Carolina Hurricanes Top 10 Prospects of 2015
By Brett Finger
1. Noah Hanifin
Position: Defense
Age: 18
Acquired: 1st round (5th overall), 2015 NHL Draft by CAR
The Carolina Hurricanes hit the jackpot when 2015’s top-ranked defenseman fell to them at #5 overall in late June. Noah Hanifin, now the NHL’s top defensive prospect, may be the future for the Carolina Hurricanes on the blue line.
Noah Hanifin has that ultra rare mix of size, skating, skill, defense, toughness, and leadership. Scouts say they have a hard time finding something wrong with his game.
The Boston College product was the 3rd ranked player in the 2015 Draft following Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, which means that him falling to Carolina at 5 was a God-send for a team that already had some good guys in the pipeline on defense.
Here is what eliteprospects.com had to say about Noah Hanifin:
"“A dynamic two-way defenseman that has no holes in his game. An exceptionally strong skater who isn’t afraid to take the puck himself and move it up-ice. The confidence that he has in his abilities lets him thrive under heightened competitive levels. The skilled defenseman’s undeniably high level of hockey sense is showcased whenever he touches the puck in the offensive zone. Defensively, he is aggressive, constantly pushing for puck possession and a quick transition to offense, but at the same time steadfast, reliable, and patient. He is poised beyond his years and mature in his decision making. All-in-all, Noah Hanifin is the ideal all-around defenseman that leaves no area of his game untended. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015) Noah Hanifin is a star in the making. A true two-way player that coaches want to leave on the ice as long as they have juice left. His game is reminiscent to that of the NHL player Drew Doughty: a truly versatile defenseman and a catalyst for positive happenings at both ends of the ice. – [EP]”"
Don’t believe the scouting report? Take a look at the highlight clip:
On top of Noah Hanifin’s amazing on ice play, he also fast tracked his high school educated and became the youngest player to ever play for the legendary Boston College hockey team. He also became the highest draft pick to ever come out of Boston College at fifth overall. He beat out the likes of NHL legend Craig Janney (13th overall in 1986) and 798-game NHL veteran Marty Reasoner (14th overall in 1996).
The Boston, Massachusetts native signed a three-year entry-level contract on Saturday, slating him to be a pro hockey player this year.
Noah Hanifin has a long, bright future in the NHL and with the Carolina Hurricanes. He is the best prospect for the Carolina Hurricanes.
NHL ETA: 2015-2016
Projected Ceiling: Franchise Defenseman