The 2017-18 season is creeping closer and closer, and the Checkers’ move to the Eastern Conference means a whole new slate of opponents. For the new few weeks, we’ll take a look at each of Charlotte’s new Atlantic Division rivals!
Overview
The Wolf Pack will belooking to rebound from a tough 2016-17 campaign that saw them buried in the cellar with the league’s worst points percentage and missing the playoffs for a second straight year. One of the team’s biggest issues a season ago was the struggle to keep pucks out of their net – Hartford allowed the most goals per game in the AHL and had the third-worst penalty kill – and they’ll need some of their younger prospects to step up in goal. Magnus Hellberg, who handled the bulk of the work in the crease last season, has jetted to Europe, while prospect Mackenzie Skapski was not offered a qualifying offer by the Rangers and currently sits as a free agent.Key Departures
Nicklas Jensen
Former first-round pick is off to Europe after enjoying breakout season and ranking second in the AHL in goals
Marek Hrivik
Ranked third in scoring (40) and second in assists (24) for Hartford while also setting a career high in goals (16) and logging 16 NHL games, now headed to Calgary via free agencyKey RETURNING
Adam Tambellini
Former WHL standout ranked fourth on the Wolf Pack in scoring (35) in his second pro season
Ryan Graves
6-foot-4 blue liner tied for the team scoring lead among defensemen by hitting the 30-point mark in his second campaign as a proKey ADDITIONS
Cole Schneider
Established AHL scorer took another step last season with Rochester, setting a career high in helpers (39) and tying for sixth in the league in scoring (63)
