The Carolina Hurricanes have done more for the NHL’s image in the last few years than perhaps any team that isn’t a recent expansion. The lovable “bunch of jerks” in Raleigh were a feel-good hockey story and the team’s social media presence reflected that vibe. This was a team that was fun to watch and easy to root for, as they established themselves both with on-ice success and off-ice antics that won over the hockey world.
And then what happened?
Well, to start, instead of building on the team that has sustained success, general manager Don Waddell started trading away the players that got them there, and allowing others to walk in free agency.