent in the organization, but will they all stay? Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner have been mentioned in the rumor mills this summer as possible trade possibilities, and it remains to be seen if Jordan Staal can begin producing like a true number two center.

Canes fans are likely in for another long season in 2015-16.