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After a short writing break, it’s time to move from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference. And, there’s no better place to start than the Southeast Division, where many teams are busy this offseason.

Carolina Hurricanes

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 5th in the division, missed the postseason.

—–> 16th in goals scored per game, 20th in power play percentage.

—–> 25th in goals allowed per game, 23rd on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

G — Justin Peters – As I’ve said with a couple of other teams, this move is simply to supply a future backup for what the Hurricanes already have between the pipes. He will likely spend his first year in a lower league and then move to the NHL in 2013-2014. But, Cam Ward rarely leaves his posts for anyone else. Peters was 2-3-2 with a 2.48 GAA in limited time with Carolina last season.

D — Joe Corvo – The 35-year-old isn’t what he once was, but he should fit in as a solid defensive player for a team that struggled mightily at keeping the puck out of the net. He picked up 25 points and had a plus 10 rating last season in Boston. Those numbers could even increase if he plays alongside the Staal brothers.

C — Brett Sutter – For starters, Sutter is not to be confused with Suter — even though the Hurricanes have sent an offer his way. This guy has an opportunity to jump into Carolina’s opening day roster, but I wouldn’t expect much impact immediately. He played in just 15 NHL games and had three points in 2011-2012.

Winnipeg Jets

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 4th in the division, missed the postseason.

—–> 12th in goals scored per game, 12th in power play percentage.

—–> 26th in goals allowed per game, 24th on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

LW — Alexei Ponikarovsky – Try saying that name quickly three times. Impossible, right? More importantly, this is a smart pickup by the Jets. Ponikarovsky is a solid offensive player (33 points last season) with a great deal of playoff experience. He will help an already talented scoring team in Winnipeg.

Tampa Bay Lightning

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 3rd in the division, missed the postseason.

—–> 8th in goals scored per game, 25th in power play percentage.

—–> 30th in goals allowed per game, 26th on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

D — Sami Salo – A risky move for a team that is in desperate need of some assistance on the defensive end of the ice. Salo is a good scorer (25 points, 14 on the power play last season) and should be a physical defensive presence; but, his heath history makes him a bit difficult to read heading into a 14th campaign.

D — Evan Oberg – He was given one of those two-way deals, which means that his value to Tampa Bay won’t be all that high this season. Expect him to get called up from time to time, but nothing significant.

LW — Benoit Pouliot – I like this guy. And, I like his chances to have a fairly big season with a good scoring attack in Tampa Bay. He has posted two consecutive 30 point seasons and will have a chance to be on one of the top two lines, so expect similar success.

Washington Capitals

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 2nd in the division, eliminated in the second round of the postseason.

—–> 14th in goals scored per game, 18th in power play percentage.

—–> 21st in goals allowed per game, 21st on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

RW — Joey Crabb – The first day of ‘Free Agent Frenzy’ was a pretty quiet one for the Capitals. But, they did add a guy with some potential. Crabb had 26 points with the Maple Leafs last season and will try to work his way into the rotation in Washington.

Florida Panthers

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 1st in the division, eliminated in the first round of the postseason.

—–> 27th in goals scored per game, 7th in power play percentage.

—–> 12th in goals allowed per game, 25th on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

G — Scott Clemmensen – Eventually, the Panthers are going to have to make up their mind on the starting goaltender — at least you would think. Clemmensen was solid when on the ice last season, as he posted a 14-6-6 record with a 2.57 GAA. But, he was constantly asked to share time with Jose Theodore, which limited his ability to shine.

D — Filip Kuba – After the Panthers lost Jason Garrison to the Canucks, Kuba became a solid replacement option. Even though he is a 35-year-old, he tallied 32 points last year (11 coming on the power play), which will make him a valuable PP option from the defensive standpoint.

RW — George Parros – Although many would argue that Florida needs some offensive assistance, this isn’t the forward to bring it to the club. Parros is more known for his physicality and toughness, which is still a positive to have in the lineup. He has just 33 points in seven NHL seasons.

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