Tuesday's games, although four other teams are sandwiched between them and that spot.

Thirteen teams are fighting for eight playoff spots in the East (although the Washington Capitals are running away with the conference lead). The smart money isn't on rebuilding Carolina getting in, but it's certainly possible.

"We're like a lot of teams, we're all bunched together and we're trying to see which horses are going to break free from the pack here," Francis said. "There's still a little time left [before the trade deadline]. We'll just stay patient and see where things go."

To be sure, Eric Staal isn't the player he was once; the 31-year-old's production has dipped the past three seasons. He's got 28 points in 47 games this season and is on pace for 49 points,for us."

Jeff Skinner's productivity this season (17 goals, eight assists) could make him more desirable on the trade market. Gregg Forwerck/NHLI/Getty Images

One more name to remember as we approach the Feb. 29 trade deadline: Jeff Skinner. He's got three more years on his deal after this season at $6 million per. That's a contract that looked unmovable before the season. But he's had a nice season and, more importantly, stayed healthy. If another team accepts that the speedy, skilled winger has put his concussion problems behind him, I think there's no question Carolina would listen, at the very least.

Skinner is also represented by Curran, as are Jordan Staal and Cam Ward on the Hurricanes. All roads lead through Curran, in some ways, if Carolina wants to continue to