At this point last year, the Carolina Hurricanes season was long over with. Years of mediocrity had taken their toll, and a new owner had seen the last of what had been a stifling regime. A floundering head coach was shown the door, and a Hurricanes legend as general manager was being asked to relinquish control, until that request became a mandate.
Like many fans, I was unsure of the changes. Sure, the old regime had their flaws, but that management group had unearthed some absolute gems late in rounds and made trades that had placed the Hurricanes on the track for success.