CANES OFFSEASON APPROACHES

With the playoffs growing closer and the Carolina Hurricanes already a lock for this year's edition, management has taken the time to discuss possible scenarios of the offseason.

The team has already stockpiled an embarrassing amount of picks, 12 in total, including 7 first round draft selections. With a looming graduation of several of the junior Canes stars, these picks are extremely valuable to the Canes for several reasons.

"We know that there are several kids down there that we want to make the next step," said head scout Barry Trapp. "Jeff Carter has already notched 50 assists and he looks like he is ready right now to join our pro squad. Ryan Getzlaf is seemingly a dominant power forward down there. Brandon Reid, Junior Lessard and Tomas Mojzis have stepped their games. Dion Phaneuf has a rigorous training regiment right now and we expect big things from him. There are several guys we are looking forward to joining our club and because of that, the void needs to be filled with quality players. These picks will fill in the spots left, and more."

Aside form the draft, the Canes also will have a busy time with resigning plenty of their current roster. Fan favourite Mike Fisher is likely the most important signing of the team. Fisher has become the teams most versatile forward, killing penalties, playing a defensive role and chipping in his fair share of offense as well. Fisher will be the teams frachise player and will no doubt be signed to a long term deal.

Newly acquired Daniel Briere is also up for a contract renewal. The speedy young centerman has solidified the center position in Carolina and is likely looking to increase his current salary. Players such as Brian Gionta, Kyle Wellwood, Carlo Colaiacovo and Jeff Friesen also look to break the bank this offseason with extensions.

Veteran Bryan Smolinski, acquired in the Cory Stillman deal, had been rumoured to have asked Canes management for an extension. The jury is out on Smolinski and a lot will depend on other signings. Smoke has been a valuable addition, especially in the injury of Kris Draper where Bryan filled in admirably.

Financially, the Canes are in good shape with the deals of Darcy Tucker, Cory Stillman and Mattias Ohlund. The team has dropped a lot of bigger salaries and restructured the contract Rostislav Klesla to make it reasonable.

Overall, the Canes main priority is to resign their own squad. Any extra cap room will likely be addressed with a possible pickup or two. The Canes are never happy with their roster until the win.

So for now, the Hurricanes enter this year's playoffs in hopes of making some noise. Last season, they were eliminated by the powerhouse New York Islanders, but a year older and wiser could help this Canes group make a splash in this year's playoffs.