While looking at the projected lines for the upcoming preseason/regular season games, I couldn't help but think the Canes are missing just one piece that should make this team really good.  I'm not trying to start anything, just sharing a thought; so don't kill me in the comment section.  So I looked at two players that could be available for the right price (they would still be longshots) and added them into the Canes lineup. 

If the Canes could add Jeff Carter to the mix, it would offer us another scoring option (as well as another center) and allow for Sutter to move to a more traditional 3rd line checking role.  Here is how I would project our lineup with Jeff Carter in the mix:

To start the season                                                                                       Mid-season

Jokinen-Staal-Cole                                                                                        Skinner-Staal-Jokinen

Skinner-Carter-Ruutu                                                                                    O'Sullivan-Carter-Ruutu

Bowman-Sutter-Tlusty                                                                                   Bowman-Sutter-Dalpe

O'Sullivan-Dalpe-LaRose                                                                             Tlusty-Nash-LaRose

Gleason-Corvo                                                                                                Gleason-McBain

Pitkanen-Babchuk                                                                                           Pitkanen-Babchuk

Carson-McBain                                                                                                Carson-Corvo

The other is if the Canes added Ales Hemsky to the lineup.  He would provide a playmaking forward that many of us have said is missing from the lineup.  Here is how I would project our lineup with Ales Hemsky in the mix:  

To start the season                                                                                       Mid-season

O'Sullivan-Staal-Hemsky                                                                              Skinner-Staal-Hemsky

Bowman-Sutter-Ruutu                                                                                  Dalpe-Sutter-Ruutu

Skinner-Jokinen-Cole                                                                                   O'Sullivan-Jokinen-Bowman

Tlusty-Dalpe-LaRose                                                                                    Tlusty-Nash-LaRose

Gleason-Corvo                                                                                                Gleason-McBain

Pitkanen-Babchuk                                                                                           Pitkanen-Babchuk

Carson-McBain                                                                                                Carson-Corvo

Again, these are just some thoughts.  Let me know what you think.  Also let me know what current player you would like to see added to the Canes lineup and how it would effect the lines.