The job of any general manager in the NHL is to look at the present and protect the future of the organization. Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell is no different from the others in the league.
It is difficult to avoid getting lost in the urgency of a Stanley Cup run but that is why they get paid the big bucks!
Some teams will fall under the “contender” title and be much more willing to add veterans and contracts to win in the short term.
On the other hand, a team can be titled in “rebuild” mode where the team will look to add assets in draft choices and prospects at the cost of veteran talent.