It's not by happenstance that Ron Francis is loading up on former Chicago Blackhawks.
So far this offseason, the Carolina Hurricanes general manager has added Scott Darling, Trevor van Riemsdyk, and Marcus Kruger to the roster, all of whom were part of Stanley Cup-winning teams in Chicago.
Francis also reeled in Justin Williams - a three-time winner of hockey's greatest prize - via free agency,
It's all part of the plan to end the string of losing seasons in Carolina, which hasn't been to the playoffs since 2009.
"I don't think you can ever have enough guys in your room with playoff experience and, more importantly, playoff success," Francis said Wednesday while introducing Kruger, a two-time champion with Chicago who was acquired via the Vegas Golden Knights.
"We have a very young team trying to find their way. We think the guys we picked up this summer not only are very good hockey players but very good people and proven winners. We think that's invaluable in our locker room."
Kruger joins a Hurricanes team that boasts fellow Swedes Elias Lindholm, Victor Rask, and Joakim Nordstrom, with whom he recently won gold at the 2017 World Championship.
In Carolina, he'll be expected to win faceoffs, kill penalties, and chip in offensively, as he's done over the course of his career.
Fine by him.
"You always want to do as much as you can to help the team out," Kruger said. "I certainly want to take a step and get better and better. I'm going to go there, do my best and take the opportunity that's given."
Kruger added: "I got a real good feeling about everything. I'm happy and excited to be a part of this organization."
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