A lot has been said about the Hurricanes Offseason so far.  I went in hoping to resign LaRose and Ruutu, adding a second scoring option or playmaker, and finding a solid, young defenseman to hopefully build around.  Many things have been done; some I like, some I don't, and some I will settle for.  There is a reason JR is one of the best GM's in the game, so while I don't agree with all of his moves, this is my team and I will be supporting them wholeheartedly.

Jussi Jokinen - This was a great way to start off.  He signed for less money and gives us a possible 3rd line center that can move around and contribute on special teams.

Erik Cole - I think we overpaid for Cole.  I think he is more deserving of $2.5 mil or lower.  I really think he is more of a 3rd line banger than what we use him for, but he did spark this team at the trade deadline.  I wanted to keep him, but at a lower cost.

Chad LaRose - I think Chad's deal is pretty fair.  I would have like to see 3 years at a little less, but I think it is market value.  I see Chad as a real leader of this team, a David vs Goliath guy.  I wouldn't be suprised if he one day wears an 'A.'

Tom Kostopoulos - I wasn't too excited about this deal, but after looking at it, it seems to be a pretty good move.  He's a 4th liner (that makes 4th line money) and could possibly contribute on the 3rd line or PK situations.

Andrew Alberts - This move seems to me more for the following year than this upcoming season.  He's a 3rd pairing guy (at a decent price), to replace Wallin after the season is over.  I was hoping to see one of the kids playing on the 3rd pairing this year. 

Tuomo Ruutu - I really like Ruutu and I'm glad to see him here for the next 3 years.  I do think we overpaid a little bit.  It's probably fair market value, but I would have liked to see his cap number around $3.25 mil.  I really hope he improves on his numbers from last year (he was solid, but I would like to see more) and doesn't suffer any major injuries.

Aaron Ward - He is an solid defenseman, but I was looking for someone younger that we could build around.  I like that we got rid of Eaves salary (we basically picked up Ward for a 4th rounder).  It's a nice move, but again sort of limits us on gettings the Rats some experience for the following year.  I really would have liked to see either Alberts signed or Ward or a young up and comer (my dream would be Coburn), but not both Alberts and Ward.

Babchuk & Kaberle - I'm not of big fan of either.  I think the Babchuk thing hasn't been handled very good, but you reap what you sew.  I hope we can get something for him.  Because of our cap number this year, I think we have to buy out Kaberle to give ourselves a little room.

While this didn't happen this offseason, it did go into effect; Eric Staal's monster deal.  I am a huge Staal fan and think he is one of the top players in the game.  With that being said, I think he is worth around $7 to $7.5 mil (cap hit number).  I am hoping that his big salary doesn't hurt this team, especially with the salary cap probably going down.

In all, it has been an interesting offseason.  I expect the Canes to be competitive this season and really think we have a chance to win the Southeast.