Carolina Hurricanes Prospect Roundup: Andrew Poturalski
We all know about the Carolina Hurricanes young players that have stood out this season like Pesce, Slavin, Hanifin, and DiGiuseppe. But what about the other great prospects that we’ve heard so much about, like Andrew Poturalski?
Ron Francis has done a great job restocking the Carolina Hurricanes organization with young talent and high value prospects. He has been able to accomplish this through the entry draft, trades, and free agent signings. Andrew Poturalski is one of these players.
Andrew Poturalski – Undrafted free agent – Center, University of New Hampshire
When a 22-year old player is listed as undrafted, big red flags go up across the hockey world. That tag usually means the player is just not NHL-caliber talent.
In the case of Andrew Poturalski, his undrafted status stemmed from an unlucky break.
Three unlucky breaks actually.
Three years in a row.
To the same leg.
The season before his draft eligibility his femur was broken by a knee-to-knee hit. The season of his draft eligibility his fibula was broken during a skirmish along the boards. The third time he dislocated his ankle and he fractured the same femur, but in a different place, during a practice.
In Andrew’s own words, from an interview with American Sports Network in February, “It’s kind of a funny story.”
“It’s always been my 100 percent goal to play in the NHL.”
“In a way, it’s all helped me,” he continued. “I don’t take playing for granted and not being drafted gives me the chance to pick a team where I think I’ll fit in best. It’s always been my 100 percent goal to play in the NHL.”
In February Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Ron Francis helped him achieve his goal by signing him to a two-year, two-way entry level contract.
The 5’10”, 190 pound forward for the University of New Hampshire finished second in the NCAA points race with 22 goals and 30 assists.
Prior to playing for the UNH Wildcats, Poturalski played parts of three seasons with the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders of the USHL. He tallied 100 points in 115 games, including a 64-point campaign in 2013-2014.
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In his final season with the Wildcats Poturalski gained national attention and recognition, including being named as the New Hampshire Male Athlete of the Year and a Hobey Baker Award Finalist.
Once his NCAA season was done he was free to sign a professional contract, and he was apparently very popular. According to some reports he was courted by 19 of the 30 NHL franchises.
It was former Wildcat teammate and current Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce, who apparently helped Ron Francis convince him to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes.
In the Hurricanes official press release announcing the signing Francis sounded very happy about bringing Poturalski into the family.
"“Andrew had an outstanding season with New Hampshire and attracted interest from numerous NHL teams, so we are thrilled that he chose Carolina to start his professional career,” said Francis. “He’s a smart hockey player with really good speed and skill.”"
Immediately after the announcement Poturalski reported to Charlotte. He was able to get sixteen professional-level games under his belt before the end of the 2015-2016 season, finishing with 2 goals and 3 assists.
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It is very likely that he will start the 2016-2017 season in the Queen City and get some chances to show his skills at the NHL level during the preseason. If Coach Bill Peters continues giving young players their chances to shine with the big boys the Caniacs may see Poturalski in a game or two early next season.