from Luke DeCock of the News & Observer,

Monday was a difficult day for a pair of former Carolina Hurricanes. The Buffalo Sabres decided not to bother even making a qualifying offer to Jamie McBain, a restricted free agent, and the Toronto Maple Leafs initiated buyout proceedings with Tim Gleason.

Both lasted a season (or less) with their new teams after being considered franchise cornerstones here for years. Throw in the long list of players who never played another NHL game after leaving the Hurricanes – Chad LaRose, Tim Brent, Andreas Nodl and so on – and it’s another example of how Carolina’s old front-office regime continually overestimated its roster, to the detriment of the franchise.

It’s starting to feel like the new regime is at risk of falling into the same trap.

New general manager Ron Francis said this weekend his priorities during free agency, which begins Tuesday, are the fourth line and a depth defenseman.

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