CANES GEAR UP FOR SEASON

With some resignings behind them, the Carolina Hurricanes have made a few quick deals to solidify their team.

The Canes went out and dealt their young sniper Patrick Sharp to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a deal acquiring the 7th overall selection in this years draft. The deal, however, was made primarily to acquire a former Team Canada junior member in Braydon Coburn. Coburn, 19, gives the Canes 4 members of the gold medal winning squad and will likely use his big right handed shot on a regular basis with the junior squad. The likely pairing will see Coburn with young offensive gunner Mattias Karlsson, the Swedish defenseman with a promising offensive career ahead of him. Coburn brings a solid work ethic and defensive prowess with him, and the fact that his 6'5 frame is there doesn't hurt either.

The Canes also acquired former Stanley cup Champion defenseman and Team Canada member Scott Niedermayer from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Niedermayer, the swift skating blueliner has been a true leader on the blueline of both the Devils and the Ducks in past seasons and comes to the Canes with much fanfare. The Canes felt all along that a top notch, swift skating defenseman was missing from their lineup last year and while many had hoped a deal would materialize last season, this offseason's acquisition should benefit the squad nicely. While Niedermayer fits the bill as an offensive defenseman, he has never been shy to play solid in his own end. The Canes have been busy finding a partner for the veteran blueliner as the line combos are essentially set. Tverdovsky and McKee return as the team's top tandem while Steve Eminger and Carlo Colaiacovo return as the third pairing. Niedermayer will be looking for a partner and for the time being, that player will be Brendan Bell. look for the Canes to deal offensive gunner Marek Zidlicky to shore up the partner for Niedermayer.

The Canes then went out and picked up two way forward Kris Draper, again from the Ducks. Draper brings a full resume of defensive awards, team Canada selections and multiple Stanley Cup rings to the forefront. The Canes knew full well that they lacked leadership last year, at least against a strong team like the defending cup champs, the New York Islanders. The acquisition of Draper gives the team a speedy option at either right wing or at center. Look for the Canes to utilize the savvy center on the third line and help give opposing teams nightmares.

While these acquisitions have strengthened the club, they are always looking to make more moves. The Canes are not comfortable with their second line right winger and are always looking to upgrade their defense. These changes could be in the near future, stay tuned!