RALEIGH, N.C. — Coming off a third round advancement last season in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Carolina Hurricanes are looking to dominate the Metropolitan Division this year. And they’re making some moves that have loyal fans excited and apprehensive, as they approach the first home game of the year, Thursday.

During a sit-down interview with Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair, Waddell spoke about what he called “major additions” to improve the team in the off season, including a trade for forward Eric Haula. He also spoke about signing forward Ryan Dzingel and defenseman Jake Gardiner. But what has most Hurricane’s fans buzzing is the trade of longtime team leader Justin Faulk to St. Louis, for Joel Edmundson, who won a championship last year with the Blues.

Last year, a famous commentator called the Carolina Hurricanes a ‘bunch of jerks,’ and the phrase took off, leading a movement and gracing the front of t-shirts worldwide. So far this year, the team is already up more than 20% in average regular season attendance, and they’re seeing higher revenue.

The Carolina Hurricanes start their 2019-2020 season this Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available.