Carolina Hurricanes Prospects: Justin Shugg Looks to Make an Impact in the Bottom-Six
Between now and the start of the preseason, Cardiac Cane will preview every Carolina Hurricanes prospect as they enter the 2015-2016 season and what we expect from them in the coming year.
Player: Justin Shugg
Position: Right Wing
Date of Birth: December 24, 1991 (23)
Birthplace: Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada)
Height/Weight: 5’11″/185 lbs.
2015-2016 Team: Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), and/or Charlotte Checkers (AHL)
Scouting Report:
"Shugg is an offensively-talented goal scorer who has a good work ethic. Like many players who were big scorers in junior hockey he must be a more complete player in all areas of the rink. To his credit, Shugg appears willing to do all the things necessary to win such as blocking shots or getting in traffic areas. Not particularly big or fast, he relies on his instincts and ability to read offensive opportunities.[HOCKEYSFUTURE]"
Part of the Hurricanes 2010 draft class, Justin Shugg was drafted 105th overall in the 4th round. Last season, Shugg made his NHL debut, playing 3 games for the ‘Canes.
On July 12th, Shugg signed a one year, two-way deal with the Hurricanes.
Justin Shugg led the Charlotte Checkers in goal scoring and total points in 2014-2015. He totaled 21 goals, which on the Checkers was pretty impressive. The team had trouble finishing plays last season, so Shugg’s goal scoring was perhaps stronger than his stats show.
Compared to other guys in his draft class like Jeff Skinner, Justin Faulk, and Ducks’ goalie Frederik Andersen, Shugg has really had to fight his way to the big leagues. He started professionally in the ECHL for the Florida Everblades, before playing with Charlotte in the AHL the last few years. He seems poised to make another jump this coming season.
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While in NHL last season, Shugg failed to make much of an impact, only registering 3 shots in his 3 games. To be fair, his call up was in December 2014, which was a pretty terrible month for the Carolina Hurricanes as a whole.
As training camp nears, Shugg’s is one of the guys who Bill Peters can use to fill needs in the Bottom 6. He is going to battle his Charlotte teammates Brendan Woods, Brock Mcginn, and Phil Di Giuseppe for a NHL job. Along with new signing Derek Ryan and 20 year old Sergey Tolchinsky, the competition should be stiff.
However, Shugg is probably the most likely to make the cut. His NHL experience, while small, is a certain advantage over the likes of McGinn, Di Giuseppe, and Tolchinsky. The real question will be if Peters wants size or skill in the Bottom 6. Shugg is only 5’11 and 185 pounds, while Woods stands at 6’4 and 210 pounds.
Still, Shugg has the ability to score, even if he is playing on a 4th or 3rd line. It will be important for him to continue his scoring touch from last season.
Shugg also has ability to play on the powerplay. He quarterbacked the powerplay for the Checkers last season, scoring a team leading 7 powerplay goals. While that role is pretty well filled by the likes of Justin Faulk, Peters might be able to use him in the 2nd unit.
"“I think right away you saw a big difference in the power play because [Shugg] was a threat to score and shoot the puck, but he also sees the ice real well and is able to make a play. A big difference on our power play was his ability to play quarterback.”– former Checkers head coach Jeff Daniels"
I can see Shugg mirroring Chris Terry’s 4th line output. Scoring some goals and being a factor on the powerplay.
The only thing holding Shugg back besides his size is his play in his own end. He was a -20 last season in Charlotte. With Peters being a defense-first coach, Shugg’s underachievement in his own end might be a huge concern.
Related: Full Hurricanes Prospect Profile Playlist
At age 23, signing a one year, two-way deal means it’s probably now or never for Shugg with the Carolina Hurricanes. In order to capitalize on his opportunity, he must prove that he isn’t just an AHL scorer, but someone who can contribute in the NHL as well. Even then, he could possibly miss out. If he doesn’t win a job out of training camp, he will most likely be the first forward to be recalled from Charlotte in 2015-2016.