The Carolina Hurricanes, coming off an underwhelming first season in North Carolina, needed a boost. On July 13, 1998, they got it. To truly understand the move and its impact, let’s take a look back.
March 4, 1991.
If you were a fan of the Hartford Whalers on that date, there’s no doubt that a part of you died. On that date, Hartford general manager Ed Johnston sent a package—the centerpiece of which was Francis—to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Aside from defenseman Zarley Zalapski—who put up 165 points in 229 games—the deal was a bust for the Whalers.