The Carolina Hurricanes hold the 13th and 21st overall picks in the draft. We are breaking down the prospects the Hurricanes have a chance at, the 10th through 21st ranked prospects.
The Carolina Hurricanes missed out on the playoffs again this year, but the good news is the team holds two first round picks, and seven picks in the first three rounds. Last year saw the draft successes of Noah Hanifin and Sebastian Aho, but what will this year hold.
#10: Mikhail Sergachev, D – Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Height/Weight: 6’2/221lbs
Shoots: Right
Date of Birth: June 25, 1998 (Age 17)
Place of Birth: Nizhnekamsk, Russia
Final NHL Scouting Report: 8th among North American Skaters
Mikhail Sergachev won gold with team Russia at the World U-17 Challenge in 2014. After a successful 2014-2015 season in Russia, Sergachev was selected 6th overall in the CHL Import Draft by Windsor.
For the 2015-2016 season Sergachev came to North America to play in the Ontario Hockey League. During his rookie season in the OHL, the defenseman registered 57 points (17g,40a) in 67 regular season games, good for third most by a d-man in the league.
Related Story: Carolina Hurricanes backed by NHL Amidst Relocation Rumors
He continued his offensive production in the playoffs. The Spitfires were eliminated in the first round by by the Kitchener Rangers. During the five playoff games, he registered five points (2g, 3a).
Sergachev is one of the top defensemen in the draft, and is described as a complete two way defenseman. He is a powerful skater that has the ability to jump in to join the rush. He has a cannon from the point and is able to run point on the power play.
He is able to join the offensive rush without sacrificing his defensive responsibilities. His big size is an asset for winning battles against the boards or in front of the net.
Originally Sergachev was the top rated defenseman in the draft, but his second straight weak performance at the World Juniors has hurt his draft stock. Over the past two years Russia has placed 5th and 6th and the defensive prospect has failed to register a point.
This has brought up some concerns about his ability to play against the speed and size of NHL players. Sergachev will benefit from having time in NHL camps to have more time to play and adjust to NHL players speed and size.
What Does it mean for the Carolina Hurricanes?
Carolina has drafted defense heavy over the past 5 years selecting Ryan Murphy, Haydn Fleury, and Noah Hanifin with three out of the four first round picks possessed. With an already crowded defensive prospect pool, it is unlikely that the Carolina Hurricanes and GM Ron Francis would draft another defenseman.
Brett Pesce, Jaccob Slavin, Noah Hanifin, and Justin Faulk are all under 25 years old and had great years. Roland McKeown and Haydn Fleury are both challenging for roster spots next year and with James Wisniewski and Ron Hainsey currently signed there isn’t much space for new talent.
Next: Carolina Hurricanes Face one less Relocation Threat
This years draft will see a focus on forwards and scoring by GM Ron Francis, and the later rounds may see a goaltender be selected to bolster the prospect pool. Keep checking back for more prospect profiles.