The Journey Begins: Canes Quest for the Cup

RALEIGH, NC -Last season the Canes took another step forward. An organization that once missed the playoffs for 10 years straight not only clinched a third straight post-season appearance, but did so by capturing the franchise's first division title since the 2005-06 campaign. Despite all the obstacles, the playoffs were achieved, sending the organization and fan base on a wild ride through post-season play. From the overtime winners to the eventual heartbreak, there was a definite buy-in from those that follow the team.

There became a certain buzz around the Carolina Hurricanes. Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov became household names. Jaccob
Slavin was finally recognized with the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
, an award he very well could have won each of the three years prior, too. Hockey followers from all over the world became even more aware of the fun that the Carolina Hurricanes brand stands for.
But at the end of the day, last season is exactly that - last season.
There were off-season accolades and changes, including pivotal business needs being met:
- Rod Brind'Amour was named the best coach in the National Hockey League and signed a three-year extension on the same day. Much was made of the head coach wanting all of his assistants, equipment managers, trainers and staff personnel being taken care of before he put his pen to the paper. That all took place and now year four of the Brind'Amour era is ready for takeoff.

• Franchise fan favorite Tim Gleason was brought back aboard as an assistant coach. Running the team's defense and penalty kill, the move brought a certain delight to the fan base, who highly revere the team's former #6.

• Andrei Svechnikov signed an eight-year contract extension. From the #2 overall selection to a near point-per-game player in three years, Svech has become polarizing within the hockey world because of his ability to score goals, especially in a way only very few others ever have. Some players get their money and slow down, but that's not a worry for anybody within the organization, or anyone that knows Andrei. He wants to be the best player on the ice every day and it's incredibly exciting to think of just how good we can watch him become over the next few years.
  Oh yeah, and there was
  an offer sheet too
  .
  President and General Manager Don Waddell said it outright at the team's Season Ticket Member State of the Canes address, "Our goal isn't to make the playoffs anymore, it's to win a championship."
  Tonight, that journey begins.