START OF 1997-98 SEASON
In this timeline, Peter Karmanos doesn't demand more money from the state of Connecticut at the last second. The Whalers will be staying in Hartford, and are expected to break ground on a new XL Center at the end of the 1997-98 season.
But what happens to Carolina?
Nothing. Instead, the NHL is going to place an expansion in Raleigh rather than relocating the Whalers.
Notable retirements:
Bryan Trottier
Mike Gartner
Neal Broten
Brad McCrimmon
Pat LaFontaine