2006–07 Carolina Hurricanes season
The 2006–07 Carolina Hurricanes season began as the defending Stanley Cup champions started to defend their title. The Hurricanes did not make any substantial changes to their roster, hoping that their lineup would be enough to get them a repeat as NHL champions. However, due to many factors, including a shortened off-season due to last season's Stanley Cup run, injuries and disappointing performances from the team's young stars (including Eric Staal and Cam Ward), the team failed to qualify for the post-season becoming the first team since the 1995–96 New Jersey Devils  to miss the playoffs after winning the Stanley Cup the previous year. Playoffs. The fans and players had high hopes for that season because the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup the previous year. Unfortunately, the season ended in disappointment as the Hurricanes missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2003-04 season. Draft picks. Carolina's picks at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft in Vancouver, British Columbia.