[Tilley]

As a 'Canes season ticket holder for the last four years, it has been a rough ride for Canes fans. This is a team that survived solely on being in the Southeast Division for years with Washington the only real threat to bump them from a playoff spot. Sadly, that was all it took as the team has missed the playoffs for five years in a row.

The main issues with the team is that A) the top players (i.e. Eric Staal, Semin, Skinner) are terrible defensively and only contribute once the puck is in the offensive zone. Too many games have I watched Staal and co. run around in their own end and ultimately give up a goal. B) The defense is terrible. Relying on Joni Pitkanen, Tim Gleason, and Joe Corvo will not get you to the playoffs. Faulk is adequate offensively, but not great in his own end and Murphy couldn't play defense in the AHL, let alone the NHL.

C) Muller has attempted to instill a defensive mindset in his two years in Raleigh, but it is plainly obvious that the top guns have not bought in. Rutherford must have thought that Muller could convince Staal and co. to play defense, but he was wrong.

I doubt the Staals move, but I could see Skinner dealt to shake up the team. Everyone here wants Ward moved to Alberta, but with his inflated salary and shaky performance the last couple of years, why would the Flames or Oilers ante up for him. He could be moved as a salary dump, however that is only going to incite the fan base.

Rutherford is team president, so it is unlikely he will be leaving the team. Instead, as has been mentioned, I expect Francis to take over as GM with Rutherford sticking around as President.