Stankoven stepping up, proving large for Canes' Stanley Cup run

When the Carolina Hurricanes acquired then-22-year-old forward Logan Stankoven last March, the move came as fast for him as it did for fans. Fresh off a Thursday night game with Dallas, he had barely settled into his apartment when a friend texted: "Are you getting traded? " He hadn't heard a thing -- until he opened social media.

Rumors were everywhere. Sleep was impossible. By the next morning, the speculation became reality.

He was headed to Raleigh. Looking back, he says the transition couldn't have gone better. He describes the Hurricanes' locker room as unusually tight-knit; no egos, no hierarchy, just a group that genuinely enjoys being around each other.

Veterans, young players, and a coaching staff led by Rod Brind'Amour all helped make the move seamless. And Raleigh? He's fallen in love with it.