Thomas Gidlow: The next chapter in "As The Karmanos Clan Turns"

Carolina is on the rise.

Carolina is on the rise.
- Just5

Hardly, they're weak at all positions except defense. They've got a long way to go before they're good again.

Hardly, they're weak at all positions except defense. They've got a long way to go before they're good again.
- Pacificgem

They will be relevant again sooner than you think. Certainly faster than the Canucks.

Carolina is on the rise.
- Just5

Resign Eric Staal. problems solved. [for the rest of the league]

Let Ward walk, trade for Fleury, and bring back Nodl. Ok dont do the last one. But do the rest.

"Move them to Quebec"

You've heard Canadians say it about the Penguins, Predators, Stars, Devils, Panthers, Coyotes, Islanders...and any team whose attendance dips below 90% for a year or two.

Except for some reason, the Canes. Why? Is the NHL really better off with a team in Raleigh than they would be in Quebec? Is it because the Canes won a cup once? What is the difference between one non-traditional, fair-weather fanbase and another?

The Coyotes have never won anything, went years without an actual owner, and have been in limbo for nearly half their tenure in Phoenix. They still outdraw the Canes. Columbus hasn't sniffed the second round in their 15 years of existence. They still outdraw the Canes. Plenty of teams with worse records, in worse locations, with worse ownership (and no Stanley Cups) consistently outdraw the Canes. The Atlanta Thrashers average attendance never dropped below 13,400 in any season despite never winning a playoff game much less a series or Stanley Cup. Carolina has had seven seasons of sub-13,400 avg. attendance, including the last two. But we all agree that Atlanta doesn't deserve a team, right?

"Move them to Quebec"

You've heard Canadians say it about the Penguins, Predators, Stars, Devils, Panthers, Coyotes, Islanders...and any team whose attendance dips below 90% for a year or two.

Except for some reason, the Canes. Why? Is the NHL really better off with a team in Raleigh than they would be in Quebec? Is it because the Canes won a cup once? What is the difference between one non-traditional, fair-weather fanbase and another?
- NJDevils42630

Raleigh is a booming city with a growing populous...one of the fastest growing in the US. The NHL would be pretty short sided to move a franchise that has suffered from years of mismanagement until recently simply due to sagging attendance. It's not a lack of interest - even the Devils struggle with attendance at times.

The Coyotes have never won anything, went years without an actual owner, and have been in limbo for nearly half their tenure in Phoenix. They still outdraw the Canes. Columbus hasn't sniffed the second round in their 15 years of existence. They still outdraw the Canes. Plenty of teams with worse records, in worse locations, with worse ownership (and no Stanley Cups) consistently outdraw the Canes. The Atlanta Thrashers average attendance never dropped below 13,400 in any season despite never winning a playoff game much less a series or Stanley Cup. Carolina has had seven seasons of sub-13,400 avg. attendance, including the last two. But we all agree that Atlanta doesn't deserve a team, right?
- NJDevils42630

Columbus has been to the playoffs since 2009. So has Phoenix. Atlanta was a completely different situation and the local business community had little interest offering support to the Thrashers. Gotta have that - the Canes have some rock solid relationships within their community. Apples and oranges, IMO.

They will be relevant again sooner than you think. Certainly faster than the Canucks.
-wildschweinrat

like the oilers i suppose...

Really enjoying these astute responses here. Canes' definitely have work to do to become a contender. But considering their improved point total last year they look to be ahead of the NJD and VAN's of the hockey world.

Teuvo Teräväinen and Bickell for a 2nd round pick this year and a 3rd the following is a good deal.

Teuvo Teräväinen and Bickell for a 2nd round pick this year and a 3rd the following is a good deal.
- MaxTLimit

I like it. Teravainen has so much upside and only 21. Bickell, size and experience when healthy. RF made a nice move here.

Bickell blows, thanks for taking him.

Bickell blows, thanks for taking him.
- BlackhawkMike

And say goodbye to TT, the price you pay for bad cap management.

That bad cap management got us 3 cups, I will take that anytime. TT is still unproven and will demand a huge raise at seasons end...good riddance on your 3rd line too.