There was little question that the Hurricanes needed to keep defenseman Jamie McBain in the fold or risk losing the investment of playing time they've given him during a developmental stage.
McBain's continued growth on the ice will be one of the telltale signs during the coming season.
The Hurricanes and McBain, who had been a restricted free agent, agreed on a contract that will pay him $1.7 million next season and $1.9 million in 2013-14.
The Hurricanes like McBain's puck-moving ability, though at times finding him the right defensive partner has been an issue. But if the Hurricanes are going to run the type of system that they prefer, they need the kind of skill set that McBain can provide along the blueline. His work on power plays is among his strongest assets as five of his eight goals during the past season came on power plays.
At age 24, he could be part of the future core of the organization. He has completed three full professional seasons.
The signing of McBain for two seasons gives the Hurricanes some flexibility in assembling the defense. If not for the oft-injured Joni Pitkanen among the key defensemen, the organization might be even more inclined to allow defenseman Bryan Allen to go into free agency without hesitation.
But there's no doubt that settling with McBain puts another piece of the puzzle squarely in place.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT
The only four-game winning streak of the season came in March, capped by a victory against the Florida Panthers, a divisional rival trying to land a spot in the postseason. The fact that the Hurricanes had to wait so deep into the season for such an achievement was a disturbing situation. The streak began with G Cam Ward's 40-save shutout of St. Louis for his 200th career victory.
NOTES, QUOTES
--The Hurricanes continue wait for the emergence of some of their young forwards who've bounced between the NHL team and the Charlotte affiliate in the AHL. RW Drayson Bowman seemed to receive the most praise from general manager Jim Rutherford, though C Zac Dalpe has show enough signs that the Hurricanes haven't given up on him. But time could be running short for LW Zach Boychuk, who at one time a couple of years ago seemed like the best-suited candidate to grab a roster spot. Rutherford hasn't put Boychuk in the category with Bowman and Dalpe during some of his postseason assessments.
--The Hurricanes were honored by the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame's "greatest moments" category for the 2006 Stanley Cup championship during activities in May. This gave the organization, which hasn't been in the postseason since 2009, a chance for some positive spring publicity. It also served as a reminder of what the team has been missing out on the past few seasons. Several Hurricanes were around to represent the team when it was honored. Those included LW Chad LaRose and C Eric Staal, who were members of the 2006 championship team.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"Start of every year, you're always excited. It's a lot of time to think. Sit back and find ways we can be better." -- C Brandon Sutter, on the extended offseason for the playoff-less Hurricanes.
