RALEIGH, NC – Last season, the Canes took another step forward. An organization that has missed the playoffs for 10 years in a row not only won a third straight playoff appearance, but did so by winning the franchise’s first divisional title since the 2005-06 campaign. Despite all the odds, the playoffs were made, sending the organization and fan base on a wild ride through the postseason games. From overtime winners to eventual heartbreak, there was a definite commitment from those who follow the team.

There has been some buzz around the Carolina Hurricanes. Sebastien aho and Andrei Svechnikov have become household names. Jacob Slavin was eventually awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, an award he could very well have won each of the previous three years. Hockey fans around the world have become even more aware of the fun of the Carolina Hurricanes brand.

But in the end, last season is exactly that – last season.

There have been distinctions and off-season changes including critical business needs met:

• Rod Brind’Amour was named top coach of the National Hockey League and signed a three-year extension on the same day. Much has been said about the head coach who wanted all of his assistants, equipment managers, coaches and staff to be taken care of before he put pen to paper. All of this has taken place and now the fourth year of the Brind’Amour era is ready for take off.
• Franchise fan favorite Tim Gleason has been brought in back on board as assistant coach. Running the team’s defense and penalty kill, the move brought some delight to the fans, who highly revere the former # 6 on the team.
• Andrei Svechnikov signed an eight-year contract extension. From the No.2 selection to a player of almost a point per game in three years, Svech has become polarizing in the hockey world due to his ability to score goals, especially in a way that very few others have never known. Some players get their money back and slow down, but that’s not a concern to anyone in the organization, or anyone who knows Andrei. He wants to be the best player on the ice every day and it’s incredibly exciting to think how good we can see him get in the next few years.

• The depth of the team was ensured by the re-signing of Jordan martinook and the contribution of Derek stepan. Martinook, an important guy in the team’s locker room, signed a three-year extension in July, keeping him in Raleigh. His former Arizona Coyote teammate Derek Stepan now joins the squad, giving the team a wealthy embarrassment in the faceoff point. If everyone can stay healthy, an ice midfielder with Sebastian Aho, Vincent Trocheque, Jordan staal and Derek Stepan has to be considered one of the best depth players in this role in the entire NHL.
• Ethan Bear, Tony DeAngelo and Ian cole they are expected to strengthen a already strong defensive group and play every night for the team. We talked about how Jacob Slavin finally gets its recognition, Brett Pesce seems poised to become a mainstay of the power play and Brady Skjei is a formidable defender who can play on any pair in the roster.
• The two team goalkeepers (Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta ) were inked with the hope of their experience and hunger to guide the back end. Should anything happen, Alex Lyon is also waiting backstage, ready to show he’s capable of being an NHL goalie, too.

Oh yeah, and there was an offer sheet too.

President and CEO Don Waddell said bluntly during the team’s member state speech at Cannes, “Our goal is no longer to make the playoffs, it’s to win a championship. .

Tonight this journey begins.