22-43-11-6 (61 pts.)
15th in East
30th overall

Bob Boughner, D (T-Cgy); Chad Larose, RW (FA--); Daniil Markov, D (T-Phx); Jeff Maund, G (FA-Europe); Marty Murray, C (T-Phi); Allan Rourke, D (T-Tor); Joey Tetarenko, RW (FA-Ott); Glen Wesley, D (FA-Tor)

Kaspars Astashenko, D (FA-Europe); Jeff Daw, C (T-Tor); Harold Druken, C (T-Tor); Shaun Fisher, D (FA); Jan Hlavac, LW (FA-NYR); Igor Knyazev, D (T-Phx); Greg Kuznik, D (FA-Europe); Greg Kuznik, D (FA-Europe); Craig MacDonald, C (FA-Fla); David Tanabe, D (T-Phx); Nikos Tselios, D (FA-Phx); Tommy Westlund, LW (FA-Europe)

Kevin Weekes was dynamite for two stretches last season. The biggest question is: Can he play up to his potential for an entire season.

Since Arturs Irbe won't likely play with Carolina again, Weekes has the dubious honour of being the Canes' No. 1 man. It will be interesting to see how he plays without Irbe pushing him. He was the best goaltender in the league through the first 20 games of the season before injury forced him to the sidelines. He needs to work on his focus and rebound control.

If the Canes stay healthy, they should compete for a playoff spot. The Canes would rather forget a horrific 2002-03. They scored a mere 171 goals on their way to finishing last in the entire league.

They were certainly better than their 61-point campaign suggested, with injuries taking their toll. It's hard to imagine them putting up worse numbers, especially since coach Paul Maurice has a pretty good top line at his disposal in Ron Francis, Jeff O'Neill and Erik Cole.

The only positive spin Maurice got out of last year's debacle is that he was able to audition several youngsters like Ryan Bayda, who made an impression and is penciled in on the top line.

The defence for the Canes is certainly stronger. After surrendering 240 goals last season – third worst in the East – the team made great strides to improve this area in the summer. They added Danny Markov and Bob Boughner, and re-acquired Glen Wesley. Add in the bruising Sean Hill, the lightning-quick Bret Hedican and Aaron Ward, and the Canes have what amounts to a sturdy and diverse bunch.

If there's one big downside about playing in a place with limited hockey coverage like Carolina, it's that you never get the attention you deserve. Like teammate Ron Francis, O'Neill ranks up there as one of the league's most underrated forwards. Thanks to a lethal shot and deceptive speed, O'Neill has scored 102 goals in the last three years. He scored 30 goals last year despite an inconsistent campaign.