Carolina Hurricanes Opening Night Roster Predictions
Jan 9, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen John-Michael Liles (26) celebrates with his team after his 2nd period goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014-2015 NHL regular season is rapidly approaching, and the Carolina Hurricanes coaching staff and front office will have many big decisions to make in regards to their opening night roster.
Players like Eric Staal, Jordan Staal, and Jeff Skinner are all locks for the opening night roster pending any injuries, but there are many players that are on the border.
The regular season opener for the Carolina Hurricanes is October 10 against New York Islanders at the PNC Arena.
A quick reminder that these are predictions. If you have a varying opinion, leave your thoughts in the comments.
January 24, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal (12) celebrates his 2nd period goal in from of the Buffalo Sabres goalie
Jhonas Enroth(1) and left wing
Tyler Ennis(63) at the PNC center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Centers
1st Line: Eric Staal
2nd Line: Jordan Staal
3rd Line: Riley Nash
4th Line: Jay McClement
Missed the Cut: Victor Rask, Ben Holmstrom
Explanation
The center depth on the Carolina Hurricanes may be the team’s strongest asset. It could also be a major let down if the Staal brothers can not live up to expectations.
Eric Staal is coming off his worst point producing season since his rookie season. If he can be a 70+ point producer once again for the Carolina Hurricanes, the first line will be a very good one.
Jordan Staal has had a rough first two seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, and the team needs him to turn that around. He needs to start playing his game and stop worrying about getting points. If he plays a physical, two-way brand of hockey, the points will come just like they did in Pittsburgh.
Riley Nash is entering a contract season. He will need to prove that he is capable of being a good, reliable replacement for Brandon Sutter as the third-line center in order to earn a one-way deal for next season.
Jay McClement is an upgrade over Manny Malhotra in the fourth line center position. He is a stellar defensive forward. Expect him to be a very stable player that sees a lot of penalty kill time. He could also be a 20+ point producer.
Victor Rask and Ben Holmstrom will likely see most of the season with the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL. Of course, injuries would likely change that.
January 24, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes winger Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates his 2nd period goal against the Buffalo Sabres at the PNC center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Left Wingers
1st Line: Jeff Skinner
2nd Line: Jiri Tlusty
3rd Line: Zach Boychuk
4th Line: Brad Malone
Missed the Cut: Chris Terry, Brock McGinn
Explanation
On paper, the left winger on the Carolina Hurricanes should be steady, but there are a few big question marks here.
Jeff Skinner is going to be a massive part of this year’s team. Bill Peters said that he wants the 22-year-old to be a 40-goal scorer. Jeff Skinner scored 33 goals in 71 games last season, so those expectations are not outrageous.
Skinner’s success will also depend on the play of his centerman. I expect that man to be Eric Staal. So, once again, Eric Staal needs to have a big bounce back season for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Jiri Tlusty struggled for much of the 2013-2014 season. He couldn’t live up to the high expectations set for him following his 23-goal campaign during the 2013 lockout shortened season.
That being said, he did tally 30 points (16 goals) in 68 games last year. He really picked up his game during the second half of the season. He developed good chemistry with Jordan Staal and Alexander Semin on the second line. He should be a reliable two-way forward next season who can put goals on the board by driving the net.
Zach Boychuk has a lot to prove this season. After years in the American Hockey League with the Checkers, he will likely get every chance to succeed under Bill Peters and the new coaching staff.
I have always believed that the criticism put on Boychuk has been a bit unjust at times. If Zach Boychuk can translate his goal scoring prowess to the NHL, he will be incredibly dangerous.
Brad Malone needs to be a reliable fourth-liner and nothing more. He needs to be a solid physical and defensive presence. If he does that, the Canes’ fourth-line will be much better.
Brock McGinn probably deserves a roster spot with the Carolina Hurricanes, but he needs to be in a top-nine role and he just isn’t good enough yet for that. He needs playing time, so it is better for him to get a big role with the Charlotte Checkers than get a miniscule role with the Carolina Hurricanes. I think he will see some NHL time next season though.
Chris Terry is the odd-man out here. He is a solid offensive presence, but there isn’t a real need for him at the NHL level. He will be a high-end player in the AHL and a good call-up option in case of injury. He also proved last season he is a dangerous shootout threat.
Jan 23, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Alexander Semin (28) celebrates after scoring his second goal of the night against the Buffalo Sabres during the third period at First Niagara Center. Hurricanes beat the Sabres 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Right Wingers
1st Line: Elias Lindholm
2nd Line: Alexander Semin
3rd Line: Nathan Gerbe
4th Line: Patrick Dwyer
Missed the Cut: Chad LaRose, Jared Staal
Explanation
The right wing could end up being an issue for the Carolina Hurricanes if things don’t pan out well for the top-end players.
Elias Lindholm will see a lot of top-six time this year with the Carolina Hurricanes. Being put on the first line with Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner would give him every opportunity to succeed and show off his tremendous play making abilities. The young Swede could be a big part of the Hurricanes’ offense this year, if he is ready.
Alexander Semin dealt with a severe wrist injury all of last season, but he still scored 22 goals and had 20 assists in 65 games. He played well with Jordan Staal near the end of last season. If Jordan and Jiri can get Alexander Semin the puck consistently, that line can be dangerous.
Semin should be a 30+ goal scorer with the Carolina Hurricanes. He also has to live up to that big contract he has.
Nathan Gerbe surprised a lot of people last season with his 30-point season. He was rewarded with a two-year deal this past offseason. Gerbe likely won’t be in a top-six role this year though. He needs to prove that he can produce points and play hard with less talented players.
Patrick Dwyer rounds up a solid fourth line. He is an excellent defensive forward that will likely see a lot of penalty kill time. If he can put up around 20 points as well, that would be nice
Chad LaRose is signed with the Charlotte Checkers, not the Carolina Hurricanes. So, he would need to be signed by Ron Francis and the Carolina Hurricanes in order to play in the NHL with Carolina next season, which seems fairly unlikely at this point.
Jared Staal is only here because of his last name. He is out matched by everyone else on the list above. That being said, he can be a solid AHL checking-line forward.
Feb 27, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA;Carolina Hurricanes defenseman
Andrej Sekera(4) and Dallas Stars left wing
Ryan Garbutt(16) during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeated the Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Left Defensemen
1st Pairing: Andrej Sekera
2nd Pairing: Ron Hainsey
3rd Pairing: John-Michael Liles
Scratch: Jay Harrison, Tim Gleason
Missed the Cut: Michal Jordan, Haydn Fleury
Explanation
The Carolina Hurricanes defense was great at times last season, but at other times, I was left astonished by how incapable they were.
Andrej Sekera had a huge breakout season last season, and it will be very difficult for him to match his numbers from last year, but if he can, he will be a true top-pairing defender and a possible Norris Trophy contender.
Sekera formed a good top pairing last year with Justin Faulk. If they can improve on last year and stay healthy, there will be nothing to worry about in regards to the top-two on defense.
Ron Hainsey was intended to be a replacement for Joni Pitkanen last season, but he ended up being much more than that. He was rewarded with a three-year deal from the Hurricanes after exceeding expectations on the blue line.
The 33-year-old defenseman should continue to be a steady, reliable defensive presence for the Carolina Hurricanes next season. He will likely be in a top-four role all of next season.
The 3rd pairing was hard to decide, but I went with John-Michael Liles over Tim Gleason and Jay Harrison for several reasons.
Bill peters has said that he wants his defensemen to be more involved in the offense this year, and that has Liles written all over it. Gleason and Harrison are not players that will jump up in the offense very often.
I still expect Tim Gleason to dress in a lot of games, but I think Liles will get the nod to start the year. John-Michael will likely have a short leash. If Liles struggles, expect Gleason to see more playing time if he isn’t already in the lineup consistently by then.
I’m convinced that Michal Jordan will compete for a NHL roster spot, but he’s the odd-man out here. The Canes have a lot depth on defense, so Jordan may not see much NHL time next year, even though he may deserve it.
Haydn Fleury, the team’s 7th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, will likely make a solid push at an NHL roster spot, but he would really have to push the hand of Bill Peters and Ron Francis in order to make this team as a rookie.
Oct 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman
Ryan Murphy(7) celebrates his goal with defenseman Justin Faulk (27) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Hurricanes beat the Maple Leafs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Right Defensemen
1st Pairing: Justin Faulk
2nd Pairing: Ryan Murphy
3rd Pairing: Brett Bellemore
Explanation
There’s a lot of youth and a lack of experience among the Carolina Hurricanes’ right-handed defensemen.
Justin Faulk is the most experienced out of the three players, and he is just 22-years-old. Faulk’s defense has always been superb, but his offense needs to come around a bit more.
He has a big contract to live up to now, so he needs to earn his money. If he can score 35+ points, be a plus player, and continue to be a great defensive presence, he will be worth the big money he is getting.
Ryan Murphy is entering a big year for his development. He will be relied on heavily by head coach Bill Peters and his coaching staff this season.
He will likely be on the first power play unit, and he will see a lot of even-strength ice time as well. He needs to be a reliable offensive defenseman and continue to improve his play in his own end this year.
Brett Bellemore was brought back in late July by Ron Francis and the Carolina Hurricanes on a two-way deal. This will be a nice steal for the club if Bellemore can continue to be an intimidating physical presence on the blue line. He will likely see a lot of penalty killing time, as he was one of the best penalty killers last year statistically.
Oct 10, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie
Anton Khudobin(31) celebrates with Hurricanes goalie
Cam Ward(30) after the Hurricanes game against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. The Hurricanes won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Goalies
Starter: Cam Ward
Backup: Anton Khudobin
AHL Starter: Drew MacIntyre
Explanation
I use the words “starter” and “backup” pretty loosely here. Cam Ward and Anton Khudobin will both get a lot of playing time next season if they both play well.
Cam Ward is entering the most crucial year in his NHL career. Anton Khudobin is poised to steal the starting spot this year, and if Cam Ward does not play well early in the year, he will.
I expect to see a new Cam Ward. He is finally healthy, and he will be motivated to make a big impact this season. It is all a mental thing for Ward. If he can get his mind right, he can be a great goalie once again.
The same can be said about Anton Khudobin. He will look to take the starting job and run away with it. The Carolina Hurricanes need a tough goalie competition this season. It will make both goalies strive to be better than the other.
Drew MacIntyre should be a very good AHL starter and third string goalie for the Hurricanes. He should fill Justin Peters‘ role pretty well.
Apr 3, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen John-Michael Liles (26) is congratulated by teammates after his 2nd period goal against the Dallas Stars at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Dallas Stars 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Recap – Offense
1st Line: Jeff Skinner – Eric Staal – Elias Lindholm
2nd Line: Jiri Tlusty – Jordan Staal – Alexander Semin
3rd Line: Zach Boychuk – Riley Nash – Nathan Gerbe
4th Line: Brad Malone – Jay McClement – Patrick Dwyer
Recap – Defense
1st Pairing: Andrej Sekera – Justin Faulk
2nd Pairing: Ron Hainsey – Ryan Murphy
3rd Pairing: John-Michael Liles – Brett Bellemore
Scratches: Tim Gleason, Jay Harrison
Recap – Goalies
Starter: Cam Ward
Backup: Anton Khudobin