The Carolina Hurricanes have recently experienced a transition at the management helm, as longtime GM Don Waddell left to take the same role with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Former assistant GM Eric Tulsky steps into his shoes. Expectations are higher for the Hurricanes now, with the pressure being on for a more successful playoff run.

As per Adam Proteeau of The Hockey News, Frederik Anderson, the netminder of the Carolina Hurricanes, could be the player with an uncertain future going into the new season. Despite missing a lot of games last term due to health problems, Andersen turned in some great performances.

He led in 1.84 goals against average and had a .932 save percentage in 16 regular season games. However, his stats dropped during the playoffs to a 2.62 GAA and .895 save percentage, as the Hurricanes succumbed to a second-round exit at the hands of the New York Rangers.

With netminder Pyotr Kochetkov, 25, knocking on the door, the pressure piles on Andersen as he enters the final year of his $6.8 million contract with a $3.4 million cap hit.

If Andersen does not lift his game this coming season, then Kochetkov could be given the starting role, and Andersen may well find himself moving to another club. The upcoming season will be crucial for the 34-year-old Danish goalie to prove his capabilities and secure his role within the Hurricanes lineup.

Carolina Hurricanes locked Martin Necas to a multi-year deal

The Carolina Hurricanes put all the rumors to rest after signing forward Martin Necas to a multi-year deal. The club locked the 25-year-old to a two-year, $13 million contract last month.

Necas, who was a restricted free agent before the deal, had filed for arbitration earlier in July. However, with the contract signed, both the club and the player avoided the arbitration.

GM Eric Tulsky addressed the media after the extension and said (via NHL.com):

“Martin is an immensely skilled player who provides a scoring threat whenever the puck is on his stick,” Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said. “He will play a key role in the continued success of our franchise, and we’re excited to have a multiyear contract done.”

Necas garnered 53 points through 24 goals and 29 assists in 77 regular-season games last term. In the playoffs, he accumulated nine points through four goals and five assists.