KEY ADDITIONS				KEY LOSSES
Name Eric Fichaud Mark Fitzpatrick	Pos. G G	From Predators Blackhawks		Name Trevor Kidd Kevin Dineen	Pos. G F	To Panthers via Thrashers Senators

Outlook
The Carolina Hurricanes franchise made it back to the playoffs last season after a six-year absence. But Canes fans shouldn't be too encouraged because the club finished first in the weakest division in the NHL.

		Will the Hurricanes be able to generate enough offense? And can Arturs Irbe repeat his terrific season of a year ago? If the Hurricanes don't find offense from Sami Kapanen and Jeff O'Neill, who need to have breakthrough years, they will have to finish first in their division to make the playoffs. The Hurricanes should just shoot for the playoffs -- that's it. Paul Maurice does a great job with what he has in Carolina. Steve Chiasson was a difficult loss because he was such a workhorse.

This season, the Canes embark on another new era as they christen their new home in Raleigh, but they may have to do so without their best player. Center and 30-goal scorer Keith Primeau is a restricted free agent and is holding out for more money. Starting the season wihtout a ranchise players can only hurt the team's chances to improve upon last season.

With or without Primeau, the Hurricanes are banking on added production from forwards Sami Kapanen, Jeff O'Neill, Martin Gelinas and Robert Kron. Gary Roberts and Ron Francis are back to provide leadership, but beyond the top two lines, Carolina has little depth up front. It doesn't help that Ray Sheppard, who finished second on the club last season with 25 goals, is also missing as a free agent.

Management felt good enough about Arturs Irbe in net to let Trevor Kidd go in the expansion draft. Can Irbe repeat his performance from last season when he posted career bests in GAA (2.22), save percentage (.923) and shutouts (6)? Either Mark Fitzpatrick or Eric Fichaud will serve as his backup.

For the first time in a long time, Carolina has some depth at defense, led by Glen Wesley and Curtis Leschyshyn. Youngsters Nolan Pratt, Marek Malik and Steven Halko are all expected to play more prominent roles this season. The biggest surprise could come in the form of a player who has never played in the NHL. Nikos Tselios, Carolina's first pick (22nd overall) in 1997 will make his debut. The Canes can only hope he comes close to duplicating the form of his cousin, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios. And if this year's first-round pick David Tanabe makes the big club, he may be fun to watch.

Bottom line for the Hurricanes: If there's less production from the top two lines -- and if Irbe doesn't maintain last year's success -- the club will not make the playoffs. Look for the Florida Panthers to make the race in the Southeast Division more interesting if Pavel Bure remains healthy.

To make matters even more problematic for coach Paul Maurice's squad, the team will play its first nine games on the road while the new Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena gets ready for the home opener on Oct. 29 against Pittsburgh.

'98-99 SOUTHEAST STANDINGS
TEAM	W	L	T	Pts.
Carolina	34	30	18	86
Florida	30	34	18	78
Washington	31	45	6	68
Tampa Bay	19	54	9	47

The bottom line
Better or not: Not
By how much: 4 fewer wins
Most improved: Sami Kapanen
Most valuable: Keith Primeau
Biggest disappointment: Arturs Irbe

Charles Avellino is a lead NHL researcher for ESPN.