Top 5 Carolina Hurricanes Players Of All Time
By Brett Finger
Number 2 – Ron Francis
Ron Francis is one of the greatest players to ever play in the National Hockey League. His play with the Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs was terrific. He ranks seconnd all time in assists, third in game played, and fourth in points.
Francis captained the 2002 Carolina Hurricanes that fell to the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals and is now the Vice President of Hockey Operations. He also appears to be the next in line to Jim Rutherford for the spot as Carolina Hurricanes GM.
Regular Season Stats With The Carolina Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers
Games Played – 1,187
Goals – 382
Assists – 793
Points – 1,175
Most of his points came as a member of the Hartford Whalers. His production wasn’t as good with the Carolina Hurricanes, because he was on a decline, and he was going up in age. Keep in mind, a “decline” for Ron Francis is different than a decline from most other players. From 1999-2002, he put up very good stats.
Playoff Stats With The Carolina Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers
Games Played – 62
Goals – 14
Assists – 25
Points – 39
One thing that holds Ron Francis back from being number one on the list is his play in the playoffs. 39 points in 62 playoff games isn’t awful, but we are talking about a top five player in NHL history. He also didn’t win the cup in 2002, which is unfortunate.