Carolina
WHEN THE Hurricanes chose to “go for it” during their successful Stanley Cup run in 2006. GM Jim Rutherford understood the trades he made – dealing away prospects and draft picks – to put the team over the top would eventually return to exact a price.
As the Canes young roster shows, that time has now arrived. But the learning curve faced by the likes of 2010 first round draft pick Jeff Skinner will be easier, thanks to Rutherfords strategy of stocking Carolinas player development infrastructure with retired NHL greats.

Rod BrindAmour, who hung up his skates this summer after 21 years, became the latest ex – player to join the organization.His addition gives the Canes four accomplished NHL talents – including assistant coach/ director of player personnel Ron Francis, assistant coach Tom Barrasso and director of defensemen development Glen Wesley – to work with prospects.

“In my opinion, with the former players we have now, weve really strengthened our ability in the development area,” Rutherford said. “To have those former players with us and to put more concentration on development, I think thats why we have as many good young players as we have competing for jobs this year at training camp.”
While coaches can find it difficult to capture and keep the attention of todays players, Rutherford believes the cachet possessed by retired stars is a teaching tool that cant be worked at or bought.
“The guys weve retained are guys the present players really respect and look forward to talking to and learning from,” he said.
“Players have certain gifts, and they work with them, pushed on by their desire to be the best at what they do. I think the same is true when guys go from being players to being coaches and managers; they have their gifts and desire, and from there, they just have to learn the day – to – day ups and downs.”
- ADAM PROTEAU

Atlanta
THE THRASHERS arent the only team going the extra mile to keep fans happy. But in their case, they do it literally.
Knowing that Atlanta remains a hockey market in need of cultivating, players hit the road to hand – deliver season tickets to some of their most loyal supporters.
“We have great fans, but we need more of them,” said center Jim Slater, who shares the distinction with left winger Eric Boulton of being the longest – tenured Thrasher at five seasons. “This is a way of saying thanks.”
With drastic personnel turnover, interest has spiked some, but no llya Kovalchuk and no playoff wins in 10 seasons weighs on the franchise.
- GUY CURTRIGHT

Florida
RANDY MOLLER joined Florida a year after the teams inception, but its hard to think of him as anything but an original Panther.
Moller played just 17 games with the Panthers before hanging them up, but asked if he could stick around and help sell hockey in South Florida. Few thought he would still be doing it 15 years later.
Now the Panthers VP, broadcasting and alumni, Moller is best known for his irreverent goal calls as the lone radio voice of the team. But his role with the Panthers is so much more – hes part of just about every Panthers community event and hes the one guy wholl talk Panthers hockey whenever theres a chance.
- GEORGE RICHARDS

Tampa Bay
GUY BOUCHER wants his players to come running when he calls. When the coach gets on the ice and blows his first whistle to gather the troops, Boucher demands his players to rush to him as to a magnet. If they dont, he disperses them and does it again.
“When I get off the ice they can have their relaxing moment,” Boucher said, “not when Im here. Im all about getting the edge, not wasting time, getting guys to be at their top level at all moments.”
After some initial lollygag – ging, the players now come in an instant at whistle – blow.
“Its something he takes seriously,” said center Steven Stamkos, “so we have to start taking it seriously.”
- DA Ml AN CRISTODERO

Washington
FORGET ABOUT wearing their emotions on their sleeves. As training camp opened, their motivation was printed on their backs as a reminder of last springs hiccup.
“Stay angry…believe in yourselves” read the slogan on the backs of camp T – shirts. The Capitals will look back on the disastrous upset loss to Montreal as an incentive.
Coach Bruce Boudreau isnt burying the past, nor is he condemning the team for their post – season transgressions. Hes using them for inspiration.
“Weve got an anger still of what went on and how we lost,” he said. “And I hope were carrying that chip on our shoulder throughout the course of the year.”
- PETER KERZEL