Eric Staal leads the Hurricanes into a competitive Metro.

CAROLINA HURRICANES

2013 Record: 19-25-4  42 Points

East Rank: 13th

OUTLOOK: No longer in the Southeast, the Hurricanes step up in competition entering a loaded Metro Division. Along with Washington, they join a strong eight team pack that includes the Penguins, Rangers, Devils, Islanders, Flyers and newly realigned Blue Jackets. It promises to be a big challenge for Kirk Muller in his first full 82-game season. They still have established stars in Eric Staal and Cam Ward but can a team which struggled compete in a deep Metro?

FORWARDS: Boasting a talented core featuring Staal, younger brother Jordan, Jeff Skinner and Alex Semin, offense shouldn’t be an issue. Jiri Tlusty is coming off a big year that saw him pace the Canes in goals (23) and plus/minus (15).  If Tuomo Ruutu returns healthy, that’s a solid top six. They’ll need better seasons from Jordan Staal and Skinner, who went a combined minus-39. The bottom six is more debatable with spots open after Riley Nash and Patrick Dwyer. Rookies Elias Lindholm and Sergey Tolchinsky are in camp competing against the likes of ex-Sabre Nathan Gerbe, Brett Sutter, Drayson Bowman, Zac Dalpe and Kevin Westgarth. If the injury ninja strikes, someone will have to step up.

DEFENSEMEN: Defense remains a sore spot. Especially with anchor Joni Pitkanen questionable for the season start. Jim Rutherford went out and traded Jamie McBain for vet Andrej Sekera in hopes of shoring up the blueline. He also took a flyer on Mike Komisarek. By subtracting McBain, it looks like they’re giving Ryan Murphy every opportunity to stick. Only 20, he has unlimited offensive potential. It all depends if the rest of his game matures. Justin Faulk enters his third year. He’ll prove crucial to their success. The Canes know what they’ll get from Tim Gleason and Jay Harrison. Other candidates for the back end include Brett Bellemore and Michal Jordan. If only the latter could fly. Not much in terms of depth here.

GOALIES: Goalie remains about one player. Cam Ward. As he goes, so do the Canes. Now 29, the former Conn Smythe winner is the last line of defense. He doesn’t benefit from a great D like other netminders, which makes him more susceptible to injuries. He missed the last 27 games due to an MCL sprain. At last check, he was ahead of schedule. By bringing in Anton Khudobin, at least they have insurance. It’s a lot different being a starter. Justin Peters tries to bounce back.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The Hurricanes ranked 27th on the power play clicking at 14.6 percent. Only Columbus, Buffalo and Winnipeg were worse. Skinner led them with five power play goals. Semin and Tlusty each had four and Eric Staal had three. Definitely an area that must improve. The penalty kill was even worse finishing 28th (77.6 percent). Lottery teams Nashville and Florida were the league’s worst. If you’re special teams are crappy, you have no chance. The Canes scored three shorthanded goals with Staal, Faulk and Dwyer sharing the club lead.

COACHING: Kirk Muller has his work cut out in Year 3. An even more challenging task inside an ultra competitive division, that doesn’t even include the addition of Detroit to the East. A double whammy for the rest of a crowded conference that has 16 teams vying for the top eight. How he handles the kids will prove crucial to the Canes’ future.

ANALYSIS: Assuming Lindholm or Tolchinsky makes it, the Canes will be entertaining. If you enjoy skating and odd-man rushes, watch Carolina. With no timetable on Ward and faced with too many question marks, they’re at least a year away.

PREDICTION: 8th (Metro Division)