Carolina Hurricanes Projected Lineup and Salary Cap Situation

Jan 31, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal in the second period against the St. Louis Blues at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Part two of our preview of the Carolina Hurricanes looks at a projected lineup as well as their salary cap situation.

FORWARDS

Alexander Semin – Eric Staal – Jeff Skinner

Jiri Tlusty – Jordan Staal – Nathan Gerbe

Zach Boychuk – Elias Lindholm – Riley Nash

Patrick Dwyer – Jay McClement –  Brad Malone

The Hurricanes might have the most top-heavy roster in terms of salary, with only one other team (San Jose) having 4 forwards making more than $5.725M per season like Semin, Skinner and the Staal brothers are.  In fact, the foursome account for almost 29M of the $36M for that is destined for the forward ranks.  The problem is the lack of production from that group that might make them the most underacheiving foursome in the league. At least the Sharks top 4 carried them into the playoffs (even if they are a consistent let-down once they get there).